Lots of conflicting info on the internet. Some websites say stock rims are 15x7. Some websites say rim size is 14x5. What is the stock offset? I read 1.00" positive for 14" rims. Pretty sure the stock rims were 14".
Now tires. I read tires were 195/75/r14 and 215/75/r14. If the stock rim size is 14x5 is it safe to put 195mm wide tires on? Yet another website verifies the 195 measurement as 7.75 x 14 tires are theoretically the same dimensions. Another website I am reading says 195 is too wide for 5" wide rims, suggest maximum 175, this leads me to believe the 5" wide rim size is incorrect.
What the hell is correct rim, tire dimensions?
Thanks!
-- Edited by blackbird307 on Wednesday 27th of October 2021 08:10:28 AM
I was looking into the same thing for my 69 Chevelle wagon . There were at least 10 rim available ( different codes) for Chevelles 1965-1969 ... All were 14 x 6 , with the exception of one 14 x 5 . The offsets are very different than most rims , with a much deeper back space . I have a few sets of Chevelle 14" rims if you want to see them to get an idea ( I'm close to WPG as well)
I've read that cars equipped with 396 had 14 x 6 rims. I don't quite understand why that would make a difference. I would suppose I fall into passenger base 14x5 which has a 1" offset. Interestingly the wagon 14x5 rims have a 0.55" offset if I am reading that correctly.
-- Edited by blackbird307 on Wednesday 27th of October 2021 08:17:19 AM
Perhaps worth noting before you start investing, 14 tires are getting tougher to find. This was my motivation to go with 15. They of course wont handle the Beaumont wheel covers, but they can handle the Beaumont dog dish.
I just want to chime in, on the hopes that I might help a little bit; I have done alot of sleuthing on wheel sizes, and from what I have come across it appears to generally be thematic by first the model year, then the platform, then the model/trim level - options rarely changed the wheel width. The only time where I have seen the options change the wheel width, was optional tires - and then it would make the wheel wider. eg: standard tire (in the case of 70 Firebirds) was an E78-14 on a 6" wide rim; optional was either an F78-14 or F70-14, both change the wheel to a 7" wide wheel.
I have not come across any examples where the drivetrain changed the wheel width - it was always about standard versus optional tires.
I believe that in this time (66-67) frame the only GM vehicles to come with 15" wheels were the Corvettes - all the rest had 14", period.
I also believe that the first Chevrolet (non-Corvette) cars to have 7" wide wheels (depending on year/model) was the Camaro; Most Camaros (and Firebirds) made due with 14x6" wheels.
Maybe it was because the F-car was seen as a more sporty model, but everything I have dug up suggests that the A-car's used wheels which were typically 1" narrower than the F-car's - even though they (A-cars) had a wider section tire.
-- Edited by unruhjonny on Thursday 28th of October 2021 10:58:56 AM
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1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
If I am right, starting in 66 the B bodies came with 6" if they were wagons or big blocks.
Even earlier. They were called "409 rims". Station wagons got them and high HP engine cars.
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Is there a manufacturer that manufactures rims still with the 14 x 5 1" offset still? All the used rims i come across are rusty, have pitting, don't hold air very long. Time I spend looking for decent rims I may aswell just order new.
Says 3.5" back spacing, then it says down below 3" back spacing. Obviously center bore isn't correct diameter, but I don't think that's really a big deal. I heard some people measure offset accounting for metal thickness where lugs mount, and other measure offset based on distance from there to the back extent of rim. So im really not too sure. Customer support was not helpful, just told me to measure my rim which I don't even think is correct to begin with.
Then again, I am probably making a mountain out of mole hills with something that is probably a barely noticeable half inch difference. Rims don't ship until next year due to back log, so I have plenty of time to change my mind.
Thanks again,
-- Edited by blackbird307 on Thursday 11th of November 2021 11:05:58 AM