15x8 wheels with 5 inches backspacing

Discussion in 'The Hides' started by 1965Buick, Sep 17, 2016.

  1. 1965Buick

    1965Buick Well-Known Member

    Who's running 15x8 wheels with 5 inches of backspacing?

    Where did you get these wheels? Wheel Specialties, Stockton, or another maker?

    What tire size are you running on these wheels?

    I plan on running 15x8 with 5" BS and 275/60-15 on a 65 Skylark, so any info would be helpful.

    Thanks,

    Doug
     
    1968_GS400 likes this.
  2. 1965Buick

    1965Buick Well-Known Member

    Ttt
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2016
  3. 1965Buick

    1965Buick Well-Known Member

    Based on how popular 15x8 wheels are, I guess only very select few have opted for 5" of backspacing. I understand that 4.5" BS is the norm, but I'd be willing to bet I'm not the only one interested in running a 15x8 wheel with 5" of BS. So, for the sake of those of us that want to run them, what particulars can those that are using them tell us?

    Thanks,

    Doug
     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    4.5" is the standard back spacing. If you want 5", you have to special order it, more money.
     
  5. 1965Buick

    1965Buick Well-Known Member

    Larry,

    Good insight, it only stands to reason, it's not standard so it will cost more. More so what I would like to know would be along the lines of the following (and not only from the 64/65 owners but everyone);

    Who's running 15x8 wheels with 5 inches of backspacing?

    Where did you get these wheels? Wheel Specialties, Stockton, or another maker?

    What tire size are you running on these wheels?

    I plan on running 15x8 with 5" BS and 275/60-15 on a 65 Skylark, so any info would be helpful.

    Thanks,

    Doug
     
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    The 64-69 cars need the increased back spacing. I would imagine you could get them from any of the ones you mentioned. I believe the 275/60-15 would be the biggest you could run. I'm sure some of the guys will chime in, but it may take awhile.
     
  7. 1965Buick

    1965Buick Well-Known Member

    That is what I figured (tire size), without going to a wider rim, with more backspacing, mini tubs or frame mods (which right now I don't want to do). I would have thought the 64/65 guys would have joined in by now, but I'll wait.
     
  8. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    It's not optimum, but you can put the 275's on a 7 inch wide wheel with 4-1/2" backspacing.

    Or find a narrower rear. Some 64-66 rears were narrower. I have one from a '64 Olds F-85.
    12 Bolt Chevelle rears are also an inch narrower (and usually expensive!).
     
  9. 1965Buick

    1965Buick Well-Known Member


    I would think the 275 on a 7" wheel with 4.5" BS would be very close on room to play. I like the idea of a narrower rear, that opens up quite a few new possibilities as well. I know you are right on about the cost of the earlier rears though. Good idea, and definitely something to think about.
     
  10. 65Larkin

    65Larkin Well-Known Member

    I have 15 x 8's with 5' BS on the back of my 65 Lark. When they arrived (after NZ customs had a look and took a bite out of my pocket) i put them on the car for a looksee before mounting tyres, from memory i had a clear sweep of 1/2" outer and 1 1/2" from the inner edge so i'd stay away from the common 4.5 BS. I bought the repro Ods SS style rims to get the backspace right for a far more sensible price. Much easier to get away with it where i live :cool:

    I can slide my hand straight up the sidewall of my 245/60r15's up the wheelwell o.k but i'm skinny, this is with the underseal still intact so you might need to perform some massaging to get what you want in there - or a narrower diff.
     
    1968_GS400 likes this.
  11. BillA

    BillA Well-Known Member

    I'm running Centerline billet 16x8's with 5" of backspacing on my 64. Tires are 255/50. I could probably squeeze a 275 in there but I'd need 5.25" of backspacing to do it without risking tire rub on the inside edge of the outer fender. The rear is a 12 bolt chevy that was narrowed in width to match the original 8.2.
     

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