[rkraczek]

I need new tires on my '71 Lemans. I currently have 14x7 rims with 225-70-14 tires. I'm thinking of either going with a 15x7 rallye II or aftermarket 16 or 17 inch. If I go aftermarket, I'm thinking of the Torque thrust in a 16". . .What do you guys have?

[gto_1970]

Just got a set of 15X7 from Summit Racing - nice quality but they are lighter than the original factory color. I upgraded from 4 wheel drums to power front disc and was not able to use my original 14X7s.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku


http://www.pbase.com/gto1970/image/60336079.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/gto1970/image/60336078.jpg

[gto_1970]

I forgot to mention that the tires are 245X60X15.

[tallyhoe]

what is your opinions on going from drums to disks?

[gto_1970]

It's like day & night. My father purchased the car new in '70 and ordered it with the basic 4 wheel manual drum brakes. The car really didn't have much stopping power and the suspension needed an overhaul so I decided to go all out and purchase the kit from PST which included everything in the front end, all control arm bushings (front & rear), shocks, springs and rear brakes. The car rides like new. Best money I've invested in the car to date. Here are the links to the site/kits:

http://www.p-s-t.com/gm/gmfdbkconv.html
http://www.p-s-t.com/gm/gmkyb.html
http://www.p-s-t.com/gm/gmfekstd.html#PONTIAC
http://www.p-s-t.com/gm/gmsprings.html#PONTIAC

[pontiacpetey]

I really like the hotwheels rims but want to see them in person before I buy, Im due for new tires and my rims were repainted 20 years ago. The BSA rims are sharp too

[tallyhoe]

Same kinda story with me, my dad ordered his in 71 with manual brakes also. I was considering changing over but i want to keep the original 14" rims. Did you do the changeover yourself. As for wheels, those new 16" rally 2's look cool...

[gto_1970]

Yes, I did all of the work in my garage, mostly on weekends and it took about 1 month. I like the wheels but as I mentioned earlier, it would have been nice if the inner section was a bit darker like the original wheels. Also, they are 15s, not 16s. So now I have an extra set of 14X7s with GoodYear Eagles that I'll probably sell since I won't be needing them anymore.

[rkraczek]

My 14x7 rims are for disc brakes, so I don't have that problem. I have factory stock front discs and they fit fine. I'm just thinking of switching to a larger rim so those huge wheel wells won't look so empty.

[sharkbite]

I just got my dream wheels last night off E-Bay for only $255 . A full set of Centerline Convo Pro, 15x8.5, will mount 235/60/15 on front and 275/60/15 MT drag radials on back.

They are in need of a good cleaning it looks like. Any ideas, I've seen those foam balls that go on your drill at the parts house, also heard and used steal wool w/wd-40.

[nedorama]

Originally Posted by pontiacpetey

I really like the hotwheels rims but want to see them in person before I buy, Im due for new tires and my rims were repainted 20 years ago. The BSA rims are sharp too

The Hot Wheels rims by KMC are sweet - I have seen them in person and they are very cool. Add some redline radials, and you can make your Pontiac look like a redline Hot Wheels car!

[nedorama]

forgot - here's the website for more images of the Hot Wheels rims:

http://kmcwheels.com/hwcr/home.html

also featured a lot on I believe Dream Car Garage.

Expect to see more at SEMA this year as well in the Hot Wheels booth.

[sharkbite]

I can't figure out why post like this don't take off. I'm sure there's more then 10 people with wheels and tires on there car.

[nedorama]

sorry - was updating the website.

Here are before and after pics of my LeMans - first with its original 14x6 steel rims and hubcaps with whitewalls, and afterwards with 15x7 Rally IIs and Diamondback Radial redlines.

http://web.mac.com/nedorama/iWeb/Sit...D6C4BFD2C.html

[rkraczek]

I know Sharkbite, I thought for sure there would be a bunch more. . .

[LuxLeMans]

Originally Posted by nedorama

sorry - was updating the website.

Here are before and after pics of my LeMans - first with its original 14x6 steel rims and hubcaps with whitewalls, and afterwards with 15x7 Rally IIs and Diamondback Radial redlines.

http://web.mac.com/nedorama/iWeb/Sit...D6C4BFD2C.html

Looks great! I custom-designed my Diamondback redlines to offset the stripe a little farther from the rim. I'm running on stock 14" Ralley II's.

I DID have a set of Coker redlines before, because I thought they were the only game in town. The cokers had mold marks on the sidewalls, and wore out in a year. I provided the coker "serial number" info to the diamondback guys. Apparently, the cokers are made in a moped tire factory in Mexico! Booooo. The DBC's are actually Michelins with the side markings lathed smooth. The custom stripe placement did not cost anything extra and were about the same price as the Cokers. Bottom line for guys who want redlines- go for the Diamondback Classics!

[nedorama]

Definitely very happy with the look and the ride quality - like night and day. Then again, I was riding on original 14x6 steels that were out of round and wobbled above 35...

Would use them again and when I get another Rally II rim for the spare will get another Diamondback Classic tire to go with it.

[Tommy Bird]

I had Diamondback classics put redlines on Goodrich Radial T/A's, great work done by them.