GNX 16x8 wheels on a 65 GS

Discussion in 'The Hides' started by gs65, Oct 3, 2018.

  1. gs65

    gs65 Well-Known Member

    Hi
    Has anyone tried mounting the GNX mesh wheels on a 65 Skylark GS? I was told BS on GNX wheels is 5 and 4.5.
    Running 15x7 Rally wheels now with 255/60-15 which leaves maybe 1" of clearance on the rear inner fender.

    As I remember 15x7 BS is 4.25.

    Thanks
     
  2. FJM568

    FJM568 Well-Known Member

    The GNX wheels were sourced from the Trans am, I believe. The TA used the staggered backspacing. When used on the GNX, they either used 4 fronts or 4 rears from the TA, I don't remember. In other words, the backspacing for the GNX will be the same on all 4 wheels.

    edit...I have tried putting my 85 GN aluminum turbine wheels(same as 86-7 TurboT) on my 66 Skylark. They didn't fit. The center hole on the wheel was too small to fit over the axle hub center on the rear axles.
     
  3. gs65

    gs65 Well-Known Member

    Thanks Jim
     
  4. FJM568

    FJM568 Well-Known Member

    Dave,
    Now that I think about it some more, I had a 68 or 68 Chevelle 8.2 rearend in my car at the time when I tried to fit my 85 GN wheels on it. I don't know if the center hub on the Chevy rear is the same size as a Buick 8.2. I may be able to measure my original 66 Buick 8.2 rear axle hub center and measure the center bore of a Turbo T wheel to see if the sizes are close to fitting. If the Turbo T wheels would fit, I don't see why the GNX mesh wheels wouldn't fit.
     
  5. Golden Oldie 65

    Golden Oldie 65 Well-Known Member

    I don't see why either of them wouldn't fit. Both the Trans Am and the GNX had generic 8.5" rearends, same and many other cars and trucks with the exception of the width and bracketry so why would the center hole be different on some wheels? Or the axle hub be larger?

    We don't have a lot of room under the fenderwells in our `65 cars but if these wheels are 15x7 with a 4.25 BS then you shouldn't have a problem. I have a `70 12 bolt under mine, which is 1/2" wider on each end. On the rear I have 15x8s with a 5.5"BS and a 275/60 tire. On the front I have 15x6s with a 3.5" BS and I have no clearance issues. If I had the original rearend I would need a 5" BS to fit the same tire. They're close enough on the front and back sides that I can't even get my fingers in there, and I don't have fat fingers but the tires don't rub anywhere.
     
  6. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    The reproduction GNX wheels are 16" x 8" with zero offset. Measured backspace usually includes the lip on the wheel, so an 8" wheel measures 9" wide, or 4.5" backspace.
    That's equivalent to 4" backspace on a 7" wheel.... more would be better but may work if tires aren't too wide.... 255's would likely fit, but 275's might rub on the outside.
    Comparing to Bill's combo, it looks like you would be pushing the tires outward 1/2" on each side.

    https://www.kirbanperformance.com/p...S+AM+STYLE+16"+x+8"+WHEELS+SET+(4)+#7219.html
     
  7. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    Repo GTA wheels avail too, about $200 each.
    Front are zero offset, rears are 16 mm offset, but doesn't say if it's a positive or negative offset.

    http://www.hawksmotorsports.com/fir...-wheel-black-front-sold-per-each-zero-offset/
    http://www.hawksmotorsports.com/fir...n-wheel-black-rear-sold-per-each-16mm-offset/

    Edit:
    GTA front have 4.38" backspace, rears have 5.24" backspace.
    http://www.wheelcollision.com/store/H1507-01507AXGM-FIREBIRDGTA.htm
    http://www.wheelcollision.com/store/H1508-01508AXRE-FIREBIRDGTA.htm
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2018
  8. gs65

    gs65 Well-Known Member

    Wheels have 245/50-16 tires mounted all around. Maybe a little short
    I also have a Chevelle rear, 1965, I'll check the axle hub size.
    If that checks out should fit.
    Thanks all for the input
     
  9. telriv

    telriv Founders Club Member

    As I see it you have two options. Cut the I.D. of the wheels or remove the axles & cut the O.D. of the hubs. Same on the front dics/drums.
     
  10. cruzn57

    cruzn57 cruzn57

    I have a set of 18 in GNX wheels, (8's and 9's)
    from Brian at "G Body Parts", they're for my 87 GN.
    wondering how they'd look on my 72, skylark
     
  11. steve covington

    steve covington Well-Known Member

    Cruzn57, I have a set of (get this, They were a factory option in the southeast on Camaro!) 15x7 GOLD lace pattern wheels on my 71 Skylark 'vert. And a set of 16x8 Real T-A wheels GREY on one of my T-types. Can send pic's via phone, but can't upload. I'm technology limited...Send PM if interested, and you have my permission to upload here if desired.
     

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