Another wheel fittment question

oz camino · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 3:58 pm Post subject: Another wheel fittment question

Hi All
I was trying not to go down this route by asking will these fit or will those rub.

I have been working on getting my 78 Black knight on the road for about 2 months now and it is getting close.
I am in Melbourne and finding wheels has been a nightmare.
We have an equivalent stud pattern 5 x 120.65 in Australia call a HQ Holden but all the wheels to fit this are 13, 14 or 15. and when you can find mags second hand they are snapped up pretty quick and not real flash.

I started looking for new set, gave that up pretty quickly as every tyre store I went into either started rubbing their head vigorously looking stressed or chuckled and asked me if i was serious??

So I started thinking about importing from the states and found these on eBay which are pretty close to what I have been looking for heres the link

Black tourqe thrust (style)

I have also been ready quite a few post trying to figure out back space off set and wheel sizes? and these ( apart from some of the post about 22 inch rims ) seem to be pretty close to the max (9" on the back:( ), the store has a guaranteed fitments with standard suspension on

Chevrolet El Camino, El Camino SS (1964-1972) wheels and tire sizes:

17x8" front wheels with 235/45/17, 225/50/17 or 235/50/17 tires and
17x9" rear wheels with 245/45/17, 255/45/17, 275/40/17 or 255/50/17 tires
Chevrolet El Camino, El Camino SS (1982-1987) wheels and tire sizes:
17x8" front wheels with 235/45/17, 245/45/17 or 235/50/17 tires and
17x9" rear wheels with 255/45/17, 275/40/17 or 255/50/17 tires

I asked the question what about between the years of 72 to 82 and the response was "yes, these wheels will fit all El Caminos from 1959 thru 1987 (including your 1978). Thanks, Joe"

So here comes the question

Lug pattern: 5x4.75" (same as 5x120.65mm)

Wheel offset:
17x8" and 17x9" wheels: 0mm offset

Backspacing:
17x8" wheels: 4.50" backspacing
17x9" wheels: 5.00" backspacing

*The offset is the same on both size wheels
(17x8" and 17x9") and consequently the lip on both is the same. The extra 1/2" backspacing on the17x9" wheels is not due to the offset but to the
extra width of the rim and to a thicker mounting pad.

Will these fit my 78 Elc with standard suspension with out any modification.
I am getting desperate and these are pretty much what i want and don't want to do my dough when they arrive 800 dollars later and dont fit / rub like a mother.

cheers
Oz Camino
_________________
71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

87ElCamino · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 5:26 pm Post subject:

I would not suggest going with a set of wheels with more than 4" of backspacing. The stock 78 wheels only had 3.75" of backspacing.
_________________
Ernie
87 El Camino
Rolling Eyes

"To be Old and Wise, you must first be Young and Stupid"

oz camino · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject:

Cheers Again 87 ElCamino
I suppose I am in the young and stupid stage of my life.

I appreciate the suggestion and if being young and stupid I decide not to take it up ( i know i should) what issues apart from fitment might i suffer in going with 4.5 back spacing.

Is it to do with track of the wheels?? or are they likely to damage bearing after prolonged use?

I have limited knowledge it this area, hence asking the question and not thinking about not taking you initial advice

Again I have read a few post and some of the members are fitting bigger rims, what are the consequences.

Cheers
Oz C
_________________
71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)

87ElCamino · Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject:

Larry 3 · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:00 pm Post subject:

OZ,
Ernie knows what he's talking about. I have some NASCAR Goodyears mounted on my 83 Camino now. It's not running, I''m building. But the bottom line is they are 27.5X 12 X 15 with a 4.0" backspace and I had to add a 5/16" spacer and they clear the frame by about 1/8". These are not drag slicks, so they don't change dimensions much. I have some 255X50X17 on 17X9 rims that work fine. They are 4.0" backspace also.
Going beyond that is trouble for you on the back, and more on the front.
You can move the wiring harness Ernie is talking about, but with more than 4" backspace you are still rubbing the frame and messing up your new tires! And Safety is out the window.. Sad

_________________
Larry 3 in Hot Springs, AR
Yeah, I've been around the block a few times, but I usually can find my house without help! lol

oz camino · Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:49 am Post subject:

Cheers Larry was trying to stay away from this post as i know i have gone against very good advice from Ernie I could not find what I was looking for in Oz and being a little hot headed I went ahead and ordered. They are clearing customs tomorrow and will try and have then fitted before the week is over.
I will post pics Confused

to let you know how they turn out.

Desperate to get this car on the road as my only other mode of transport if the blown 454 71 elc and as petrol prices are high it hits the budget.
I have checked the wiring harness for the indicators and it seems to sit pretty tight on top of the chassis. .. I will also get the local tyre joint to check it out and give me the best recommended tyres that will help fitment.

Cheers

Oz camino
_________________
71 El Camino super charged 454 (sold)
78 Black Knight (on the road)