Hello All, I know this is being partially covered in other threads, but I have a few more questions and don't want to take over somebody elses thread. I am finishing my 72 lark convertible and need help with rims and tires. Unfortunately, I cannot use the 15x7 rallys I have because the rear calipers are hitting. I remember seeing a 70-72 gs here that had custom wheels, it was a silver car. I cannot find this thread since the board went down. I also need to replace the tires. I do not want to go with 17" wheels or bigger, I don't really like the look. What works, what are you running? FYI: It will be pushing 550 hp, OD trans and 4:11 gears and driven on the street. Thanks, Dave
How much of the caliper is hitting, you say the 15x7 hits the only way you can go is up in rim size. Or are you having a backspace issue?
Ricardo, I am not opposed to going with 16" rims, I just dont want to go bigger than that. The rear disc setup is Baer brakes and they were SUPPOSED to be bolt on and fit with 15" wheels, but they dont. It's like the Buick rims are tapered in....... maybe it is a backspace issue? I will be going up to see it this weekend and will look a little closer. Thanks, Dave
It is possible that the rims taper in some, you could probably try a spacer between the rim and the axle hub if is just slightly touching where the rim begins to taper. Also remember whatever size spacer you use it will also push the rim/tire out, but should not be a problem, also I would not go over 1/4 in, probably would have to get longer wheel studs. Just some ideas.
I've also heard that you can grind a little bit off of the calipers to avoid contact. I don't know, though, if you'd want to do that to a Baer caliper.
Phillip, Nah, I dont think I want to shave the caliper. I will have to replace wheels and tires and am looking for suggestions for rubber and custom wheels. Again, I remember seeing pic's on this board of a members ride that had ..... I dunno.... maybe torque thrust 2's.... I dont remember. They did look good tho.... it was a silver GS..... Also need to figure out what size rubber fits and will maximize hook up, I really dont know what to expect from this driveline, but am hopeful she cooks. Dave :3gears:
Dave, This might be the wheel your searching for...16" Classic Torq Thrust. The members name is lcac_man. I copied/posted the picture from this thread. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=55415
Yo! I have a 70 Skylark with 11" Baer's on the front (with 2 piston PBR caliper). I used to have 16 Torque Thrust 2's on it, but get this, I bolted 14 inch ralley's over them when I switched the 16's to my GS...I could not believe they fit! Contact Baer and find out the correct offset needed...remember not all Buick ralleys are the same (14 or 15's). The wheels on the GS above are the exact same ones I have. :TU:
Patrick, I have read that thread, this is not the car I was reffering to but man, that is one sweet ride!!!! :Brow: Thanks, Dave