[DiamondJim]

Recently located a deal and purchased a 62 GP and I'm looking for suggestions on tire size, wheel size, backspacing etc
I'm assuming it's 5x5 (its not 8 lug).
Growing up in the 50's and 60's I typically like Cragars, Americans etc but I would appreciate any and all advice.
Thanks in advance Jim

[tom s]

62 GP?8 lugs the only way!If a cat I would MAYBE lean toward cragars or original Americans,but just me I would also go 8 lugs.You can get 15in wheels for them.Tom

[Chief of the 60's]

I put '65-'68 8 Lugs on my '62 GP but still used the correct '60-'62 center caps and trim rings. I found that those looked the best although I still had the correct drums if I ever wanted to make it correct.

[Stuart]

The wheels are 5x5, so that does limit your options a bit these days.

This thread was started about wheel and tire size on a 1966 Pontiac, but there's some information in there about other years as well: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=397313

Here's a discussion about wheel and tire size specifically for a 1962: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=574404

Also, search for posts by Dave Bennett, he went by the screen name TININDN here on the board. He had some good information on what would fit on 1964 and earlier cars, here's one example: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/....php?p=2385031

Personally I'm a fan of 8 lugs as well, but aftermarket wheels are cool too. I prefer Americans over Cragars, but either are good - it just depends on what look you're going for and your own tastes. Chrome reverse wheels is another thought, I think they would have been more popular back in the day since they were less expensive than the mag wheels.

[Tim Younker]

Choice is all yours. It's your car. I like back in the day wheels also like Stuart. Black Steelies, Chrome Reverse, Radir, vintage Torque thrust etc. I also like the big (rear), little (front) effect also. On my 62 Cat, I'm running black steelies on rear 15x7 with 4.5" bs. Fronts are 15x4.5 Tire wise Rear 235/70/15, rear and 205/75/15. front.

[DiamondJim]

Originally Posted by Tim Younker

Choice is all yours. It's your car. I like back in the day wheels also like Stuart. Black Steelies, Chrome Reverse, Radir, vintage Torque thrust etc. I also like the big (rear), little (front) effect also. On my 62 Cat, I'm running black steelies on rear 15x7 with 4.5" bs. Fronts are 15x4.5 Tire wise Rear 235/70/15, rear and 205/75/15. front.

Thanks.

Are the 15x7's with 4.5bs pretty centered in the wheelwell?

Do you know the backspace on the front wheels? I was thinking 15x6 on front, do you see a problem with the 6" wheel versus the 4.5?

Your tire size selection sounds good to me

Thanks Jim

[Tim Younker]

Jim,
I had my 14" stock wheels center cut and put on a 15x7 rim. There are a few wheel companies that do this. Not cheap, but is the look I wanted. 4" backspacing is centered for a 7" wheel but 4.5" backspacing works better for these cars if you want to go 7" wheel with larger tire. Early 60s Pontiacs do not have much wheelwell. 55/56 Olds/Pontiacs wheels are 15x5.5 also 60s GM 5 lug pickups and early mid 70s or 90s fullsize GM cars are choices in steel rims.
Photo is my car with 15x7 with 4.5"bs on 8"slicks. Tires are 28.5" dia. Fits great.

[DiamondJim]

Great looking car! Thanks for the info Jim