[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by highrisk

That is a good point. I had a set of Cragar SS rims on my 66 that were made in 64 and when the chrome started flaking off the centers the wheels looked like crap. When the car was destroyed in a house fire in 2007 the wheels were in really bad shape and I was actually going to replace them that winter. But they had been failing since the early 90s and the only reason they lasted as long as they did is that I took the car out of daily driving duties in 85 and restored it. It would be a lot cheaper investment to get a polished wheel versus a chromed wheel. They also have a new process out that I have never heard of before and I am checking into it called PVD. I have also kicked around the idea of getting the gun metal gray inserts with the polished rim because I am painting the car a kind of bright candy apple red looking color and I thought the gray inserts might really set off the paint. Many, many choices out there, The trick is picking the best choice the first time and not having to do it again. The picture below is about the color I was considering for the car. The actual color I am using is a new color from Cadillac call Red Obsession.

Dale

The ride height and tire height is perfect on that 65'

[highrisk]

I thought so too. I like how the top of the tires are just covered by the wheelwell.

Originally Posted by Nicks67GTO

The ride height and tire height is perfect on that 65'

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by highrisk

I thought so too. I like how the top of the tires are just covered by the wheelwell.

That's why I'm looking at the 17" tire sizes that I am - to maintain virtually the same tire height as I have with my 15's.

The shots below are before getting my redlines and putting front disc/Koni coilovers on a few years ago. The front end is a little lower now - but these are the best profile shots I have.





As long as the tire heights stay the same (255/60/15 is virtually the same as 255/5017 and 235/60/15 is virtually the same as 225/50/17) - the stance won't change. Just a 2" less sidewall.

[highrisk]

I have always liked the looks of your car. What would make this decision a lot easier is if we had a shop that had the different rims so I could look at them. But I live in a town of 35,000 and the one shop mainly carries the modern looking rims in 22-26", go figure. Once I get my car back and can make some new measurements I will know better what I need. The main thing is know now that you can upgrade to a 17" and do it with taste so the car still looks good.
Yeah, I am looking at the 245/50/17 and 225/55/17 for the same reason, it is very close to what I was going to run in a 15" tire, maybe a little wider front and back. But the overall tire height should be very close to what stock was since I am using stock springs. Those might get changed for lowering springs after the car is driven for a while and I can see where it settles to and what the stance turns out.
Thanks,
Dale

Originally Posted by The Champ

That's why I'm looking at the 17" tire sizes that I am - to maintain virtually the same tire height as I have with my 15's.

The shots below are before getting my redlines and putting front disc/Koni coilovers on a few years ago. The front end is a little lower now - but these are the best profile shots I have.

As long as the tire heights stay the same (255/60/15 is virtually the same as 255/5017 and 235/60/15 is virtually the same as 225/50/17) - the stance won't change. Just a 2" less sidewall.

[darbikrash]

Here are some 18's rendered on my '65. Body color is Brewster Green. I have been going around somewhat obsessively about wheels, and I am down to two choices, both 18 x 12 rear, 18 x 10 front from Finspeed. The first is a three piece wheel with a old school polished lip:



The second is also a Finspeed 10 spoke, but is a one piece deep concave monoblock forging:



The wheel finish is matt bronze ceramic-not powder coat, the same stuff that is used on gun barrels, it is a very tough coating and holds up well.

I'm leaning towards the forged monoblock. Tire size is 335-18 rear, 275-18 front.

[highrisk]

WOW, A lot more than what I am thinking of. How are you going to get all of that stuffed up in the wheelwells without anything rubbing? Looks really good. Your wheel choices would be a hard choice. Also looks a little rich for my blood.
Have a great New Year,
Dale

Originally Posted by darbikrash

Here are some 18's rendered on my '65. Body color is Brewster Green. I have been going around somewhat obsessively about wheels, and I am down to two choices, both 18 x 12 rear, 18 x 10 front from Finspeed. The first is a three piece wheel with a old school polished lip:

The second is also a Finspeed 10 spoke, but is a one piece deep concave monoblock forging:

The wheel finish is matt bronze ceramic-not powder coat, the same stuff that is used on gun barrels, it is a very tough coating and holds up well.

I'm leaning towards the forged monoblock. Tire size is 335-18 rear, 275-18 front.

[b-man]

Nice rendering.

Wheels look more like 22s than 18s in that artwork.

Have a '64 at home with 18s so I have that perspective to judge from.

[darbikrash]

We mocked them up on another set of wheels before it went into the paint shop to see how they fit with 335-18's:

[highrisk]

That is some serious rubber and tread.

[b-man]

Originally Posted by highrisk

That is some serious rubber and tread.

An aftermarket chassis and body mods were needed to stuff that big rubber in that '65.

Great car, however what he's done to his car doesn't really apply to to what you're trying to do with a stock body and chassis.

[highrisk]

Yeah, I know, I do like seeing what others have done with their cars though. To me this hobby is just like owning a Harley, every car is done a little different to reflect the owners taste and desires. That is why I feel there is no incorrect way to restore an old car, it is an extension of the owner and what he envisions.
Dale

Originally Posted by b-man

An aftermarket chassis and body mods were needed to stuff that big rubber in that '65.

Great car, however what he's done to his car doesn't really apply to to what you're trying to do with a stock body and chassis.

[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by b-man

Nice rendering.

Wheels look more like 22s than 18s in that artwork.

Have a '64 at home with 18s so I have that perspective to judge from.

I agree. The rendering looks like 20-22's.

[60man]

Wow...both the 64's like great...very tastefully done.