I have a 81 el camino and i am uh..."urban" i guess u could say...i know i could fit 20x8's but what about 22x8's??? has nebody seen or done this...i wouldnt mind rasin the front up....any suggestions??? thanx

Mattnificent

Really, I wouldn't go any bigger than 18" on an Elky. I've seen a few with 20"s and it just didn't look right. Unless you're planning on not driving it around (show only), I wouldn't waste the $ on bigger rims. Oh, by the way, you'll prob get ripped by everyone on this site for even considering putting that big of rim on your Elky. Be prepare! :?

Really, I wouldn't go any bigger than 18" on an Elky. Oh, by the way, you'll prob get ripped by everyone on this site for even considering putting that big of rim on your Elky. Be prepare! :?


!
At least we're talking about "wheels", instead of "rims" :cool:

I've seen Elky's with 20" conastoga wagon wheels and personaly they look really bad in my opinion. The Elky has a relativly short wheel base to begin with and the larger the wheel makes the Elky look shorter and taller.

To me, and it's just my opinion, these type of wheels only look good on Tahoe's and Suburbans. But like I said! it's just my opinion and you do what you want. It's your car......Just enjoy.

By the way if you know someone with this size and type of wheel borrow them and try them on your El Camino before you lay out the big bucks!

Good luck and do what you got to do!

If you choose a wheel and tire combination that fills the wheel wheel wells and has a little rake I think it could look good. I would stay away from the ultra tech looking wheels as they might not match the Elky's styling. Try it out and post pictures.

im still debatin, what yall think bout some 100 spoke wire wheels???? chrome, NOT GOLD of cousre.....im definetly goin at least 18's......

Just a thought about wheels.

I bought a set a few years ago with all the spokes. They were a real pain in the *** to clean.

This time looks and ease of cleaning were equally important!

Magnififunk:

If you are a drug dealer and are building a "Pimp Wagon" go for the big wheels. It will let the cops see you coming and bust your ass.

If you are an Elky enthusiest, stick with the 15". If you change tire size it changes the geometry of the performance. There are a ton a nice wheels at the "real" size.

Elky77

OK, I have only been a master tech for about 12 years so your gonna have to help me-how does going plus 1 or 2 or 4 in this case change the geometry of performance. I'll bet pink slips my elco with its 17's outhandles your 77 without ever having seen it. Upgrading wheel size does nothing but improve handling and over-all performance :)

yeah, and it puts your effective rear gear down into lets see like 1.2 to 1. Oooh boy, Great for the salt flats, crap out of the hole...

And personally I think tahoes and escalades look stupid with 22" rims. Looks like those tonka trucks I played with as a kid.

And if you don't modify your suspension and proceed to put an oversized wheel on it you can't help but get at the least a change in camber without a dropped spindle not to mention the extra load being taken up by your balljoints and your control arm shaft. Every hear of a thing called Steering Axis Inclination.

That and you can't help but raise the vehicle with a taller tire/wheel combo. Go from a 27 inch totat height to just a 29 inch total height and see what happens to the vehicles center of gravity and its effect on suspension geometry.

Now I would bet your El with 17's is probably running a fairly short sidewall and not that far out of spec from the total height of the stock tire and rim combo. TO get that "performance feel" you get to sacrifice ride quality. And a taller wheel doesn't help a car perform, it helps it get squirrely.

A wider tire with more contact patch does help performance however. I will take a z rated 245 45 over any 235 50 any day of the week. However I know I will sacrifice some ride quality.

Common sense and experience taught me that. Simple. I had a brand new 90 toyota truck with stock 215 70's, Handled ok but a bit loose for my liking. Switched over to 235 60's and it handled like a freakin slot car.

I actually regret putting 15's on my 74 now because I lost some gear when I stepped up to a taller tire/wheel combo. But then I'm not drag racing and I knew what price I was gonna pay going in.

Just my 2 cents. 8)

Going to a larger wheel with a wider tire and smaller sidewall will always improve the handling. Now like anything else you have to keep things proportional and within reason. Keeping the overall diameter of the new tire/wheel combination within 5 to 10 percent of the original size will give a satisfactory ride and much improved handling, and I think it looks better also. Really big wheels (20" +) or extremely low profile tires (less than 35) don't look good to me and will probably give a very harsh ride. Just my opinion.

There seems to be two different discussion going on about tires.

If done properly, plus sizing does not change the tire diameter or gear ratio.

If you stick a wheel and tire on your vehicle that you think looks nice without doing the math, then you can change the diameter and final drive ratio. There are on line sites that will calculate the sizes and you can compare several tire/wheel combinations on one page.

Try this one to see how it works
http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi

im still debatin, what yall think bout some 100 spoke wire wheels???? chrome, NOT GOLD of cousre.....im definetly goin at least 18's...... I was going to put wire wheels on my 94 Cadillac Concours. When the owner/manager of a tire/wheel company that receives most of the business in my area told me. "No, you don't what to do that, they're nothing but trouble" rather than take my money...I took his advice, he's the pro.

If those spokes are anything like old harley spoke rims they could be a real pain. Spokes get loose and all of a sudden the damn wheel gets unbalanced.

Don't like spokes anyway, keep em on the bicycles.. :D

what do most of you guys have for wheels? 15s in front and 17 in back?

well those of you that have the raised stance, that is heh.

I use the same size wheels all around. I adjust the stance with Air Lift Bags.

Plus sizing wheels NEVER will cause the vehicle to handle worse unless you did something real stupdi like went to a 22X5 with a ridiculaus narrow tire. I run 17X9.5 and 17X11 on 255/40 and 285/40. My truck is about 4" SHORTER than stock. Never rubs, never bottoms out, pulls about .86 on the 400 ft skid. With the new suspension I am shooting for for .90+ on the skid-so much for the worse handling with taller wheels.

REAL muscle cars run 15" X7" or 8". Somtimes fat in back and skinny in front.

It's what they are meant to run.

Happy Motoring,

Elky77

I like the look of these rims and have watched a few sets go on Ebay.
The problem is I cannot get information. The sellers say they have two fronts and two backs. When I ask the difference, they say "offset" but offer no dimensions.

Do any of you experts know anything about the size of these 16" factory rims. Are the fronts and backs the same width? What is the actual offset dimensions. Is there a web page with this information?

I need help for several reasons..... I am working on this '79 for my grandaughter, she has no budget. Everything is out of my pocket. Plus I live in the boonies and my internet connection is phone line..... it takes forever to search and load sites. Please help the old man.

personally i'd go with 16" crager ss's but if u do for the spokes go for a smaller rims size, like 15's (give it that lowrider look)

It seems we are all very passionate about our rims/wheels.

There's the 'new' influence that would have 'spinners' turning on the wells, rims the size of beer kegs, skinny tires, next we'll have neon lights glowing from the undercarriage.

And then there's the 'traditional' muscle look. It's what they were built for and what they are meant to be. That's why we enjoy them.

It's your car, make it personal to you.

Elky77

Plus sizing wheels NEVER will cause the vehicle to handle worse unless you did something real stupdi like went to a 22X5 with a ridiculaus narrow tire. I run 17X9.5 and 17X11 on 255/40 and 285/40. My truck is about 4" SHORTER than stock. Never rubs, never bottoms out, pulls about .86 on the 400 ft skid. With the new suspension I am shooting for for .90+ on the skid-so much for the worse handling with taller wheels.

Whatever.......Thanks for the input.. 8)

I like the look of these rims and have watched a few sets go on Ebay.
The problem is I cannot get information. The sellers say they have two fronts and two backs. When I ask the difference, they say "offset" but offer no dimensions.

The GTA front wheels have a 4 1/2" backspace, the rear have a 5 1/8" backspace. The rears will not work without a 7/16th or 1/2" wheel spacer and adding longer wheel studs. It's best to buy 2 sets of fronts...you'll have no problems. You can also use a set of Buick GNX wheels. All 4 of the GNX have a 4 1/2" backspace. Some sellers list the wheels as fitting both GTA and GNX wheels on Ebay, be careful what you bid on and ask questions. One seller currently on Ebay had no idea in the difference of the wheels and has since relisted them as of yesterday. Although they look identical the backspacing is not the same. I have a GTA Trans Am with the correct wheels and I also have a set of GTA wheels for my Elky. All the wheels are 8" width 16" dia. 15" were also made for the GNX. I've also seen aftermarket 9" wide 17" dia. by a company named Enkei I believe, these are not OEM GM wheels. Let me know if you need some help. I've also converted a new set of chrome (plastic) GTA center caps with the bird to now have SS in the center and use chrome lugnuts instead of the black ones. I still need to have the wheels bead blasted, repainted and then polished.

whoever said it is goin to ruin my perfromance, i think its goin to be hard to ruin the performance on a v6 newaz.....i dont know about the spokes comin loose or what but i do know i see a whole lot of them around.....as far as cleanin them goes, im already obsessed with my elky so i think a lil extra time wont hurt me....i thought about some cragar ss but one guy at a wheels shop said he didnt really like the way the holes were set up for the lugs...since they're made to fit alot of bolt patterns....ne comments on that???

hmm, 17, 18, 19, 20 , 22inch...in five years we drive around with wooden wheels with a iron ring :cool:

i think, my elky had the best lok with 15" convos
http://www.chevy-elcamino.com/centerline-greenfront.jpg

check this elky out, i dont think it looks bad at all....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483663540&category=6153 ......

Xtreme Camino:

NICE CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Perfect stance, great color. I would have never thought of that color, but it's great.

The rims are great also, nice, shiney, and deep. Great work.

Magnificent:

Why would anyone like the wheels on the ebay Elky? They belong on a low-rider.

Elky77

check this elky out, i dont think it looks bad at all....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483663540&category=6153 ...... Other than the wheels and tires (they gotta go) the car looks nice. It says it has a "full working hydraullic system" does that mean it has power steering and the automatic trans works? I'm afraid to ask, but...what the heck is that tank mounted in the bed for? If it holds draft beer, that would be cool, but...I don't think so!

Geez, that ebay Elky is a fine example of how to turn a great muscle car into a trite, trendy abortion. The body, interior and motor look good, but those wheels and the 'hopping up and down hydraulic crap' ruin it.

Elky77

check this elky out, i dont think it looks bad at all....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483663540&category=6153 ...... Other than the wheels and tires (they gotta go) the car looks nice. It says it has a "full working hydraullic system" does that mean it has power steering and the automatic trans works? I'm afraid to ask, but...what the heck is that tank mounted in the bed for? If it holds draft beer, that would be cool, but...I don't think so!

hydraullics raise and lower the car
example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483234482&category=31851
a LOT of lowriders have em

There was a guy here that was showing off his new hydraulic system as we where going down the road. He jacked up the front as we were getting ready to hit a few curves. He totally lost it. Those systems are very dangerous for handling.

20's on a lowrider?? personally i think lowriders roll on 13,14 and maybe even 15 inch wheels...i dont agree with the hydraulics either but i think it looks good with the big wheels......

Most lowriders are rolling 18's or 20" 100-spokes. 13&14's are old school.

Why have we wasted three pages/screens on this subject?

Muscle cars run on 15" rims.

If you want to go bigger, go buy a "pimp/drug dealer car".

Get the big bass speakers that piss everybody off.

Get the neon lights underneath.

Do all of those things that will attract the cops to you.

Muscle cars are what they are! Enjoy them, or not.

Elky77

Yes muscle cars had 14" and 15" wheels, they also had points ignition, AFB carbs, two speed auto trans, bias tires, old tech shock absorbers, inadequate drum brakes, etc.
A "restofied" muscle car has 17" or 18" wheels, electronic ignition, modern carbs or FI, 4-speed automatics or 6 speed manual trans, radial tires, gas filled performance shocks, effective disc brakes, etc.
Elky77 take advantage of all the wonderful technological advances and get the look and feel of a '60s/"70s muscle car with all the advantages of a modern car. Just my opinion

Yes muscle cars had 14" and 15" wheels, they also had points ignition, AFB carbs, two speed auto trans, bias tires, old tech shock absorbers, inadequate drum brakes, etc.
A "restofied" muscle car has 17" or 18" wheels, electronic ignition, modern carbs or FI, 4-speed automatics or 6 speed manual trans, radial tires, gas filled performance shocks, effective disc brakes, etc.
Elky77 take advantage of all the wonderful technological advances and get the look and feel of a '60s/"70s muscle car with all the advantages of a modern car. Just my opinion

And new cars also have $120.00 a piece fuel injectors, $700.00 pcm's, wafer thin disc brake rotors, plastic front ends that shatter on impact with a oleander, electronically shifted transmissions that won't shift out of forth when you step on it etc. etc.

All that is new is not necessarily better. Adapting new tech to old cars is neither simple nor cheap. Do it halfa$$ and you end up with a safety issue as well. That's the danger here. I agree, do the upgrades but take the entire system into consideration before you start stuffing those 18" wheel and tire combos onto a car meant for 14's and G70's. :cool:

Most lowriders are rolling 18's or 20" 100-spokes. 13&14's are old school.

Ok, I must be confused cuz I work in an area with a heavily "urban" population and many drive mid sized and large 70's vintage sedans with these really tiny 13 inch "rims" with whatever tire pep boys could sell them cheaply.

Many of these cars can bounce and contort themselves in all kinds of directions on those teeny little tire and rim combos.

The only folks I see with 18 and 20's on them are the Tahoe and Ricer crowd. I don't see them bouncing on hydraulics going down the road either.

So there must be a new kind of custom out there cuz what you've described as a lowrider doesn't seem to fit what I see around here.

8)

check this elky out, i dont think it looks bad at all....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2483663540&category=6153 ......
http://www.chequeredflag.com/ebay/1984_elcamino/1984_elcamino_wheel.jpg
Think about what you just said.
allanova

Elky77-you are fairly closed-minded don't you think? Why don't you bring whatever you want out to the west coast so my friends and I can spank the crap out it with our 17-18" drug dealer/pimp cars. Ever heard of "Trasher""The Mule""poject 50/50" Morrison's 55, just to name a few-all these very exotic high end cars out run the best detroit has to offer in every category of performance and ALL have at least 17's. They are all also at least 35 years old and with the exeception of the 55 they define "muscle car". Open your eyes and look around, just cause it looks like a muscle car doesn't mean it has to drive like a muscle car.

Elky77, new car technology can't be suceessfully adapted to older muscle cars? You gotta be kidding. I have done several myself and there are 10's of thousands all across these United States. If you like buying old muscle cars and keeping them as they were that is fine; it's called collecting and not Hot Rodding. I'm glad that there are people like you
to preserve those old cars just as they were made. As for me I like to drive them so I make them more reliable, safer, more comfortable, better handling and faster--a lot faster.

well obviously everybody has a different opinion on wheels and so forth.....but let me ask would yall rather see one with something on it u dont like???? or one rotting away in some junk yard???

MattNificent

OOPS! I didn't mean to piss anybody off. Wow, what a topic and response. Looks like we might go to four pages/screens.

Mrapii: your comments about what's new are correct, well recieved and yes, they can and should be installed to make our toys as best as they can be. We want to personalize our cars, change hardware, soup them up. That's why we call the "Hot Rods". Adapting new technology to old cars is what we do. I'm almost 57 years old, I bought a 37 chevy coupe when I was 14 years old. I put a 54 chevy corvette six cylinder in it with three single barrel carbs on an Offenhouser manifold, with a mallory dual point distributor with a spark booster. It had a Sun tach and gauges, electric fuel pump, 57 three speed manual transmission, 54 "tourge tube" rear end, home made wheeler bars (traction bars) and all this on a 6 volt electric system.

Elcamino74guy: Your comments about the cost of new stuff, it's mostly manufactered for profit and is crap, breaks all the time, made mostly of plastic, etc. are also well taken. More than that, your comment "All That Is New Is not Better" would make a great tattoo. If I were into tattoo's.

Dennis68: Your talking about cars that are over the top. We are just home based car lovers. We can't and don't want to compete with people like Chip Foose.

OK Guys, just so you know that I'm not the purest you think I am, here's my car! Started as a 77 Classic Elky, Built in Georgia with a 350v8, TH350 and 411 posi rear end. High-pow with double hump heads. TODAY it has a little over 149,000 miles on the frame, hood, grill, right fender, right door, tail gate, engine, trans, differential. EVERY ELSE is new.

My changes are: 350 is bored .0030 over to make 355ci, Crane 3/4 race cam with roller lifters and direct drive cam gears (no timing chain), crank aline bored and balanced, Edelbrock carb, Eldebrock intake, new HEI distributer with booster, Hooker headers, electric fuel pump, every bolt on chrome piece possible under the hood, comp torque converter and shift kit in TH350 tranny plus cooler, sway bars and air shocks, changed rear end gears to Highway gears to make a delightful daily driver with lot's of get-up-and-go. New gas tank, straps and pads. Stripped the body down to the metal, shaved all trim, emblems and badging except for the gold bowtie on the front grill. Replaced the left fender, drivers door, bed panels. Patched the tailgate, right door and fender, re-chromed the bumpers, polished the rocker trim, wheel well trim. Gees, I could go on forever.

Oh Yea, we are talking about wheels aren't we? I'm running Crager 15" chrome five spoke that are about 20 years old, wrapped with Goodyear Eagles. What else would a muscle car be running?

In case you guys don't realize it. This is a great site and a great way to talk. I wish we could all be close to each other and have a more "physical contact" type of club. It would be great.

Thanks for all the input, we do love our cars.

Elky77


P.S. How in the world do you add your PC image file of your car to one of these forum response's? I would love to add mine so you guys could see what I'm driving. If anyone knows, please let me know.

I for one would rather see one that has some thought behind it. There is such a thing as rolling junk and that usually occurs when someone doesn't care or doesn't think about the consequences of their actions.

For example, There is a car in the 4th gens member's rides gallery that was owned by Montanx. I don't know if he still owns it as he was trying to sell it but I am pretty sure I saw this car close up at a world of wheels show a few years back.

Now it's not my cup of tea from a styling standpoint and is definitely "old School" lowrider. But The workmanship was what really stood out for me. You could tell there was a whole lot of thought and effort put into that ride and that I can appreciate. It wasn't my style but it was well done.

What I don't appreciate is a ride that is just slapped together with whatever autozone had on sale in the novelty isle. Blinking lights, contingency stickers and aero windshield wipers may be stylistic but if your car is belching smoke and your brakes sound like a machinist's lathe I'm not impressed. In that case I would rather see it rusting in the junkyard because then I could go rescue the good parts for someone who cares.

In fact that used to be the only way I could get replacement trim and body parts from my 74.

'nuff said..
8)

I for one would rather see one that has some thought behind it. There is such a thing as rolling junk and that usually occurs when someone doesn't care or doesn't think about the consequences of their actions.

'nuff said..
8)

See one what-if you mean one with 17's and 90's "junk" on it, hang out-I'll have pics coming soon. 8)

Elky77, I am just one year older than you and I also fondly remember my first hot rod. It wasn't a Chevy but a '50 Ford. Flat head with two Stromberg 97s on an Edelbrock manifold, Clay Smith "3/4" cam, homemade dual exhaust with Cherry Bombs and a Lincoln trans. Shortly thereafter I came to my senses and became a Chevy guy, although I worked for many years at a Ford Dealership and had several quick Fords.
The essence of hot rodding is taking something a manufacturer made and make it better (or at least unique). This forum is great because it allows me, an El Camino enthusiast, a place to interact with other El Camino enthusiasts. Thank you all NECOA members, you have taught me a lot.

Shortly thereafter I came to my senses and became a Chevy guy, although I worked for many years at a Ford Dealership and had several quick Fords.
Ahhhh....people what does that tell ya? I live near a big Ford plant that many of the people in my area work at...a lot of them drive Chevys. Working for Ford is a way to make a living...owning an Elky is a way of life! :)

I promised some 90's suspension/brakes for my 60's elco-here is some eye candy for y'all-http://elcaminocentral.com/users/dennis68/uca.jpg
http://elcaminocentral.com/users/dennis68/tierod.jpg
http://elcaminocentral.com/users/dennis68/rodend.jpg

Tubular A-ARms, Guess you want some G's outta your hauler!

nice.

8)

I promised some 90's suspension/brakes for my 60's elco-here is some eye candy for y'all-http://elcaminocentral.com/users/dennis68/uca.jpg
http://elcaminocentral.com/users/dennis68/tierod.jpg
http://elcaminocentral.com/users/dennis68/rodend.jpg Nice! That elky is looking good,keep up the nice work! 8)

Hello Everyone,

Elky 77 I'm with you, I'm sorta old school myself and I'm only 44.
I own a 71 350 bored over.30 vintage 1965 300hp 327 heads, Flowtech headers, 2 chamber flowmaster mufflers, yada,yada.

I also have 15x7 chevy rallies with 60 series meats wraped around them.
If I were to change anything wheel wise? It would have to be the kidney bean slotted mags of yesteryear. I love those wheels.

just my .02

Brian

I wanted to go with 16" all around, until I looked around and found out the tire selection for that size is very limited. Current plans are to put 17x10 rear and 17x8 front. If I was making this car strip only, I would stay with 15s, but I want the handling and braking improvements that the larger wheels allow for. Anything larger than 17" is probably overkill unless you're just going for the look.

The tires in my profile photo are 15"... L60 rear and G70 front.

72sprint-FWI 255/40-285/40 is perfect look and fit on those rims.

Thanks for props guys, hope to have it all together REAL soon.

18" and bigger wheels on an Elky? Nope - don't like 'em. Just my opinion.

I'm putting a set of 15" American 5 spoke mags on my '82 - regular center caps, not the spinners. I'll post pics as soon as I get something to take pics with.

Over 18" starts to look bad especially if the car has been lowered. Don't make your car look like a cartoon with 22s either! :lol:

i really don't see why people like 22's....they're insanely big and they're really expensive. i prefer 16's :cool: b

I am a recently retired truck driver. Covered all 48 states and a lot of Canada. I have seen a lot of vehicles with the "Big Wheels" on them and In my personal opinion, they look rediculous.
I always have to ask if the vehicle cam from Tijuana or Birmingham.
But I guess that is sterotyping.
I will lstick with my 15" rally's, thank you.

Well,iam 38 years old,i have had my 15's and bone "stock" looking rides,but like this hobby does...comes change,better and updated products,new tech and welcome change to our changing hobby. The matter is custom cars today at car shows,and in general are sporting 16" and above wheels and tires, there performance,look,custom approach to our rides are welcome,buy no means everyone should follow,but what really bothers me is the unsupportive talk and lack of respect people reflect on a car builders dream car, really if you don't like "big wheels" good! Your car does not have to have them,you'r style represents "YOU". For you guys with 15's and stock looking cars... you'r style is "YOU", iam happy for you! Iam (personally) not a fan of 22's 30's lime green paint,wire spoke "gold" rims that the tires are "bulging" of the bead,or do i not like 60's camper shells,dull faded paint,lamb wool seat covers,dirty un-kept looking interior's,on a el camino,or for that matter any vehicle,unfortunately there are some people who ruin there cars with the wrong ideas,and its shows. Its sad that people are "bitter" in the hobby,they need to go post somewhere else,maybe need to retire,pick up the paper and go relax somewhere,and quit beating this topic to death. :evil:

fo•rum \"for-em\ n, pl forums also fo•ra \-e\ [L] 1 : the marketplace or central meeting place of an ancient Roman city 2 : a medium (as a publication) of open discussion 3 : court 4 : a public assembly, lecture, or program involving audience or panel discussion
(c)2000 Zane Publishing, Inc. and Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Forum: a place where people can discuss their ideas and express their opinions.

If others opinions are offensive to you, maybe you should go read the news paper. On second thought, most of what you read in the news paper is offensive.

Sorry if I stepped on your tender toes. :D

..... u actually looked it up? :? <no comment>

Well,iam 38 years old,i have had my 15's and bone "stock" looking rides,but like this hobby does...comes change,better and updated products,new tech and welcome change to our changing hobby. The matter is custom cars today at car shows,and in general are sporting 16" and above wheels and tires, there performance,look,custom approach to our rides are welcome,buy no means everyone should follow,but what really bothers me is the unsupportive talk and lack of respect people reflect on a car builders dream car, really if you don't like "big wheels" good! Your car does not have to have them,you'r style represents "YOU". For you guys with 15's and stock looking cars... you'r style is "YOU", iam happy for you! Iam (personally) not a fan of 22's 30's lime green paint,wire spoke "gold" rims that the tires are "bulging" of the bead,or do i not like 60's camper shells,dull faded paint,lamb wool seat covers,dirty un-kept looking interior's,on a el camino,or for that matter any vehicle,unfortunately there are some people who ruin there cars with the wrong ideas,and its shows. Its sad that people are "bitter" in the hobby,they need to go post somewhere else,maybe need to retire,pick up the paper and go relax somewhere,and quit beating this topic to death. :evil:

No bitterness here. I just said I didn't like the bigger wheels. I also said it was just my opinion.

The original poster of this thread wanted opinions and suggestions. I assumed that meant both pro and con. I'm new here, so maybe that was an incorrect assumption on my part.

I've only been coming to this site and reading these forums for a little under a year, and I only joined quite recently, and I have seen a lot of dissenting opinions posted when someone asked for opinions. If that's now to be considered wrong, well then maybe you're right. Maybe I do need to just go read the paper.

If someone asks my opinion, that's what they're going to get. If someone has a problem with my opinion, it's simply that - their problem, not mine. It is, after all, just an opinion, not the law of the land. There's nothing personal intended by that opinion either. But I'm not going to sit here and lie to the man by telling him I love his choice of wheels when I don't.

Please don't read that as bitterness. I'm not bitter toward anything or anyone here. I know you weren't singling me out, but I figure I needed to reply to this to clarify a few things. If I seem to be a bit defensive about this whole thing, it's only because I'm still the new kid on the block, and I'm trying to figure out the established ground rules.

If I'm stepping on toes by making assumptions, I need to know it. If my posting an opposing opinion is going to create a controversy, I need to know that too. But if my opinion isn't welcome only because I'm not jumping up and down with joy and telling someone to go for it when I don't agree with their choice, then just let me know and I'll shut up and subscribe to the paper.

Again, no bitterness - just my opinion... :mrgreen:

Guess I will find another forum to express my opinion. I enjoy reading others opinion, but iI didnt come here to argue with someone who wants to express his opinion, but gets offended by someone elses opinion.
Have a good day.

let's not forget the reason we're here...El Camino's.we each have one (or more) built to our own specifications.if they were all alike,why bother? to mattnificent-build it the way you want...your car,your dreams & above all else...YOUR CASH! 8-)

Iam sorry poptanner for my response,it was wrong,and your very right. Iam having a bad week,and regretfully.. i took it out in here. I don't post that often (maybe coming up on 70) in and out of here for a year or so. What i think the lesson i have learned in here is...there is good and bad,not everyone has the same views or idea's,and i have to respect that,and if its negative or positive,thats what the forum is about. Iam a overly sensitive person (thats what the better half tells me :oops: ) ,and love this hobby,and the change in products and tech,maybe a little too much :lookround: Again my apologies to everyone, its time to go read the newspaper,thats all folks.

all GM's elkys are respected big and small 8) :)

IVE GOT 18-8S UP FRONT, WITH 20-8S IN BACK, I WOULD NOT HAVE CHOSE THESE WHEELS IF MY CAR WAS STOCK HEIGHT, BUT THEY LOOK AUSOME SITTING IN THE GARAGE, I TOOK A LITTLE WORK TO FIT A 20 IN THE REAR WITH AIRBAGS BUT IT WAS WORTH IT. I CHOSE A WELD WHEEL, IM NOT A FAN OF WIRES. LOOK ON CAR DOMAIN AND YOU WILL SEE A CRAP LOAD OF ELKYS, THERE IS A COUPLE WITH 20S AND THEY LOOK WEIRD- MY 2 CENTS, LATER

Hey Kristopher-all the way to the left of the keyboard about 3 keys up is one that has "Caps Lock" written on it. Please press it one time for me. Thanks.

Hey Kristopher-all the way to the left of the keyboard about 3 keys up is one that has "Caps Lock" written on it. Please press it one time for me. Thanks.Ya, it's about 7/16 of one inch to the left of the "A" key.

Back on the subject of large wheels, be prepared to b.o.a.t. not only for wheels, but for low profile tires, and not to mention brakes. BTW, b.o.a.t., bring out another thousand.

is it true that u can go up 2 rims sizes without messing with the speedometer? i'm kinda confused on that one..
thanks

You could only really do that if you decrease the tire's profile by the correct calculated amount every time( maybe by 25 profile all together?)

Some of you guys take this stuff to seriously.

(here goes about 50 replys)

Kris(can I call you that), please post a link to your ride-I'd love to see it. It sounds real nice-BTW I'm a big fan of plus size wheels and rubber band tires. I'm at 17's now looking to go 18's maybe, not sure how much push I'm gonna have yet.

is it true that u can go up 2 rims sizes without messing with the speedometer? i'm kinda confused on that one..
thanks
It all depends on the outer diameter of the tire you are using. If you have a 26" tall tire with 15 inch wheels, moving to a 26" tall tire with 17" wheels will not affect the speedometer.

???????
i was just wondering if i could go for 16" rims and regualr tires without messin with the speedometer
or if i had to mess with it in the first place
or what???
:? :x :oops:

Hi Jim.
Sorry we got off on the wrong foot. If you like El Camnio's, then your OK in my book.
It looks like we have our evolution reversed. You stated that you have had your "Bone Stock" rides and now you are into the street rod phase.
I started with the street rod's and was followed by a cop everytime I went to town with it. My oocupation required a clean driving record, so I got rid of the rod's. (41 Ford coupe, 48 Chev coupe, 51 Merc ragtop, etc)

After raising a fimily, I wanted another classic chevy and my father-in-law's El Camino was available. This is a true SS with all the original GM paperwork. If it was a plain jane elky, I might be tempted to go the "street Rod" phase again. However, I have seen very few 73's and only one or two other true SS's, so my intent is to restore it.

It is now a family heirloom and the kid'a will have to fight over it when I check out.

See ya on the street's

My '83 still has the original wheels and centers. I wonder if somebody thinks they are worth a lot of money. To me, they are nothing special, but I would feel guilty about discarding them from a totally original car. Thoughts?
Eric

I'm selling my original wheels and tires for $500. Check the pictures (http://elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Supercharged-SS&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php&page=3)

Eric.
I gather from your personals that you reside in Australia.
I don't know what the wheels and trim would be worth down under, but in my part of the U.S., I have seen several sets of 4 wheels and all chrome trim, and the asking price is usually around $200.00. That's $50.00 each.
I stumbled on a full set about 2 years back that came off a friends car that had burned beyond repair, so he sold the complete set for $50.00.
Those good deals don't come along every day. I also assume you are refering to the "Rally style" wheels.
I'm not even sure the 82's were exactly the same as the earlier models.
You can see a picture of the 73 style in the galary.
Go the 4th generation, and the 5th page. Mine is the first entry on the 5th page, and the first picture gives a good view of the original Rally Wheels.

If you are customizing the Elky, then the original's wouldn't make it worth any more at resale. If you are trying to keep it original, as I am, then the original wheels would increase the value if you decided to resell it.
See ya on the streets

im glad my post could go six pages of arguin and what not over wheels...but do yall think that my brand new battery wont even stay charged enouh to keep my lights bright and othe stuff is a alternator problem??? thanks

MattNificent

this has got to be the most funniest thread i of stuff i have ever read..LOL..For all of you that dont know 20 inch rims or not El caminos 78and up along with monte carlo super sports have always been considered what some of you call PIMP/drug dealer cars even without the big rims lol. I dont know how it is around the rest of the nation, but unfortunately here in beautiful southern california believe it or not people get killed over el caminos. Friend of mind told me its not a matter of if your el camino gets stolen its just a matter of WHEN. I know there was alot more going on in this thread but i just wanted to make that statement in reply to the whoever made the shallow pimp drug dealer comment. Big Rims and wild paint dont always = pimps and drug dealers. IF thats the case then we have pimps and drug dealers runnin multi-milliondollar broadcasting companies and multi million dollar car dealerships. lol lol.
just my half a cent if that much thought.

im still debatin, what yall think bout some 100 spoke wire wheels???? chrome, NOT GOLD of cousre.....im definetly goin at least 18's......
Spokes might look good. 8O
http://elcaminocentral.com/albums/album107/Sp2.jpg

Those spokes look pretty nice! I was going to install spoked wheels on my Caddy until the owner of the tire dealership recommened not to do it. He said if you hit a good sized pothole, you'll ruin the spoked wheel. Living in the Chicago area, and being that during the winter we get potholes the size of moon craters, I decided not to get them. I'm restoring a set of (4 front) GTA wheels for the Elky.

DAMN! that blue El Camino is SHARP!!!

can we say damn on the forum?

I agree 22's would be too big, 18's would be just right. I saw a 90's firebird w 8 spoke chrome 18's and it was perfect! I got the good 'ol 15" steel ralleys with "corvette spinners"on mine. I'm kindof going for a retro look.

I gotta stick with a "normal" wheel tire combo anyways because my relatives live out in the boondocks and 18's w/ low profs wouldn't be fun on a gravel road!! http://www.picturehosting.org/images/takespics/wheel.jpg

I have a 81 el camino and i am uh..."urban" i guess u could say...i know i could fit 20x8's but what about 22x8's??? has nebody seen or done this...i wouldnt mind rasin the front up....any suggestions??? thanx

Mattnificent

Yes I have it was on ebay a few weeks ago. They were 22 x 9 and it was grey. If i am able to I'll find and post the pic.

here is the link for the old auction

see for your self

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=300012300100&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3ARTQ%3AUS%3A1