Hey everyone. New guy here. I am blessed to be chosen by a 1957 Buick Special that is a true barn find. It hasn't ran since 1985 and is as complete as they come. I am planning to lower it 3" with new springs and I am curious to know what is the widest and tallest tire I can use without needing any modification. I will probably only run an 18" wheel but width is what I'm truly after. I want to fill the wells. Thank you for any and all advice. I look forward to learning from all of you on this site.
Dont know myself, but I havnt really looked into it yet (get mine going first), I dont think you can go very wide at all without at least tubbing it and possibly having to go to an open driveline to fit a shorter Diff. Dont forget, if you alter the total tire and wheel assembly diameter, your speedo will not be accurate. Take it from another Buick newbee, these arnt Chevies, so some stuff is just an absolute pain to mess with Even having lug bolts, can you get new bolts to mount alloy wheels or do you have to fit wheel studs somehow? Anyway, hopefully someone will chime in
Here's a novel idea: Install some 7.60x15 tires on the stock 15" rims (or 225-75R15 radials from Diamondback). Lowering with springs will result in a harsh ride, since the suspension will have limited travel. Dropped spindles are the way to go. The stock springs probably have already sagged making the car look tired and worn out. Replace with stock heavy duty springs along with a bigger sway bar. You will have a great riding and handling car. That poor old car waited all these years and does not need to be changed. :grin:
X2! That car does not have a lot of road clearance. I'd leave it at the stock height if it was to be a driver.
Thanks for the advice fellas. Heavier springs and a bigger sway bar sounds legit. Changing gears here but do any of you know where I can get a spark plug socket that will get these plugs out? I never thought this would be such a chore to remove the old plugs. I have tried 2 different thin walled sockets with no luck.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-Tools-3-8-Dr-Spark-Plug-Socket-6-Point-13-16-20-6mm-S9715-USA-/272336309001?hash=item3f68824b09:g:NhwAAOSw9NdXqoKW&item=272336309001&vxp=mtr Mine like this one fits.
