72 Nova, stock suspension with air shocks on the back. I'm buying a set of 15"x8" Craiger SS wheels and need to know what size tires will fit. I don't mind modifying the inside lip on the back wheel wells if needed.

Any ideas, it'll be used for cruising, shows and drag racing.

Thanks!
270win

I run 275/60/15 on all my nova with no problems

what year? Did you modify the wheel wells at all?

Thanks
270win

Backspacing is real important. Not all 15x8 wheels will fit the same.

Good point Philip. What does and does not work? Anyone?

270win

On my '70 I'm running a 15 x 8 Centerline with 5" backspacing (5-1/4" backspacing on the wheel and a 1/4" spacer plate) and a 275/60/15 with the outer lips rolled for clearance. A 15 x 8 with 4-1/2" backspacing should work, but I like the tires tucked up a little more.

Derek

I'm hoping these wheels will work. I'm waiting to hear back from the seller on the back spacing. if it doesn't work out I'll get the Jegs Draglite style wheels. I still like the 15x8" wheel in back with 15x7 out front. How did you roll that lip under? I'm thinking of having someone do it for me if it's a big deal...270win

How did you roll that lip under? I'm thinking of having someone do it for me if it's a big deal...270win

The BFH mod :D is how mine was done (with a 2 x 4 on the outside to keep some tension and prevent pushes), but you can also use a ball-peen hammer and patience, or a tactic magazines have printed for years. Wedge a baseball bat between the tire and lip, weigh down the trunk and roll front to back slowly. They are tools now that are made to take the guesswork out of it, but I've never used one.

Derek

Ah yes, the Big Freakin Hammer mod.... I'm familar with that one. I'm not sure I wanna use that on my fenders though. :)Thanks for the tip though.

The ball bat works well, I have used it in the past on a couple of Chevelles.

What about using a 4" grinder to remove the lip? Or would that compromise the rigidity of the fenders?

Brandon

I don't think so but it is final. A rolled lip can be brought back to original if desired in the future, plus it leaves a smooth edge in case a tire does contact the metal..

Maybe I should give the baseball bat method a try. I wasn't thinking about the sharp edge the grinder would leave.

I run a Mickey Thompson ET Street 275/40-17 on a 8 inch Centerline rim with 4.5 inch backspacing, i cut the lip off and then used a body hammer to roll the sharp edge that was left. tire is 26 inches tall and 11 wide 10.2 tread section

It turns out that these wheels have 4-1/2" backspacing. I'll be getting them today or Monday. Once I get the fender lip rolled in I'll be measuring to find out how much tire I can use on the rears.

Brandon

With 4 1/2" of back spacing you should be able to get a good size tire under your car. Consider using a tire that will fit without any modifications to the fender lip. Why risk the chance of damaging the paint for another 1/2" of tire.

What size tire will work on the 72 Nova with 15x8" wheels with 4-1/2" backspacing? Any ideas to start with?

The paint on the car is just primer/sealer. The last thing I plan to do is paint the car. That being the case, would you roll the lip in or not? Or is the paint the only reason not to?

Brandon

If the tire you choose fits with no mods then I would not roll the lip. Even with it rolled or cut off you do not want to be that close to the fender. The tire/body fitment changes somewhat with body roll. The springs are rubber mounted so there is some movement of the rear end from side to side. Ask the shop where you plan on buying tires if they will mount some for you to check fit and the look. Our local Discount Tire will.

this is a pic of my car i just got the new wheels and tires on it this week

http://a106.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/113/l_2414c6eb6e4ca809bda227543543bbf1.jpg

http://a499.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/93/l_13e6969182d2ddfd72c65455b46290f2.jpg


on the back i've got weld drag lites 15x8 with a 4.5"backspace and a 1/2" spacer,im running a that spacer but my rearend is narrowed an 1" wich comes out to be 1/2 of an inch on each side,so the spacer u will have to play with,i went with the 4.5 backspace because u can always move the tire out but not back in,the tires are mickey thompson et streets 28x9.2 and just so your aware im running calvert split mono leafs that are built one inch higher than stock so keep that in mind when choosing highth hope it works out!!---Dan 70novadisease

You're car looks awesome. I like the stance that the wheels, tires and suspension provide. I had a deal worked out with a local guy for some Craiger SS style wheels but they weren't as nice as what really wanted. I'm going to wait and just get some Jeg's Draglite style wheels. I'm thinking 15x8 in the back and somewhat narrower in the front. Not too narrow though because I want to drive it on the street too.

Brandon