15" x 8" with 4.5" BS Fit '65 Gran Sport

Discussion in 'The Hides' started by '65softtop4, Dec 16, 2021.

  1. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Does a 15" x 8" wheel with a 4.5" back space fit properly in the rear wheel well of the '65 Gran Sport
    with a 245/60/15 tire?
     
  2. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Everything I know about the pre 1970 cars says that they need more back spacing, about an inch more. Every time I say that, someone will say it works on their car:D, but it is in no way optimal AFAIK.
     
  3. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    Thanks Larry. I know what you mean. I've read many of the threads about wheels and have come away with nothing definitive.
     
  4. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes, but lets look at it from a practical stand point. In 1965, there was no 15" rallye wheel for the A body, just the bigger cars with the 5 X 5 bolt pattern. So let's look at the wheel chart for 14" X 6" Rallye wheels,

    WHEELCHART.jpg

    The 14" X 6" wheel for 65 and 66 cars had 4 1/2" back space. You are trying to fit a 2" wider wheel with the SAME back space.:) A 2" wider wheel would need 1" more back space to keep the wheel centered in the wheel well as Buick intended. That means 5 1/2" back space.
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2021
  5. '65softtop4

    '65softtop4 Well-Known Member

    So, additional 1/2” with 7s?
     
  6. wkillgs

    wkillgs Gold Level Contributor

    I think they will fit, but may be a little snug on the outside at the fender lip.
    My 66's have a slightly wider rear by about 1". I run 255/60-15's on 15x7's with 4-3/8" backspace.
    You're going with 8" wheels (extra 1/2" on the inside) which should be offset by the 65's narrower rear.
     
    buickri likes this.
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Yes.
     
  8. GS Kubisch

    GS Kubisch THE "CUT-UP" BUICK

    Just had a a 15x8 with a 255 MT "Street R" radial on my 65. As long as you have the original width rear axle you should be fine.
     
  9. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Are you measuring the inside to inside the rim? 15x8 should be inside to inside.
     

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