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Topic: 79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/12/05 6:42pm Message 1 of 8
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Birmingham, AL - USA
Joined: 4/22/2005
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 1971 Convertible, Matching #'s, 2 Top, 350/270, 4-speed, PS, PB, Tilt/Tele. Frame off restoration. Better than new! Black/Tan

I just installed a set of 1979 factory aluminum wheels on my 71 Vette with a new set of Indy 500 255/60r 15's on them. I thought they would work after reading some feedback from the forum. To my surprise, I can't turn the wheel without hitting on the front fender wells. Cry  They look like they fit fine on the rear. Anybody know what is the largest tire size I can mount on these 79 wheels without rubbing the front of my 71?




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79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/12/05 7:02pm Message 2 of 8
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Joined: 2/15/2004
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Vette(s): 1973 L-48 Coupe. Classic white with black leather interior.

I have 255 60 R15 on  the back and 235 60 R15 on front.  The 235's are as big as my 73 will handle up front.

Hope that helps.

 

Bret 




79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/12/05 7:23pm Message 3 of 8
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
It's not the wheels, it's the tires. They're 15" X 8" like the standard rally wheels that came on your car. It wasn't until '78 that Chevy started putting 60 series tires on the Corvette, and then they did some wheel well modifications for clearance. The 60 series will fit some earlier cars, but it seems to be an individual thing.

To keep the tire height at the proper level, it looks like you have to stick with 70 series tires like the car originally was equipped with.


79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/12/05 7:36pm Message 4 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
225/70-R15 is the correct size in a metric tire. The 235 will work fine if you don't go 4-wheelin'!!. Any larger, and it's gonna grind the 'glass and rub when you turn the wheel hard all the way. I'd just go down to the 235. My '74 has '76 rims with 225s for street duty, and I've had no problems.


Joel Adams
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79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/12/05 7:40pm Message 5 of 8
Former Member
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Birmingham, AL - USA
Joined: 4/22/2005
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 1971 Convertible, Matching #'s, 2 Top, 350/270, 4-speed, PS, PB, Tilt/Tele. Frame off restoration. Better than new! Black/Tan

Do the 235's look more like the 255's as far a the clearance around the wells go? The 255's on the front were tight all the way around, about two inches of clearance around the well. The rear has at least three inches all the way around the well.

Yes, the rally wheels were 15 x 8 and these are too. It is the tires! Confused

Back to the tire store tomorrow.




79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/12/05 9:08pm Message 6 of 8
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The 235 will be a smaller overall diameter than the 255, which will give you more clearance between the tire and the wheelwell/fender lip. How much is hard to say, because every car is a little different, which is why (I think) Gunslinger mentioned that "it seems to be an individual thing". Measure the height of what you have now, and compare it to a 225 tire mounted on a rim, and see how much diff. there is, and make a decision from there. The folks at the tire store should be able to give you a recommendation. Good luck with your project. Adams' Apple38484.8819675926


Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/12/05 11:09pm Message 7 of 8
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Fountain Valley, CA - USA
Joined: 9/11/2003
Posts: 407
Vette(s): 1969 Daytona Yellow Coupe - ZZ4/4 speed, Hurst shifter, Griffin aluminum radiator w/ Dual Spals, March Serpentine Pulley kit, Hookers with STS Racing Baffles, VB&P Suspension bits, 17" AR Hopsters, L-88 Hood
I ran 245/60/15's on my '70 and had no rubbing at all


79 Factory Aluminum Wheels on 71

Posted: 5/13/05 5:29pm Message 8 of 8
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Birmingham, AL - USA
Joined: 4/22/2005
Posts: 18
Vette(s): 1971 Convertible, Matching #'s, 2 Top, 350/270, 4-speed, PS, PB, Tilt/Tele. Frame off restoration. Better than new! Black/Tan

I put the 235/60r 15's on today. No problem in the turns now! Thanks for the info. Big smile  Clap

Moving to the interior next... I need a complete black 71 convertible interior. Already priced out a new one, Cry but would not mind finding some excellent used parts??? Just let me know if you have anything.

Thanks

rbjeffco38487.7184143519


in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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