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Tires and Wheels for my '63 Valiant
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21765
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Author:  Pat Dawson [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 5:42 am ]
Post subject:  Tires and Wheels for my '63 Valiant

I know this is an old topic but it's not that easy finding wheels for a 5X4 bolt pattern. I've come up with 3. American racing AR62 4769 in 14" X 7" ($90), American Racing AR69 5769 15" X 7" ($136), and the Vintiques Rally Wheel. The AR wheels come with caps. The Vintiques get quite expensive when you add trim rings and caps, but originality is not a factor since none of these wheels came on my car. I just think my 13's and their dented wheel covers look a little, well, it could look a little sportier.

I am thinking the American Racing AR69 15" X 7" with 205/60-15 tires. Does that seem right to those that have gone this way before? The wheels have 0 offset and 4" backspacing. I'm only concerned with the "look". Traction and handling will be better too, I'm sure.

Does this combination sound OK? Tires are the same height as the 185/80-13's I have now. If not, would I be better off going to the 14 X 7 with a 195/70-14 tire? I have drum brakes front and rear.

Author:  emsvitil [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:54 am ]
Post subject: 

You could always try to snag some stock 14x5.5 SBP rims...........

There's also ralleys in the 14x6 size.


185 80 13, 195 70 14, and 205 60 15 are all around 24.7" diameter.

If your speedo is slightly off, you can change the tire diameter a bit to correct it.


I'm currently using 195 70 14's on 14x5.5 stock rims.

Author:  emsvitil [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 7:01 am ]
Post subject: 

This might give you some idea off the difference between an old 6.50 13 (about a 165 90 13 if such a size existed) and the 195 70 14

Image

Author:  slantvaliant [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 1:17 pm ]
Post subject: 

How about THESE, perhaps in a 20? 22's would just be gauche. :roll:

I'm running 15X7 steel rims (LBP) with 205-60R15's on my '64 (late-A body disk swap).
I first tried wheels with -6mm offset on the front. They were close, rubbing lightly when backing and turning out of my driveway. They would not have cleared the rear fenderwells during full suspension travel. Modern lower aspect ratio tires have a "squarer" cross-section than the original tires for which the fenderwells were designed.
The current rims are 15X7's with +13mm offset (LBP) with 205-60R15's, and they clear the front and rear nicely.

Image
Image

Author:  VDART [ Tue Feb 06, 2007 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  small bolt wheels

or you could go old school slots like these.

http://members.cox.net/69dartcv/newpaint

That is 205/70/14 front & 235/60/14 rears grand am radials-- different tire makers have a variance in the tire size (some pep boy 235's are smaller)

Author:  Pat Dawson [ Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:34 am ]
Post subject: 

What does "SBP" and "LBP" mean?

emsvitil - when compared side by side the "new" looks beefier for sure, both tire and wheel. Thanks for the photo's.

slantvaliant - Wow - 17's in a 5 X 4. Put some 215/45's on there and I'd be blingin' all over DC. Cool, but too cool for me.

Was the negative offset rim rubbing on the outer fender? The AR's I spoke of have 0 offset, so they would sit closer to the outer fender by about 1/2" than your +13 mm wheel. Do you have an extra 1/2" to 3/4" clearance on the outside? In other words, could I get away with 0 offset on a 15 X 7 Wheel?

VDART - I like the way that combo fills the wheel wells. Can I get wheels like that? I like Cragar SS too but they don't seem to make them anymore in 5 X 4. BTW, nice paint job.

Author:  dakight [ Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:09 am ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
What does "SBP" and "LBP" mean?
SBP = "Small Bolt Pattern", ie. 5 on 4"
LBP = "Large Bolt Pattern", ie. 5 on 4 1/2

Author:  slantvaliant [ Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:33 am ]
Post subject: 

The +13 mm offset gives OK clearance so far.

Image

Note that the photo was taken at an angle, not straight up, and that the fenderwell tapers and curves inward toward the top. My fingers are in there pretty tight against the well and the tire.

13mm is about 1/2", so ... I don't think the 15X7's with 205-60's would have enough clearance with 0 offset to allow for normal suspension travel, rear end movement in cornering, etc.

Author:  Pat Dawson [ Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:51 am ]
Post subject: 

Uh oh. My new wheels and tires are on the way. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for the pics and good info.

Author:  slantvaliant [ Thu Feb 08, 2007 6:33 am ]
Post subject: 

Remember:
No two cars are exactly alike, nor are they driven the same. Also, tire profiles vary quite a bit. Your situation might let this combination work just fine.
I may have more clearance than I need.

If it's close, you might be able to take your Harley-Davidson Tool #1 (ball-pein hammer) and "adjust" the well a bit without messing up the quarter panel.

Author:  Pat Dawson [ Fri Feb 16, 2007 3:52 am ]
Post subject: 

Got the tire/wheel package last night and got them on the car. They seem to fit fine. I will test drive this weekend and get some pics. They really fill up the wheel wells and, so far, am real happy with the look. It adds a sportier, more muscular stance. The polished rims against the red paint doesn't hurt either.

Author:  Pat Dawson [ Tue Feb 20, 2007 5:05 am ]
Post subject: 

Image


I hope the picture comes out OK. The rear tires bump against the top of the fender wells when I add a passenger. Picking up Monroe air shocks tonight. I'm trying to determine whether to get my leaf springs refurbished or just buy new ones. Air shocks are a temporary fix.

Author:  emsvitil [ Tue Feb 20, 2007 1:44 pm ]
Post subject: 

Air shocks aren't a good idea........


The upper shock mount isn't strong enough and will eventually fail :cry:

Author:  Lars [ Tue Feb 20, 2007 6:16 pm ]
Post subject: 

Don't spend the $$ on the air shocks, put that cash towards some new leaf springs from JC Whitney. They are about $60 a piece.

Author:  Romeo Furio [ Wed Feb 21, 2007 3:26 pm ]
Post subject:  63 Valiant

Your car looks great, What rims did you use again? Very Clean !!!

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