I want to put wheels and tires on my 81 el camino. I am 16, so it seems naturally I like big rims. The bigger the better, right?! My question is, what is the max wheel and tire combination that will fit with very little or no rub. Thanks.

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Any one ever squeeze 15X8 rims under a '65 that has a 2" drop? I was thinking 235 60 tires. The american racing site lists 15x7 as an optional wheel size. I just found a real sweet set of 15x8 Eagle rims from an S10.

I had a set of 15 X 8" rims under a 66 Malibu, back tires that is. I suppose that it would depend on a few factors including backspacing/offsets. I would feel pretty confidant that say 60's would work and maybe 50s. Measure the inside of the wheel wells max width that should give you an overall idea of section width for the tires.

All else fails, you can go to a good tire shop and have them do the measuring. I believe Discount Tires has the equipment and will do the measurements. 2" drops may be a huge factor but then you will just have to do the measurements to know for sure.

Thanks Pete. Since I posted earlier, I've located a set of 15x7 camero wheels with 235 60's that I can borrow this weekend. If they fit, I can check clearance and should be able to figure out if the 8" rims will work..

Bob- You can fit a 15x8 on the front of your 65 with 4 3/4 to 5 inch backspacing. It will be tight all the way around though. Don't expect to fit a tire any larger that a 245/60/15, and even that may rub a little depending on brand. Problem is that most aftermarket wheels in that size are 3 1/2 to 4 inches backspacing, which will put the wheel too far to the outside. I've had steelies made up by several suppliers to specs over the years. Most aftermarket manufacturers will make custom offsets these days, but be sure and measure before you order, and they also tend to add a bit to the price.

Devin

Thanks Devin. The Camaro wheels (15x7) I'm trying this weekend have 4" backspace, as do the S10 wheels (Eagle Alloys, 15x8) that I'm considering. Tha camaro wheels should give me the ability to calculate the clearance of the 8" rims.

I've got 235.60.15 on the front, 255.60.15 on the rear of my 84. The fronts rubbed a very little when I hit large dips in the road and the rear never rub. They are mounted on 8"Cragers with 4" backspacing. When I replaced the front end with all new bushings the fronts have yet to rub.