Staggered Rims and Tires on a 1969 Malibu.

[redddogg60]

I recently purchased new rims for my 1969 chevelle malibu. Boyd Coddington Crown Jewels 18X8 w/4.5" backspacing for the rear and 17x7 w/4.5" backspacing front. Let me also mention that I've installed CPP's 2" drop springs on the rear and CPP's 1.5" drop springs on the front. I'm looking for ideas and experiences on Tire Fitment. I want to put as much tire under the rear end as possible, w/o rubbing of course. I'm hoping for a 255/55/18 or similar on the rear and I'm open for suggestions on the front. Going for the raked look. Although I may need to drop the front a little more. Please send me all your tire size suggestions, opinions, successes and failures. Thank You.

[72chevelleOhio]

I have my IROC camaro wheels on mine now. I have 50 series tires on the 16" rims, they hit when turning and going over a bump at the same time.

[redddogg60]

Originally Posted by 72chevelleOhio

I have my IROC camaro wheels on mine now. I have 50 series tires on the 16" rims, they hit when turning and going over a bump at the same time.

I actually went to buy tires today. Still having problems getting matching tread pattern in the size I want. Thank You for the info (50 series on 16" Iroc Rims on '72 Chevelle.). Do you happen to know the rim width(front and rear), backspacing, and tire width. I.E. (___/50/16). Do you have same size front and Rear??? This would be a big help. Thanks Again For any info you can offer!!!

[72chevelleOhio]

I fat fingered that, well, lied anyway....
I have 60 series not 50 series. They are 225/60 16" tires. (all) they are about even with the rims as far as width. (slight bulge out)
I measured 8" wide rims. (all) but the fronts (as I measured) have about 5 1/2" backspacing and the rears have about 5". (dished in more) Thats measuring on the car so its not exact..

Took some crappy cell phone pics (no longer have a camera thanks to the ex) should be able to come out more on the rear (by almost 4")
(pay no attention to the dirt and rust spots lol)

You can tell theres a dent in the fender from hitting the tire. I am getting new front fenders so its not really a problem...yet.

The car sits low in the back, I am thinking about lowering the front (new spindles) and getting new springs. The soft ride may be why mine hit. As far as I know its stock....

[redddogg60]

Thank You for all of your time, help and valuable info.

[redddogg60]

O.K. I finally got all of my products on the car. Here they are...the front has CPP(Classic Performance Products) 1" drop springs and Mcnaughy's 2" drop spindle and 17"x7" Boyd Coddington Crown Jewel rims w/ 4.5" backspacing. The front tires are 245/45/17 General Acclaims. Now for the rear...CPP 2" drop springs and 18"x8" Boyd's w/4.5" backspacing. Rear tires are General Acclaim 255/45/18. The car looks tough (nice raked stance) and has no rubbing issues (But there isn't much room to play with). I should also mention that the shocks are Tokico "BLUES" all the way around. The car doesn't ride too bad either. I will try and post pics soon. I hope this helps someone!!!

[72chevelleOhio]

....I know its only been a day, but still...Pics please!

[redddogg60]

Originally Posted by 72chevelleOhio

....I know its only been a day, but still...Pics please!

[72chevelleOhio]

That looks great! and it sits good...sweet.

[redddogg60]

I recently added air bags to help keep my rear end a little more firm. Didn't change the ride much. A lot better than air shocks...cheaper too.