[goatseeker]

What is the largest rear wheel/tire combination I can expect to run on a stock '66 GTO without running the risk of rubbing inside & outside fender? I plan to replace rear springs with new/custom ones to get extra ride height and do away with my air shocks that came with the car (I know, I know, air shocks are pure evil [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]). Will probably replace them with KYB or another high end shock. Currently have the original Rally 1 (14 X 6) wheels on the car and figure I'll go with a 15" wheel in back unless I can get a similar width tire with similar height on a 14" wheel without it looking ridiculous.
Also, what about wheel backspacing? Which manufacturer offers the most and how much do I need (stock rear drums)? Like the nostalgic look of Cragars but have read some horror stories here about them rusting/pitting. Also like the Torque Thrusts due to similar retro look but bottom line will be which offers the optimal backspacing/tire clearance in a wheel that looks good on the car (don't want some 16 year old ricer with a civic pulling up next to me and saying "Dude, nice wheels man, those would look good on my car! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]).

http://kurtspontiac.homestead.com/TimSimpson66GTO.html

[goatseeker]

What is the largest rear wheel/tire combination I can expect to run on a stock '66 GTO without running the risk of rubbing inside & outside fender? I plan to replace rear springs with new/custom ones to get extra ride height and do away with my air shocks that came with the car (I know, I know, air shocks are pure evil [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]). Will probably replace them with KYB or another high end shock. Currently have the original Rally 1 (14 X 6) wheels on the car and figure I'll go with a 15" wheel in back unless I can get a similar width tire with similar height on a 14" wheel without it looking ridiculous.
Also, what about wheel backspacing? Which manufacturer offers the most and how much do I need (stock rear drums)? Like the nostalgic look of Cragars but have read some horror stories here about them rusting/pitting. Also like the Torque Thrusts due to similar retro look but bottom line will be which offers the optimal backspacing/tire clearance in a wheel that looks good on the car (don't want some 16 year old ricer with a civic pulling up next to me and saying "Dude, nice wheels man, those would look good on my car! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]).

http://kurtspontiac.homestead.com/TimSimpson66GTO.html

[6567GTO]

You can fit a 15x8 rim with a 4 1/2" Back Spacing if it has the original rear. If it has a later therefore wider rear you'll have to go with a 4 3/4 or 5" backspace. I run 275/60 R15's on my 65 on 15x8 Torque Thrust II's with a 4 1/2" bs. They fit but are tight. I would confirm my info with a 66 owner though. The Torque Thrust II's are a 2 piece rim and are offered in custom offsets with up to a 4 1/2" bs. The Torque Thrust D's are a cast rim and the last time I checked they didn't come with an offset greater than 3 3/4". That may have changed, there was a rumor last year that they were considering offering larger backspace dimensions again. Here's a link...

http://www.americanracing.com/wheels...ection=Vintage





http://home.earthlink.net/~uptons1/

[goatseeker]

6567,
Thanks for the reply. Your car looks really sharp with the Torque Thrusts. 275/60's should be plenty big enough for me for the street & mine does have the original rear end.
I'll check the link you sent. Any '66 owners out there that can offer advice? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

http://kurtspontiac.homestead.com/TimSimpson66GTO.html

[goatseeker]

.

http://kurtspontiac.homestead.com/TimSimpson66GTO.html

[hozy]

nice 65 do you just have air shocks ordo you havecustom springs on the rear

[6567GTO]

Thanks, no air shocks. I have convertible springs and a Dick Miller suspension kit with HAL 12 way adjustable shocks. The car is actually leaning slightly to the drivers side in that picture making it look a little higher on the passenger. I had hoped for the front to settle another inch or so but it still isn't too bad.


http://home.earthlink.net/~uptons1/

[hozy]

Can you tell me more about the Dick Miller suspension kit and where to get them at and price? Thanks

[hozy]

Also where can I find the Hal twelve way shocks?

[6567GTO]

I'll email you.


http://home.earthlink.net/~uptons1/

[spamburger17]

IM runnin Firehawk SS20 255/60r15's on my 68 Tempest Custom w/ no clearance problems at all. Good traction/ride. heres a site with the differant sizes , or you could go to firestones site and see some specific features:
http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?pa...rand=Firestone