American Racing or Cragar?/Size?

dans65nova · 07-07-2003, 09:13 PM

I have a 1965 Chevy Nova and am trying to either get American Racing Torq-Thrust IIs or Cragar SSs. One source says I can get 14 by 6 to 17 by 7, while another source says I can only get 14 by 6s. In my '65 owner's guide it says 6.95 by 14, does that mean 7 by 14 or whatever won't work? I've seen one guy who has Am. Rac. TT II's with 17 by 7, 4 in. BS, on 215/40-17 on front and 4.5 in. BS, on 225/45-17 on back. I was just wondering if anyone else knows if this will work.
thanks

-The Stig- · 07-07-2003, 10:42 PM

Well, if you're not sure... it wouldnt hurt to call up Cragar wheels or American Racing and ask them...

Or, take a trip to your local tire shop and ask them about your wheels. They might be able to help point you in the right direction.

dans65nova · 07-08-2003, 06:22 PM

Thanks for the tip, but all the wheel and tire shops I've called have not really known. One shop called American Racing and said that from 14 by 6 to 17 by 7's would work, but when another shop called American Racing they only recommended 14 by 6's.

-The Stig- · 07-09-2003, 02:52 AM

Hmmm....

Well, Have you tried calling Classic Industries or Year One ?

They specialize in restoration parts, they might be able to help you out. If not... buy some wheels and try it out??... if it doesnt work you can always try to sell them to a third party... like on Ebay or something?

a1supersport · 12-05-2003, 07:45 AM

Since early Nova's had small wheel-wells and wheel openings, your best bet would be 7 inch wheels with about 3 and 1/2 inch, to 4 inch backspacing. A good example of a wheel that would fit perfectly would be the 15x7 rally wheel off of the early to mid 70's Monte Carlo/Chevelle/ElCamino. But since you're looking for Cragars or Torque Thrusts, both of their 15x7 rims with "standard" backspacing will fit. You could probably go all the way up to 18x7, so long as it has the correct backspacing. Remember, when it comes to wheel fitment...measure, measure, measure. And when you think you've got it right, measure again. It would help if you had a dealer in your area, who has the wheels you want, pull one out of the warehouse for you so you could measure backspace, as well as front. Good Luck

rspt · 02-24-2004, 12:52 AM

A lot depends on your suspension. I have a 383 sitting on stock springs for a 65 ss v8 in a 63 nova ss. the front suspension is a full Global West setup and the rear is actually a 10 bolt from a 65 nova with global west multi leaf springs. I have 17 inch Boyd smoothies that fit fine with some lower profile tires. The only modification to the wheel wells was that i flattened the bit of sheetmetal that curls under the fender a little bit. These would never fit with the stock monoleafs in the rear and 6cyl springs in front but is no problem with the proper parts. The result is an old 63 nova that rides and handles like a new camaro. I had numbers of people that told me i could only use 14 inch rims. I also wanted torq thrusts but i ended up with the boyd because i actually think they look much better. Let me know if you have any other questions.

sub006 · 03-22-2005, 09:49 PM

My son built up a 63 Chevy II 100 2 door post for street and strip with the 388 sprint car motor out of my 64 'Vette.

He wanted to put American Torq-Thrusts on it. Everybody said 14 inch was the maximum. He got 15X7's with 225-60X15's on the back. It looked like the front would be a problem, expecially with the Chevelle disc brake conversion that pushed the hubs a little farther out.

I remembered the gassers of the 60's and got him a pair of 15X4 1/2 Torq-Thrusts. They clear fine with 185-60X15 radials and the "big 'n' little" stance is bitchin'!

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