[56GMC]

Looking for input on tire sizes for the Catalina that has the OE suspension but with AR torque thrusts. Realize that a number of threads exist on this topic but have not found one that addresses my wheels; 15 x 7” with a 3.75” backspacing. Like to put on BFG 235/70’s but may settle on 225/70’s. Section widths for both are the same at 9.45” on a 7” wheel as per the tech service rep @ BFG. Current tires from previous owner are 215/75 & that is getting tight at the rear fender! Considered going with a Cooper Cobra GT due to the substantial price difference but the recent recall of them is a concern.

[Marv]

I have 17x7.5in American Racing 200S "Daisy" wheels on my '64 Bonneville with 215/50 Bridgestone RE003 sports tyres.

I realise there is more room under a '64 (I also had a '62 some years back) but I think you should be fine with 225s. Personally I would not put 235s on a 7in wheel as it will be very "baggy". If it were an 8in, sure.

[Tim Younker]

235/70/15 tire with 7" rim will fit fine on the rear of a 62 Cat. Not enough backspace on your 7" wheels. 4.5" bs works well with 7" wide rims. By the way, awesome car and I dig the mags.

[pfilean]

My 61 has 215/70R15 Goodrich on 15x6 American Torque Thrust. Don't remember the backspacing but it would be whatever American says it is. Nothing special. It is difficult to get your hand between the tire sidewall and the outside fender lip. Maybe 3/8 spacing t the most. I wanted wider tires when I bought these but they just wouldn't fit. There is plenty of unused space on the inside and more backspacing would help but that would probably take a special order wheel. And in my case I have a non standard combination on the front and more backspacing would hit the tie rod ends. So I'm boxed in to what I have. But they look good and the overall tire diameter is about the same as stock so the speedometer is close.

[389]

You want the tread width the same as wheel width. I've used 15 x 7 with 4.25 back space Wheel Vintiques Series 64 wheels..

[56GMC]

Thanks for the responses. Was not planning on replacing the ARE wheels at this time as I know the offset is not right for this car. Nor do I want to add air shocks or blocks under the coil springs to keep the sidewalls from hitting the fender. So unless I hear from others I will test fit a 215/70 & a 225/70 BFG and see how they fit.

[56GMC]

Just for closure I went with the 215/75's BFG's all around. No problem with rear fender clearances. Rides great!

[higgenslake]

Picture?

[56GMC]

Took a few shots this morning. Can do more with car on my lift if interested to see real clearances. I just had hip surgery so putting it in the air may take a few weeks! Still can get fingers between rear sidewall & fender edge.

[Stuart]

Nice car! The Torq-Thrusts look really good on it.

[AZ64GP]

That is a nice looking car!