I have a 1967 Buick GS400 Convertible I upgraded to front discs so I need to get larger Rims. I want to know what the my options are in width and tire size wise. In 15, 17, 18's. Widest possible and backspace needed on rims and then tire size for each rim size. I also have to let you know the car is lowered on hotchkis springs and no modification to wheelwells. Michael THanks in Advance. P.S. Do the GN or The GNX rims fit the 67 Buick Skylark? Who makes a style similar to the GNX black rims the black center and the polished or chromed lips. Like these http://www.motortopia.com/files/4083/part/4f6fe155988ce/1.jpg
Kirban Performance makes the GNX reproductions, 16"x 8", $1200 for a set of 4. Says they have zero offset which would be 4.5" backspace. This would put a wide rear tire (245+) close to the fender lip.5 to 5-1/2" backspace on a 8 inch wheel is about right for a 66-67. http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/478/GNX+-+TRANS+AM+STYLE+16"+x+8"+WHEELS+SET+(4)+#7219.html
I have 15 x 7 Buick wheels on my 67. I believe the have 4 3/8 back spacing. I am running 245/60R15 BFG tires at stock ride height. The rear is close but fine but the fronts will rub at the top when turning and compressing the suspension
Someone on Facebook in one of the Buick pages gave me the link to these 17x9 style GNX or GTA rims. I am looking to see if it would be possible to make these ones fit. ANyone know how to do a DIY back spacing tool.. I remeber seeing some one make one years and years ago... Michael
It's pretty easy to measure back spacing with a straight edge and ruler. Do you know how to do that? Plenty of videos on youtube.
wkillgs, Respectfully, I would have thought that zero offset of a 8" rim would have been 4"? I might not fully understand all the wheel related terms....
Wish there was a standard for how wheels are measured!.... I'll explain with an example. A 15" x 7" Buick wheel is 7" between where the tire bead mounts (the 'real' spec), but 8" wide when you add the wheel lips, so 8" wide edge to edge. Measuring from wheel mounting surface to back edge of rim (backspace) = 4-3/8" Measuring from wheel mounting surface to front edge of rim ('frontspace'?) = 3-5/8" Total wheel width is 8" even tho it's referred to a 7" wheel. Anyone measuring backspace on this wheel would measure 4-3/8"..... mounting surface to edge of wheel. It appears most manufacturers use this method? I prefer the 'offset' term since it won't vary with the thickness of a wheel lip or even wheel width. In the example above, Total width is 8", center point would be 4", and offset is 3/8" whether you measure from the rear (+3/8") or front (-3/8"). Problem I have with the 'backspace' term is it depends on wheel width..... 66-67's like about a 1" offset to center the rear tire in wheelwell. That would be 5" backspace on a 15x7 wheel, 5.5" on a 15x8 wheel, 6.5" on a 15x10 wheel. ......different backspace measurements for the same tire fit in the wheelwell.... can get confusing! But a wheel with 1" offset will center the tire irregardless of what the wheel width is. Oh yeah, there is a positive offset and a negative offset depending on whether tire gets moved inward(positive) or outward (negative) from center. It's usually expressed in mm.
I I've learnt a little but as still a little confused. So would these rims fit a 67 GS400 Convertible? http://www.hawksmotorsports.com/gta-mesh-wheel-set-of-4-17-x-9-black-reproduction/ specs.. NOW AVAILABLE New reproduction GTA mesh wheels for 1987-92 Firebird Trans Am GTA models but will fit any 1982-92 Camaro or Firebird application. These wheels measure 17" x 9" with a 5 x 4-3/4" bolt pattern. These wheels feature a black mesh center section with +12 offset and 5.5" backspacing. Included are the 2 front wheel spacers needed for proper fitment. Valve stems, lug nuts and center caps ARE NOT included and must be purchased separately. Michael
According to Walt, a 9" wide rim would need 6" of back space, so those wheels are a 1/2" short. Also, realize as you get close to the limits of wheel width, you can still have problems with clearance. It is not unusual to have more room on one side than the other. This is because the body may not be exactly square on the frame. I would stick with an 8" wide rim.
Right, 12mm of positive offset is just under a half inch. A 15x7 Buick mag has 3/8" of positive offset, so fit would be similar. A 245 might fit.
I'm so so confused.. So I know that the replica GNX rims wont fit but would these rims fit my 67 GS400 I'm now looking at http://www.americanracing.com/wheelSpecs/2060/2209/4488/vn427-shelby-cobra in the 18x 8 with 4.5 inch back spacing and looks like 0mm offset. will they fit front and rear. Michael
Walt already stated that to get the best out of an 8" wide rim, it needs 5.5" of back spacing, so I would say, no, they would not be optimal.
