[Nikwho]

On a '67 Tempest, can I fit a 10" wheel with a 295-50-15 Cooper Cobra tire? I have heard conflicting reports. I don't mind doing some modifications, as my body is currently on a rotisserie, and there would be no better time to do whatever I would need to do. I am trying to see if its possible with out shortening the axle, moving the fuel tank or narrowing the frame rails. Any thing else can be modified. I don't mind trimming or flaring the wheel well lips. I don't mind clearancing the wheel wells. Just trying to see if I can get away with it with a little work. If so, what work is necessary and what back spacing is required? Thanks for any advice, guys!

[Dick Boneske]

You will need to modify the wheelwells to fit those wheels/tires on your '67. I once had 9" wide Firestone slicks on 7"X15 wheels and they just BARELY fit.

[kookykrispy]

I can tell you right now, 295/50r15 tires will not fit up in a stock '67 wheelwell, even with the lip rolled. 275/60r15 will fit after rolling the wheel well lip in (provided you have a rim with the right backspacing)

A 15x7 rally II works ok with 275/60r15

[chipster]

On a 10" wheel, the backspacing will need to be 6". The shock mounts will need to be relocated. The lips and moldings around the wheelwells will need to be rolled and trimmed at the very least, and the rear will need to sit higher than stock. It will be so close that it still might not fit, just because there can be so much variance between one side or the other, or one '67 and another. I would say that's why you are getting conflicting reports... some people have done it successfully, others have found it impossible.

[GT182]

And it'll cost ya more in gas just to turn those puppies.

I'd say go with 255/60s on 15x8.5" rims... less headaches that way and it's still a pretty beefy tire.

[Nikwho]

Well, I seem to like headaches... haha. I guess that I will need to be satisfied with a 275 series tire. Im not worried about moving the stock shock mounts as I am pretty sure that I am going to run coil overs in the rear for more adjustability. So, I will be moving all of the shock locations any how. Im looking to sit lower than stock by a couple of inches to make matters worse. I will probably end up running a fuel cell, tubbing it and narrowing the axle and frame by the time I am done with it. Thanks for the help, again, guys! Its so much cheaper asking here than buying the wrong stuff.

[chipster]

If the car is going to sit that low, there is no way to get the 295/50's in there without narrowing the frame and tubs.

I had 275/60's on 8" wheels with 5-1/2" backspacing on my '67 years ago, and they would scrape the fenders with slightly sagging original springs. That was before I trimmed the fender lip and the wheelwell molding, though, so I don't know how low you could go with some minor mods.

255/60's on 8" wheels with 5-1/2" backspace would be a lot easier.

[GT182]

One option... cut down the axles. As done on this 66 GTO.... http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...05#post4445405

Maybe he can give you more details. Not sure if it's his or someone elses.

[geeteeohguy]

I ran 10" Ansen slots on the back of my '66 GTO in the '70's with 50 series bias ply tires. I had to roll the stainless trim and use air shocks to clear. That said, these rims (still have 'em) have a ton of positive off-set (deep dish) and that was the main problem. I think a properly offset rim with enough negative off-set might work. I ran 11" slicks on the back of my '65 GTO on 15x8 Chevy rally rims, and it cleared no problem at stock ride height. The Chevy rims had a lot of negative off set.

[Nikwho]

OK do you guys think that I could get away with 17x9.5" wheels with 5" backspacing with a 275-45-17" in the rear? Not enough backspacing, is it? My other option for the rear in the wheels im looking at is 17X8" with 4.5" backspacing. Then 235/45-17 on 17x7" in the front.

[lemans411]

i mini tubbed mine and i run 15x10 draglites with a 7.5 b.s. and a 315 60 15 mt. et street radial . sits nice and low with lots of room . no need for a full tub job. these cars are wheel well limited for how big the cars are

[scooter1966]

well im not sure if a 67 wheelwell is so different than a 66, but I currently have 15x10 prostars with 295/50/15 they do fit with out relocating anything. I believe they have a 5 1/2 or 6 backspace i will have to take them off and measure again. factory springs and shocks, the only issue is if you have anyone in the back seat, dont hit a bump over 20 mph. im sure i have a pic somewhere if not i can take one this week.

[Bob with the 66]

66 had a rear that was narrower than the 67 if I remember correctly.

I ended up with 275 BFG's on 15x8 R1's with a 5.5" back space.

Sounds like it may be worth purchasing one of those tools that you mount to the axle and adjust for tire fit.

Measure, Measure, Measure.....

[Nikwho]

OK, I have my tires, 275-45-17 for the rear. The wheel that I am looking at has only two options for the 17" x 8" wheel, 4.5" or 6" back spacing. Will either of these work? Which one will work better?

[Nikwho]

Or the only other option is a 17" x 9" with 6" back spacing. I'd like to get these ordered but I don't want to screw it up!!!
thanks a ton guys!
Nik C.

[Nikwho]

OK, I have my rear wheels dialed in. 17x9 w/ 6" b.s.. These wheels i am looking at only come in 8" and 9" wide. Can I clear an 17x8" FRONT wheel? options are 4.5" or 5.25" b.s. Im nervous but i want to pull the trigger and purchase these!

Nik C.

[Nicks67GTO]

I have a 67' GTO with no wheel well mods and I have some 275/60/15's on a 8" rim installed. I have probably 3/4" on each side of the tire.

[Nikwho]

What is your back spacing?