Wider Rear Tires

[stews73ho]

I want to put wider rear tires on my 73 HO. 245/60/14 seems like the limit for 14" tires. I am thinking about going 15" on the rear to go wider. I would like 2 15 inch ss III wheels. I would like the bolt on cap style. What are the width options?
(15x8) Any advise? Thanks

Eric

[rocket88]

you could go up to about a 275 on a 8 inch wheel. I've often thought of having my wheels widened, seems like there is a ton of room back there. I'd think you could run a 9.5 or 10 inch wheel without any clearance isssues.

[stews73ho]

What are my width options for 15 inch super stock III's rims?

[77-442]

Check out www.stocktonwheel.com as they can widen the stock wheels.

Jim

[stews73ho]

Can I get a stock 15x8 wheel with bolt on cap?

[stews73ho]

Anybody got 15x8's for sale?

[ragz442]

FWIW, I've got 2756015's mounted on 15x7 Olds ralleys and made a few passes with them. I know it would probably be better with 15x8's, but they will fit on the 7" wheel.

[77cutty]

i want something like this for my 77. Is it possible ?

http://aycu18.webshots.com/image/24577/2000139008888224630_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000139008888224630)

[73431Cutlass]

I stuffed 295/50/15's on my stock rims, I compared them to my buddies with the same tire on 15x8 rims and they look the same. They look real good on the 73.

[stews73ho]

Is there a noticable difference between bolt on center cap rims and snap on center cap rims? Sounds like I should buy 4 15x7s. Thanks everyone.

[zodiacblue442]

You will have more choices if you go aftermarket. If you want to stay with a factory stock SSII or SSIII 15" wheel, then 15x7 will be your only choice. You could have these widened to 15x8 or 15x10 I suppose. 15x7 SSII and III wheels with bolt on center caps were available on any Cutlass model in 1974 only. They are extremely rare because most cars were equipped with 14x7's. Last I've seen, the 15x7 with bolt on cap wheels are going for about $100 each if you can find them, and that's just for the wheel; the stainless and cap would be extra. Hope this helps.

What are my width options for 15 inch super stock III's rims?

[zodiacblue442]

Just saw your other post... it was on page 2! :p Anyway, bolt on and snap on center cap SSII and SSIII wheels look very similar. However, you can tell the difference because the snap on center caps are smaller. FYI, the 15x7 SSII and SSIII's were offered starting in 1975.


Is there a noticable difference between bolt on center cap rims and snap on center cap rims? Sounds like I should buy 4 15x7s. Thanks everyone.

[GT73]

The Super Stock 15" rims with either bolt on or pop on center caps came with a width of 7" (15x7). The maximum tire width you could safely put on would be 275/60 tires on the back. I have 255/60's on my '73, but was told 275's would work safely, anything wider is NOT recommended.

I remember there was a company a few years ago that reproduced Super Stock II rims in a 15x8" size, this would allow for a much wider tire in the back.

Can't find their website anymore. Anyone know if they are still around?

[mdkingsley]

I have 275/60/15 on the rear and 245/60/15 on the front of my 76 442 with what i think are 87 hurst olds wheels with the big car large center caps I think it looks awsome. what do ya'll think you can see it on the registry I still cant get my pics to load on v8garage or the avitar.
Mitchell

[2blu442]

It's probably been 20 years now, but I had the centers of a set of 14X7 bolt on center caps cut out and welded into a set of 15X10 blanks. I had them go with zero offset, so the center was exactly at the center of the rim. They look nice and easily fit a 295/50/15 tire on them. I ran them on a 1971 and the problem was when I cornered hard or in town drove into a parking lot with the sidewalk cut into a ramp, the inside sidewall rubbed as the body rolled. I had them made at Willamette Wheel in Portland Oregon, although I would think you could have this done at many places around the country. The 1971 has about a 14 inch wide wheelwell and the 295 is about a 12 inch wide footprint, I don't know how that compares with the 73-77 cars. John