Largest Size Wheels Can I Put on My 1968

Q: Largest Size Wheels Can I Put on My 1968

What is the largest size wheels I can put on the rear and front without any modifications to a pretty much stock-like drivetrain set-up? I have traction bars on the rear, but that’s about it. Right now I have 14×6″ Rally II’s on the front, and 14×7 Rally II’s on the rear. I wanted to get some 15×7 or even 8″ wheels to put on the rear and was wondering if this would fit without any modifications being necessary. Jeg’s is selling Rally II replica wheels for only $92ea for the 15×8’s!

A: 15×8 will not fit inside the stock wheelwells. The front and rear will handle up to 235-60×15 without a problem. The rear could go up to 255 if you roll the lip of the quarter/wheelhouse. Remember, rim offset is critical. If you plan on using after market wheels a good rule of thumb is to lay a straight edge vertically on the front of the drum then measure the distance from the edge to the fron and back of the wheelhouse. Give yourself 1″ (max clearance) to 1/2″ (min clearance) on each side to allow for tire sidewall buldge.

A: I put 15 x 7 with 235 60 15 on my 1967 and it looks great. It had 14 x 6 on it but now the fender wells are full and looks great.

A: I have seen a 1968 with 15×8 wheels and 275/50/15 tires on the rear. They loked great and did not rub. The wheels did seem a bit narow for those tires (I would go with 9.5 to 10 inch wide, as 275 tires are almost 11 inches wide) but the owner was only concerned with straight line performance only. I don’t have information on backspacing, but I see Camaros of the same year running around like that all the time. I would assume it is common knowlege at the wheel store. 235/60/15 is as wide as I would go in the front but they would have an outside diameter that is slightly larger that your rears (235/60/15= 26.1in. outside diameter, 275/50/15= 25.83in.). I suggest 225/60/15 in the front for this reason (25.63in. outside diameter). Tires of smaller or significantly larger diameter in the rear can have adverse effects on handeling. It’s fine at the strip, but a chore on the street.

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