[rb25]

i am currently looking for a new set of rims for my 62 bonneville; i have the 5 lug setup.
i was wondering whinch backspace i should use when buying new rims like torq thrust 2s oder similar; the broader axle on pontiacs makes it not that easy.

my measurements say that if i want to go with 7x15, i have to use a backspace of at least 3.5", better 4"; is that correct? using an 8x15 it should be 4,5"-5" backspace.
did i measure correct?

which rims do you guys use? are there any experiences on this? i see a lot of early pontiacs with torq thrusts, but i couldnt find a dealer who can help me out...

thanks a lot!
chris

[perryka]

These are 15 X 7 Torque Thrust 2s, with 4.25 backspace. 235/70/15s.

Alan

[Tim Younker]

I'm running 15x7 steel rims with 4.5" backspacing on the rear of my 62 Cat. These are mounted on 235/70/15 Firehawks. No problems. I think an 8" wheel might be a little wide,

[perryka]

Another member on here with a 62 GP runs 8-lugs with 15 X 8 rears, with 275/60/15s, and I've seen at least one other 62 GP with the same set-up. You have to have an 8 inch rim to get enough offset to do that though.

Alan

[jww]

RB 25:

I think every car is somewhat unique. Just installed a set of 255/60/15 on 15X7 8 lug wheels on the rear of my car last nite and there is no way I could run anything bigger!!
Of course, wheel backspacing will make a big difference on the final location of the tire. I think mine are 3.5"/3.75" or in that neighborhood.

I have tons of clearance at the 1/4 panel but only about a 1/4-3/8" between the side- wall and frame at the arch over the axle housing. The tires I bought supposedly have a a 10.2" sectional width.

BTW I'm putting 225/70/15 on front on a 6 inch 8 lug. Have plenty of clearance, but no fenders yet, either!!!

Best of luck to you.............Jerry

[rb25]

thanks for your input, i was thinking of using smaller 205 width tires, so 7x15 with 4" bs should be the way to go, if i understand correct... perfect. thanks!

[RAM YAK II]

I have two sets of Weld Draglite wheels...one with street tires and one with slicks. They are 7"x15"x4 1/2" backspacing. Both sets of tires are centered dead-nuts in the center of the opening. There is about 1/2" to the frame at the kickup and the same at the wheelwell opening. I could not use an 8" wheel with any 60 or 70 series tire (tried it) and an 80 series looked goofy. I don't know if the GP's mentioned had work done to the openings but my '62 Catalina could not accomodate an 8" wheel nor a 275x60 tire. The sectional width of the 275x60 wouldn't fit inside the opening even without a wheel mounted. I am running 255x70x15 Indy 500's on the street and 28x9x15 M/T ET drags for slicks. Racers I talked to at Norwalk that did not do framework to make more room used the same combo I'm using and said that was as wide as they could go.

Doug...