Hi, I am new to the classic car realm but I am currently deployed which makes it hard to take measurements. We got extended so I have a little cash to use to put some new wheels on my Nova. I would like to put something like 20x9.5 on the back and 18x7.5 on the front. I would have to use low profile tires of course but I am looking for that low hot-rod look. I know that the pattern is 5x4.75 but don't know anything about back spacing or any of the other specs. I have been to about a hundred different websites but none of them seem to know what fits or could potentially fit beyond the original wheels. Does anyone know what fits?

Welcome to the board. I am sorry to say that I can not answer your question directly as you are plowing fertile new ground that I have not explored as yet. So I can not advise as what kind of "rocks" you are going to dig up as you go.

The safest way to do this is to go to a tire store states side that has a device made out of plastic (or pot metal) and coat hangers that will simulate the final dimensions of the wheel and tire combo you desire. It is then bolted onto the car while on the rack and rotated to check to see if it will clear your shocks, springs and the interior wheel housing. The next step is to then compress and extend the suspension (very critical on the front) and check again for interference with the fenders as the wheel is turned and rotated through it's full extension.

Most tire stores that sell "big" wheels will have such a device (if they are willing to mount and trial fit tires on wheels for free that works also, but few store will do that). You can buy such a device from Jegs for about $129 and try this out in the privacy of your driveway. Considering the expense of these big rollers, it is a wise purchase and many car clubs have one in their communal tool box.

All of this is of course states side, awaiting your safe return. Let me be the first to also wish you a safe and speedy return to this country that you are so selflessly defending. Even though I do not now, and never have favored our being there, I back your service to the country one hundred percent, and I thank you for your commitment and valor.

Big Dave

Hey thanks for the reply I think I found what you were talking about. It's called a Percy's WheelRite, a plastic thing that bolts on to take the measurements. I am shooting for something a little different as every show I have been to has Novas with Torq Thrusts or Cragers. I love the muscle car stance but would like to do something unique to draw some attention to it. Thanks again for your help!

Your going to have to move your lower shock mounts to get a 9.5" wheel to fit the back.I'm just guessing but you'll need like 6" or more of back spacing to get them on.

You guys over there are doing a great job . 20" and 18" wheels are going to really put your brakes to the test. Make sure you upgrade your brakes when you move up in wheel size .As long as you get the correct wheel backspacing you should be able to get everything to fit.Chip Foose does this sort of combo all the time. But they are really expensive.I am looking into 17" rims and tires for my 76. 245-45-17 BF-Goodrich G-force T/A Radials with 17x8 American Racing 505's with 4" b.s. front and 4.75" b.s. rear these should just barely fit my 76 .

I relocated leaf springs inboard using competetion engineering products. I have P325-50-15 on 10" rims on the car. Inside the wheel wells

I relocated leaf springs inboard using competetion engineering products. I have P325-50-15 on 10" rims on the car. Inside the wheel wells
Dude,thats got to look great. Got pics?

Please do not put 20 and 18" wheels on your NOVA!:mad:

Warpath,

I am running an 18X9.5 (275/35/18) with roughly 0 offset. They fit but are close. I have done complete suspension on the car so it is pretty tight. Before the 18's I had 16x8, 4.25" BS with 255/50's on the rear with no problems at all. IMO the 20's don't look right on the Nova's. We have a guy running around here with them and it looks goofy.

im currently running a 17 but switching to 18's because of the bigger brakes and nobody wants to make me a set of 17's that will clear the brakes in a reasonable amount of time
running 275/40's on the rear but will be switching out to a 255/45r18 just so the bigger rim doesnt take away from that meater rear tire look

her is a pic of my leafs moved inboard

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f276/gearjammerexpress/X072Nova006.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f276/gearjammerexpress/X072Nova008.jpg



http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f276/gearjammerexpress/X072Nova012.jpg

I am only running a 30x9 radial slick but i can run the 315 or 325

your car looks great, is the rearend stock length or narrowed? thanks