68 wheels & tires size ?s

[Steven H.]

With a little luck, my 68 convertible will be judged a top flight car within the next few weeks. I can then pull the stock wheels and tires off and store for "showtime" while mounting some modern tires and wheels. I'm considering "American Racing" style wheels with radial tires, which come in a 17" by 8" size (attractive four wheel sets advertised on Ebay). These are claimed to be "bolt on" with no modifications/spacers, etc, necessary. Would appreciate advice from those in the know on using these larger/wider wheels and tires on my C3. I like the "look" but don't want to do anything stupid. Here's a link. Comments appreciated.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/17-17x8-CHROME-WHEELS-TIRES-CORVETTE-C3-1968-1982-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4cef2763b3QQitemZ330429850547QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 wheels & tires size ?s

With a little luck, my 68 convertible will be judged a top flight car within the next few weeks. I can then pull the stock wheels and tires off and store for "showtime" while mounting some modern tires and wheels. I'm considering "American Racing" style wheels with radial tires, which come in a 17" by 8" size (attractive four wheel sets advertised on Ebay). These are claimed to be "bolt on" with no modifications/spacers, etc, necessary. Would appreciate advice from those in the know on using these larger/wider wheels and tires on my C3. I like the "look" but don't want to do anything stupid. Here's a link. Comments appreciated.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/17-17...Q5fAccessories

Steven-----


Personally, I wouldn't even consider this sort of mod. I think what you'll end up with is an "oddball" looking car.

If I were going to use custom wheels, I'd use a set of 15" wheels of 15 X 8 size. Maybe something like American Racing Torque Thrust D which would at least be a period-correct custom wheel. I'd use these with 215-70-15 or 225-70-15 tires. When you start changing wheel size you're going to create a "distorted" look for the car.

[Steven H.]

Re: 68 wheels & tires size ?s

Joe: good advice .. just what I needed .. thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: 68 wheels & tires size ?s

Steve, I have the torque thrust M wheels on my 72 with the 17x8 with p235x55r17 wheels, I have had alot of good comments on them , I do like driving on he radial tires, it smooths out the ride. My 72 is heading for its first chapter meet in a few weeks which will have the correct tires and wheels.