I have a 1969 Skylark Custom with 14" Buick Ralley wheels. Can I go with the 15 x 7 version without any clearance problems ? I'm particulary concerned with the straight rear wheel well area. I want a stock looking stance. Also, with the 15 x 7 wheel, what back spacing and tire size should I use. I did this swap on a 69 GS 400 about 25 years ago and can't remember what I did. Finally back into the Buicks. Thanks, Mitch
Mitch, welcome aboard, great to have you back! No problem swapping to stock 15x7 chrome wheels. You do need to be careful how wide you go on the tire though. I swapped last year, with stock 15x7 rims. Went with 245 60 15 BFG Radial TA's all around. They are close in the rear to the lip of the wheel well, but definitely no rubbing. With more backspacing, you can go quite a bit wider, but not as much as the 70-72 cars. I'm not sure of the B/S requirements, but this has been discussed in depth here many times. You could try the Search function to find some other threads on the subject.
Do you have the fender skirts on your Custom? They could pose more of a problem, not sure on that one.
14" to 15" wheel conversion Thanks for the info Dave. No fender skirts on this one. Just a cruiser for me for this spring and summer. The 15" definitely look better than the 14". Any suggestions on which brand to buy ?
Hi Mitch , my 68 custom came out of the assembly line with 14" AND skirts . When I bought it former owner had some aftermarket chrome wheel on 15" , some rubbing in hard turn ..... Since then I bought some nice Buick Rally Wheel (JJ code) out of a 76 Regal and , with the same tire , no more rubbing ! Unfortunatly I don't remember the size of those tires .... something between 175-195 . My next set are going to be a little larger like 205-215 probably with raised letters . p.s I still run with the skirts on .
