I did a search on this, but got different opinions so I will re-ask the question: What is the widest tire you can put on the stock 14x6 Buick rallye rim? I have a 71 GS convertible with the original 350-4. It is an occassional weekend driver, but goes to the drag strip a couple of times a year. The problem is that it peels out mercilessly on its current 215/75R14's, so I am looking for something a bit wider. Still, it can't be too wide for the wheel to be unsafe. From my searches, it seems like the two choices are: 235/60R14 or 225/70R14. What do you guys think? Also, any recommendations on brand of tire? A good price is a plus!
235's are no problem on a 14x6, I have 235 60R14's on mine. Some guys run 245 60 with no problems also, although mfgrs will state 245 is too wide.
I'm running 14 x 6s on the front with P 245 14" Dunlop Qualifiers. The tires fit with no problems. I run 15 x 7s in the back with P 295 Dunlops and they fit without problems. The combo looks impressive. Might want to give it a shot! John
tires & rims i worked at bfg many years ago & have some insight into tire sizes & rim widths . the widest tire that can be safely installed & used on a 6" rim is 225r70 or 215r60 ! when u run wider ties than these on a 6" rim , the tire sidewall has to roll out more because the bead ring on the tire is maxxed at 6" . the sidewalls will flex much more & deteriorate & weaken . also at recommended air pressure the center tread area will wear out more quickly . this really is a safety matter . however , i will not preach to anyone . do as u please . i have 225r70X14 bfg radial t/a tires on my 72 gs .
Re: tires & rims In terms of safety, do you mean that it is unsafe to use any tire wider than 225 under extreme conditions, or under normal driving? I definitely would want to err on the side of caution, but so many people seem to have no problems running 235s and even 245s. I didn't know there was a 215/60R14 option as well. How would the tire look with a much shorter sidewall than my current 215/75R14s?
widest tire i am saying that using too wide a tire for the rim width , weakens & damages the sidewall of the tire because of the additional flexing & stretching and thus premature failure . under extreme conditions (racing or overloading) , the tire could blow out the sidewall . i have bfg radial t/a on my gs . actually , if u go to bfgoodrich site , u can find a tech list as per rim widths vs tire sizes . if u merely just drive to enjoy your car , go for it . 245r60 is way too large for 6" rim . next year , if the $$ are available , i hope to purchase a set of 15x7 rallyes & i will install 255r60 bfg t/a radials . fyi , the wheels that were on my gs when i purchased it , were 1978 trans/am snowflake aluminum . the tires were 275r50 x 15" . 9 1/2" of tread on the ground . sold the rims & tires . refurbished the original 14" ralleys & bought the 225r70 tires .
Gerry, I plan on moving my 15 x 7s up front with maybe with P 255s. I plan on purchasing some 15 x 8s for the rear. Would my current P295s work on those rims without so much sidewall bow? Thanks, John
bfg tech site john check this address out . has tire & rim sizes from bfg . loks like 8" rim is the minimum width for your 295s . http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/assets/pdf/radial_ta.pdf
Great chart Thanks for the link. From the chart, it looks like 225/60R14s will also work. Any opinions on the look of a 225/60R14 vs. 225/70R14 tires?
for me personally , i would stick to the 70 series on the 14" rim . it is a little larger in diameter & with the t/a it is stronger . it all depends on the look u are trying to achieve . also , because of the large open fender wells of the buick a-bodies , 70-72 , i feel that u need 15 x 7 or 15 x 8 rims plus 245 or 255 r60 tires to make the car look balanced . whichever way u go , your ride will always look great .
Nice black droptop-- wow!!! I bought my convertible with 215/75R14 whitewalls on 14x6 like you and went to 235/60R15 BFG's on 15x7 Ralleys and couldn't be happier-- more aggressive looking-- MUCH better handling and traction. Going wider than the rim hurts handling with the tire getting too tall as well as the safety issues mentioned earlier. You keep the sidewall short and straight for good handling with the same width wheel and tire. Also, a 225/60R14 tire gets the car pretty low, might bottom out on steep spots as well as not filling the wheelwells for looks. I ran 235/60R14 on 14x6 in the '80s and did experience tire wear in the center of the tread (all those bunouts didn't help either :laugh: ) I still have one of those in storage and it looks funny to me now, the rim is so skinny.......
That's exactly what I have on my 14x6 rims, and the wear is perfectly uniform, and these tires are nearing the end of their tread. I keep my tires around 32-34 psi. There is a noticeable bulging, though pretty minor, of the sidewalls. I'll be using the same spec BFG Radial TA's when I swap up to 15's in the next year or so. Not quite so much extra rear space in the 68/69 bodies as the 70-72 have. OR, I may keep my one 235 tire for a spare, and try 245's all around. I test fit one 235 on the rear, and there's not a lot of room to the lip, but it is tight. I'll have to put it back on and measure the actual distance.
