I am shopping wheels and tires and wondered what everyone's thoughts
were regarding 18" wheels. I know a majority of people are running
the 17's, but I wanted to try 18's. Maybe they won't fit? Comments.

Just a personal opinion..... I don't like the look of wheels bigger than 17 inches, especially on first gen's

Personally 17s don't fill the wheel wells. The one decision I regret is going with 17s. I have been contemplating selling mine and upgrading to 18s but I just can't justify it.

To answer your question. Yes they will fit. My first 69 had 20s in the front and 22s in the rear. The PO had put those on there. They did rub in the back even though he rolled the fender lips. But that was mostly due to the width.

If you were to pick up a set of 17s cheep. But go to car shows and just to fit in you need 18s.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/skeeter55/Picture276.jpg

Old skool here. I don't like a wheel and no tire. I think I'm gonna put the smallest rim that will clear the brake upgrade. I think I'll still have 17's. Just my .02

Jeff

Jeff yeah the 17s should clear the upgraded brakes, but that would be the smallest size. They still look great and i was gonna go that rout too, but some friends planted the seed to go with 18s. Which means more $$$$

Whether you choose 17s - 18s - or 20s for that matter the diameter of the rim is not what makes the combination fit. Sometimes it can help because the larger hoop may help clear some suspension on the inside by allowing that particular component to go inside the hoop but that's another discussion. What allows any combination to fit is proper width, height, and backspace selection. If the tire is too tall it doesn't fit. If it's too wide it doesn't fit. If you choose 17s and put 40 series tires on (like a 235/40-17 for example) the overall diameter will be very short. If you don't like that look "the rubberband look" as everyone calls it you can go to a 45 series tire or even a 50 series tire. There are tire size calculator threads all over the internet. The Miata site and 1010 tires are 2 that come to mind. I believe at the top of this forum is a link inside one of the sticky threads. It is debateable if there are any performance advantages between 17s or 18s. As far as looks go that's a matter of opinion. I will say this 17s are less expensive so keep that in mind. Right now 18s seem to be the popular choise. As always just keep in mind no matter what you choose just because the combination fits on someone else's car doesn't mean it fits yours. These cars are all a little different. I hope this helps and doesn't make the descision more difficult.

i got 18" Boyd coddington junk yard dogs. check out the video

YouTube - Supercharged 1967 Camaro 671 weiand blower, 18" wheels

Skeeter55, your car looks great! Are those the billet rellye's from Wheel Vintiques? What are the sizes and specs? Great combo and stance,you nailed it!

Skeeter55, your car looks great! Are those the billet rellye's from Wheel Vintiques? What are the sizes and specs? Great combo and stance,you nailed it!Thank you very much :thumbsup:.... Yes they are 18s billet ralleys from Wheel Vintiques. The fronts are 18X7 with 4" back space and the rears are 18X9.5 with 5.5 back space.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/skeeter55/Picture281.jpg

I am shopping wheels and tires and wondered what everyone's thoughts
were regarding 18" wheels. I know a majority of people are running
the 17's, but I wanted to try 18's. Maybe they won't fit? Comments.

As has been mentioned,yes they will fit.
I always thought that 17's were the maximum wheels for 1st Gens too but after I was "talked into" these 18's by Jon @ driverzinc;),I am so glad I went this route.:yes:Fills up the wheelwells perfectly to me...:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC05657.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC05655.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC05652.jpg

17's:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC05403.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC04918.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC04776.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p3/topfueljohn/DSC03948.jpg

I agree it really is personal choice....

I wanted the pro-street sort of look without massive tubs (did mini-tub) but also hate small....so I wanted big wheel with huge sidewall

Here are mine.

17's (car is still being built)

325 x 50 series tyre

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/cluxford/IMG_3078.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t37/cluxford/IMG_3206.jpg

cluxford I really like your wheels. They take me back to the very late 1980's & early 1990's when at that time I would see the "Gambler Wheels" made by American Racing. Depending on the center cap your wheels look alot like those wheels. Great choice! :D

Muscle car John--all I can say is freaking sweet sweet car! Looks Great! :thumbsup:

Skeeter 55, those chrome Rally's look cool! :D I have a set of 15" Chrome Rally's on mine, my car is nothing special. I do like old school original silver painted rally's but you gotta love the wheels in this thread.

Looks great guys. Rock on!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Here is a pic of my 69 with 18" TT2's......

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii132/rockhog/IMG_0326.jpg

Is your rear lip rolled?

Is your rear lip rolled?

They are trimmed...about 1/2"

Here is a pic of my 69 with 18" TT2's......

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii132/rockhog/IMG_0326.jpg

That looks great 6D9!:thumbsup:

Does anyone know if this wheel/tire setup would fit on a 1968 Camaro?

6D9, what is the backspacing and wheel rim width you used front and rear? Also, what size tires?

This is a really nice setup would like to do something like this on my '68.

I like my 16" Torque Thrust II wheels which are closer to the period correct 15" diameters. Like mentioned above I like more rubber showing on these cars. But, your cars pictured above do look great!

I just recently upgraded from 16" wheels to 18" wheels. I love the new look but the car rides real hard, almost to the point where it's not enjoyable. This doesn't mean I'm going back to 16's any time soon but it's something to keep in mind.

I personally like the 16's on a first gen. If you go bigger it looks like wagon wheels on a horse drawn buckboard. X33D80, I love that look !

talking with my sandblasting shop the other day about this topic and he suggested 17's front and 18's back for a more aggressive look. anyone have pics of this setup?

That looks great 6D9!:thumbsup:

Does anyone know if this wheel/tire setup would fit on a 1968 Camaro?

6D9, what is the backspacing and wheel rim width you used front and rear? Also, what size tires?

This is a really nice setup would like to do something like this on my '68.


Thanks Joe!

18x8...5" bs
18x10..5.75" bs

245/40/18
275/40/18

I always thought 17's were perfect and max size to retain any muscle look at all, but now I think 18's are the new 17's! After seeing everything running around town on 20's, I think 17's look small..... Here's my new 18's.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/racinjason424/JULY12034.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/racinjason424/69oct2008006.jpg

I always thought 17's were perfect and max size to retain any muscle look at all, but now I think 18's are the new 17's! After seeing everything running around town on 20's, I think 17's look small..... Here's my new 18's.
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/racinjason424/JULY12034.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/racinjason424/69oct2008006.jpg

Very nice looking car. Do you have stock suspension? What is the back spacing?

Nice ride Jason... Love the color.

Very nice looking car. Do you have stock suspension? What is the back spacing?

Thank you! For suspension, I'm running 2" Hotchkis coils in the front and 3" DSE leafs in the back.. wheels are currently 18x8 both front and rear, fronts are 4 3/4" BS and rears are 4" BS. I am going to order some 9 1/2" rears w/ 5 1/2" BS.

Nice ride Jason... Love the color.

Likewise! Your obviously a man with good taste and great sense of style..:thumbsup:

I like your nickname 'orange crush'.. Nice.. I've always called mine the 'Alabama Slammer'. I bought the car from a guy in Alabama and it's got a thumpin' 383....

Thank you! For suspension, I'm running 2" Hotchkis coils in the front and 3" DSE leafs in the back.. wheels are currently 18x8 both front and rear, fronts are 4 3/4" BS and rears are 4" BS. I am going to order some 9 1/2" rears w/ 5 1/2" BS.


Jason...they dont make 9.5's in the 18's. Only 10" wide.

Jason...they dont make 9.5's in the 18's. Only 10" wide.

Right you are 6D9! They will however make them custom for you! :thumbsup:

Cost and delivery was the same as 18 x 10's. I was quoted (today) by Discount Tire, 18 x 10 x 6BS chrome TT2's @ $482/ea 4-6 week delivery. Not sure if the 4-6 weeks is becuase they don't stock 18's or if it's becuase I wanted chrome?? Anyway, they also quoted me 18 x 9 1/2 (custom) x 5.5BS chrome TT2's for $482/ea 4-6 week delivery. Same exact price & delivery!

I didnt think that was too bad. I ordered my chrome 18 x 8's in the spring and they were $387/ea w/ 6 week delivery - I got them in 5.. They said they will build any offset/ width (within reason) custom for you. For example, you can order a 9 3/8 wide w/ 5 1/8 BS if you want. Only snag is once you buy them, you own them! No returns on special orders and they usually require prepayment.

Anyway, I was glad that I asked, because I really did not want to shoe horn 10's under there and have to beat & bend the wells and fender lips to fit.. I measured and 10's looked like there were going to just rub the inners.. This almost drove me back to 17's, or a different wheel so I could get the 9 1/2's... These should fit purrrrrrrrfect..
:beers:

No Mods!!! The American Eagle 338 18x8 and 18x10
Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta 225/40ZR18 and 295/35ZR18 :thumbsup:

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20031.jpg

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20008.jpg

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20019.jpg

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20020.jpg

No Mods!!! The American Eagle 338 18x8 and 18x10
Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta 225/40ZR18 and 295/35ZR18 :thumbsup:

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20031.jpg

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20008.jpg

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20019.jpg

http://www.tomzwheels.com/Wheels/Tom%2067/67%20Camaro%20020.jpg
Holly cow you have a twin to my 67! I wish I could figure out how to post a picture. I think you'd get a kick ot of it. I have a set of Coys 17" in the front 18" in the rear.:thumbsup:

Right you are 6D9! They will however make them custom for you! :thumbsup:

Cost and delivery was the same as 18 x 10's. I was quoted (today) by Discount Tire, 18 x 10 x 6BS chrome TT2's @ $482/ea 4-6 week delivery. Not sure if the 4-6 weeks is becuase they don't stock 18's or if it's becuase I wanted chrome?? Anyway, they also quoted me 18 x 9 1/2 (custom) x 5.5BS chrome TT2's for $482/ea 4-6 week delivery. Same exact price & delivery!

I didnt think that was too bad. I ordered my chrome 18 x 8's in the spring and they were $387/ea w/ 6 week delivery - I got them in 5.. They said they will build any offset/ width (within reason) custom for you. For example, you can order a 9 3/8 wide w/ 5 1/8 BS if you want. Only snag is once you buy them, you own them! No returns on special orders and they usually require prepayment.

Anyway, I was glad that I asked, because I really did not want to shoe horn 10's under there and have to beat & bend the wells and fender lips to fit.. I measured and 10's looked like there were going to just rub the inners.. This almost drove me back to 17's, or a different wheel so I could get the 9 1/2's... These should fit purrrrrrrrfect..
:beers:

10" wide rears will fit the back of a '69 Camaro no problem...ya just gotta nail the backspacing.:thumbsup:
I'm living proof it works.

Jason, I thought of a place you could probably get a better price on those but it looks like you already ordered them. www.tomzwheels.com I bought my 17x9.5/17x11 TT2 set from him for my 99 SS for $820 bucks. I wish I had posted it in my initial post, but I didn't know you were going for a bigger rear wheel. They are one of the best looking rims for a Camaro IMHO, whether it be a first gen or a 4th gen.

http://people.clemson.edu/~jaander/Images/100_2618.jpg
http://people.clemson.edu/~jaander/Images/100_2174.jpg

Here is a pic of my 69 with 18" TT2's......

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii132/rockhog/IMG_0326.jpg

Hey Ron, I think Congrats are in order. I believe a saw a pic in the back pages of Camaro Performers. The car looked good too..lol:hurray:

Hey Ron, I think Congrats are in order. I believe a saw a pic in the back pages of Camaro Performers. The car looked good too..lol:hurray:


Yep...that was me! Thanks.....hahahaha

Personally I like a bit wider sidewall on the older classic cars, so for me 17s look better. I can kind of see what people say about the 18s fitting the wheel wells better, but the side walls look to thin to me.

Here is my car with 17" Rushforths:
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/images/Wheels013sm.jpg
http://home.socal.rr.com/ewillis1/images/Wheels015sm.jpg

Tires are Michelin PS/2 245/45/17 with on a 17x8 rim with 5" bs front and 335/35/17 on a 17x12 rim with 8.25" bs rear (stock width rear end with mini-tubs).

Nice Car BigBlock69RS :thumbsup:, what are the specs of the wheels and the tire sizes?

Here are some 18x8 boyd jyds (front) 18x10s (back)
B.F. goodrich kdw 225/18 275/18
Mike

khouse
Sweet ride, can you send pics of your wheels and ride to me I can't get these to open here. What B.S. are you running?

Here are some 18x8 boyd jyds (front) 18x10s (back)
B.F. goodrich kdw 225/18 275/18
Mike
Mike whats your backspace on the rear of your 69? do you have a stock width diff etc?

Cheers, Gav