[carcrazy]

Currently have 225/70/15 that while they have good tread are way past the date I feel comfortable running. As we all know the wheel well in these 62 isn't all that large but it looks like I have about an inch clearance on either side with the current setup. I think 235/70/15 wouldn't be an issue but is anyone running something larger? Thanks in advance.

[Stuart]

You can go to the Tire Rack website and pull up the specs for different size tires, to see how much wider a 235/70 will be. I used a BF Goodrich Radial T/A as an example, in their case the section width is 0.5" wider than a 225/70, the diameter is 0.6" more, but the tread width is only 0.1" more https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec....omCompare1=yes

[mgarblik]

My 62 Catalina had 225/75/15 on the front and 235/75/15 on the rear when I bought it. The rear tire fit was very tight with barely 1/2" on either side on the rear. But I discovered the 15" 8 lug re=pop wheels were 7" on the front and 8" wide on the rear? Not sure who thought that was a good idea when he bought them. The fronts fit nice with the 225/75/15 tires. I bought 4 of those but don't have them mounted yet. I will see if they look dumb on the wider wheels. If they do I guess I am stuck with 2 different tire sizes.

[carcrazy]

I have the repop 8 lugs and not sure of the backspacing. Seem to be well centered in the well.

[carcrazy]

Originally Posted by Stuart

You can go to the Tire Rack website and pull up the specs for different size tires, to see how much wider a 235/70 will be. I used a BF Goodrich Radial T/A as an example, in their case the section width is 0.5" wider than a 225/70, the diameter is 0.6" more, but the tread width is only 0.1" more https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec....omCompare1=yes

That is a pretty useful chart. Thanks.

[Stuart]

A 235/70 from one manufacturer may have slightly different dimensions than a 235/70 from another manufacturer, so it's best if you can look up the specs for your exact tires.

[carcrazy]

Originally Posted by Stuart

A 235/70 from one manufacturer may have slightly different dimensions than a 235/70 from another manufacturer, so it's best if you can look up the specs for your exact tires.

That seems to be the case with what I've seen. There are some slight differences but we don't have a lot of clearance to play with!

[Stuart]

The rear axle is going to move around a little bit when cornering, so you have to allow a little extra clearance for that too.

[carcrazy]

Originally Posted by Stuart

The rear axle is going to move around a little bit when cornering, so you have to allow a little extra clearance for that too.

This is true, I wonder how much you should allow for the movement.

[mgarblik]

I have right at 1/2" at the outer wheel lip. I don't think it has ever contacted. But I am not comfortable with it. My new tires have 1/2" narrower section width. Plan to mount them in a couple weeks.

[carcrazy]

I'd think 1/2" would be ok....probably wouldn't want to go less but quite frankly I don't really know for certain. Perhaps somebody can speak from experience.

[pfilean]

I have 215/70-15 T/A with Torgue Thrust on a 1961. I would have to check to remember the wheel back spacing. I'm not sure of the clearance from wheel to 1/4 panel but I know if you want to put some tire dressing on you will have to roll the car to finish the job. No way will you get your fingers in that space with a dressing applicator. Have not had any problem with tire contact to 1/4 and mine is tight.

[carcrazy]

If I remember correctly, a lot of those Torque Thrust wheels only have 3.75 back spacing.

[RocktimusPryme]

Adding to this a little bit, so I don't start a brand new thread.

I am getting a 1962 Catalina safari this weekend. Its coming with some staggered slot mags that I don't think are going to look right. I cant remember the exact sizes on the tires, but it was a significant stagger from front to back. So eventually Im going to be in the market for wheels/tires.

Im pretty sure I want to go with body-color painted steelies and baby moons. But I am up in the air on tire size.

For reference, I want to air-ride this. So picture a car that is slammed when parked and raised up a little when going down the road. Going way low probably limits size more than usual. How does 15x6 with 215/70s all the way around sound? Or maybe 225/70s.

[carcrazy]

Probably be ok with 215/70 but as we all know, measuring is critical.

[redbeard]

I have 205/70R15 on the front,using 5x6 steelies off a Chevy truck. The rear is 225/70R15 on 5x7 Caprice wheels. My car is lowered. The rear is pretty tight clearance with the bump on the frame on the inside. O tried a 235, but it was too close for comfort.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by Stuart

You can go to the Tire Rack website and pull up the specs for different size tires, to see how much wider a 235/70 will be. I used a BF Goodrich Radial T/A as an example, in their case the section width is 0.5" wider than a 225/70, the diameter is 0.6" more, but the tread width is only 0.1" more https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec....omCompare1=yes

Stuart, the Tire Rack decision guide ends at 1965 and only covers the LeMans/GTO.

[RocktimusPryme]

FWIW I went with OEM 15s all the way around that I spray painted body color and used 215/70R15s. Fit pretty well.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by hurryinhoosier62

Stuart, the Tire Rack decision guide ends at 1965 and only covers the LeMans/GTO.

I didn't know they had a decision guide. I was referring to the specs for specific tires, for instance this is the one for radial T/A's: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec....2FA&isSEO=true

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I didn't know they had a decision guide. I was referring to the specs for specific tires, for instance this is the one for radial T/A's: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec....2FA&isSEO=true

They have one; just don’t look for info on anything before 1965 and an “A”
Body. It doesn’t list anything for “B” or “G” bodies before 1976.