So I've been to two different tire places trying to get some new tires put on the Skylark. Each time I was told that they needed to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when putting new tires on. They then check their books, and find the recommended size of "14x6". I try to explain that I want to put different rims on the car, and that the manufacturer didn't suggest a tire height. In the face of having to actually measure something, these 'mechanics' give up and send me away. The 'professionals' having failed, I turn now to you, the competent people of the world. I have 15x7 Buick Rally wheels, and I want to put them on a '66 Skylark. What do you think would be the ideal tire size, in a format that the nerds working at the tire store can understand? Thanks in advance. ~Michael Bills '66 Skylark 340-4
I also put 15x7 rallies on my '66 and went with 235-60/15 all the way around. Some guys have been able to squeeze some bigger meats under the back, but that was about the biggest I felt comfortable with. Brian:beers2:
I have 255/60-15's on the rear of my '66 Special, also with 15x7 ralleys. They're a snug fit, and I did roll the fender lip for a bit more clearance. It's possible 255's will fit without modification on your car. But it's not unusual to have the rear axle offset to one side by some amount, making one side fit, and the other side not fit! 235's fit nicely on the front.
I just put 245/60/15 on the back and 225/60/15 on the front on 15 x 7 buick rallyes. I think I could put 245/60/15 on all four to be honest and am considering doing that.
I have mickey thompson Sportsman pro 26x12.50x15 on the back of my 65 buick. It is absolutely the biggest tire you can fit back there. The rims are 15x8 with 4.5 inches of back spacing, If you put 15x10's they won't fit, if you put 27" tall tires they won't fit. A taller tire will actually be wider than a shorter tire on the same rim. This size is getting pretty hard to find good luck!
I've managed to wedge 275/60 & 275/50 15's under the rear (Drag Radials, of course). They rub on the hard turns, but they're fine if you drive with some sanity. Mine were on 15 x 7" mid 80's Caprice Steelies. I'm looking for a pair of 15x7 or 15x8 Buick Rallys to swap the steelies out permanently.
Daward, Are you using air bags in the rear of your 66? I have a 67 that I put 245/60/15 on 15X7 ralleys. By looking at it, I couldn't imagine fitting anything bigger under there, but I would love to go to 275. Any suspension mods?
I have had the 275's on with both the original 8.2" and the current 12 bolt (early, narrow style). I run Hotchkis lowering springs, factory boxed control arms & Edelbrock IAS shocks in the rear. No airbag, although I plan on going that way to get the car to launch straighter. check your backspacing on you rims, that was the trick for me.
I want to say they're 4.5" BS on the 15x7's under mine. I need to check. FYI: they are NOT rally wheels, they are steel wheels off a mid-80s boxy Caprice. I run them with late 60's/early 70's poverty caps. And, I know I know, you're not supposed to run a 275 on anything but an 8"+ rim but they worked for me right up until the cords were showing on the BFGs. I've been looking for a set of 15x7 Buick Rally's for my drag radials, I prefer the look of the chrome on the car.
thanks, will check mine out. i really want to go to 17's in the long run, but the rallys look good. If I come across a set of 17" torq original or II's I would sell you mine.
Thanks, Ed. While I had the interior and glass out of my 66 car, I fit a 295x50x15 on a 10 inch chevy rally on the back. With the interior & glass back in, they rubbed and I had to take them off. I believe that the backspace was 4.5 on the rims. I also had 245x60x15 on 8 inch rims on the front. They rubbed with the weight back in the car also.
I have 275's on my '66, with 15x7 Buick mags. But I'm also using the Chevelle 12 bolt rear.....that is one inch narrower than the stock Buick rear. With that said, a wheel with 1/2" more back spacing than stock 'should' work with the stock rear. A good tire dealer should have one of those adjustable tire-fitment tools to determine backspacing. Just like this one from Jegs: http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_761153_-1_11615
What are you doing posting on here? Shouldn't you be out in Annville buying THIS?? You always buy all the '66s in PA, right??? :bglasses:
You mean the Astro Blue '66 Special that's only 97 miles and 1 hour and 46 minutes away? I'm not even considering it! :bglasses: Would be a nice stablemate for your car, Ed! You DO have a garage now, right??? Room for one more?
