Ok guys... I am finally ready to buy a set of wheels and tires for my 69 Convertible. Like some of us I have been looking for years but just did not have the budget or had other things to spend money on.
For a few years I was hooked on the TTII wheels. They do look great on first gen Camaro's but everyone has them and I would like something vintage/pro-touring but still looks like it could have come with the car. My car is red with a black top and black interior. You can see pictures of it by clicking on the link in my signature.

I also don’t want to spend more than $1500 to $1600 on wheels and tires.

I am thinking about getting the American Racing Salt Flat wheel in a 17 or 18. I am after the polished ones not the gun metal gray. The Salt Flat looks like it is based on the original SS wheel.

I am looking for your opinion on my wheel choice and if I should go 17" or 18".

I may go with a 235 or 245 up front and a 265 or 275 out back. I took the only image I could find of a 69 with these wheels and colored it so it looks like my car. This image came from Classic Industries web site.


http://www.ragersworld.com/saltflat-image.jpg

Here is a link to the original image car at Classic Industries: http://www.classicindustries.com/restorations/articles/camaro/index.html

I am not a fan of lots of chrome,, maybe a little or a mixture of brushed or flat with some chrome. This wheel may look better if the rim portion was polished? This is what I went to : http://www.etwheels.com/ac/

But then thats only my opinion. Take a look to see what the mini lights would look like on your car, sorta CanAm style. Check out the LTIII style.

You can't get those.......I am might be getting them!!! Just kidding, one of the wheels i am thinking of getting. I think they would look great. I can't decide on polished centers or gray though. Personally I am going 17 inch. 18 is just too thin of a tire for me and I live in Arkansas, land of pot holes and crappy roads to some rim streanght is important to me. I see bent big wheels around here all the time.



Joe

I agree on the 17 & 18's Thats why I went 16's .

I like the wheels - but with the gray centers. I like vintage looking wheels on these cars and think the gray centers in the 17 or 18 inch versions add modern performance and keep a period look. I would choose 18s but it sounds like 17s would fit your needs better (since you said you like more sidewall and the roads are rough).

Just a note these wheels are copy of an old Halibrand wheel. Don't know which one though.

Joe

Just wanted to say that the salt flat AAR wheel is a great choice for your Camaro... It was a toss up between that wheel, and the Torque Thrust Original (TTO) for me. I chose a 17x8, as it just fit the stance I was looking for. Go to American Racings website... they have a link to a wheel simulator where you can paly with different wheel sizes on a 67-69 Camaro. Also, check with the guys at AAR... they respond quick with answers to questions you may have on availability.... salt flats and TTO are usually backordered. Most wheel and tire shops inventory info is way off. FYI. Good Luck!!!

The original halibrand is now available. Look for the Kidney Bean 5 They also make a 6. http://www.halibrand.com/index_frames.htm

IMO the Salt Flats look better in person than they do in catalogs etc. I've seen them on a 65' Falcon and on a Nomad, they look great for the price. Both cars had 17's on them I believe.

Just found out that you need to be carefull if your runing 17 inch wheels. These wheels might be made witha 16 inch center and a 17 inch hoop. Check before buying if your running big brakes, it could be a problem.

Joe