[69rs/ssconvert]

I am restoring a 69 396 vert and I would like to put 18" chrome Foose Nitrous rims and BFG KDW NT tires on it. Can anyone tell me what will fit on a stock 69 vert? The car has brand new big block springs and new leaf springs. The front has disc and the rear has drum brakes. I would like to put on the largest tires that will fit without rubbing in front and in back. I have spoken to several dealers and most seem to have a different opinion about what will work. I thought I would check with the experts on Team Camaro and I'm sure that I will get the correct answer. Please only respond if you have real world experience. I need to know so I don't waste a bunch of money on rims and tires that don't fit.

Here is what I have been quoted: front- 255/45/18 Rear- 285/40/18. These sizes seem too big. The look I am going for is as close to stock (refering to the sidewall thickness) as possible. I am not looking for a razor thin sidewall. I don't think that looks good on a first gen. The rims I think should be 18 x 8.5 for front and rear. Also not sure of the offset or back spacing.

Also, Anybody with the sizes I mentioned or anything close with 18's please post a picture of your car.

Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks Team Camaro for such a great site and great people that use it!!

Bob

 

[69rs/ssconvert]

Thanks Eric. I'll do the search again.

Bob

 

[69rs/ssconvert]

Al, Thanks for the info. That is what I was looking for. I am assuming that 18's would be the same as 17's regarding back spacing. I think that I will stick with the safe bet and go the trouble free route since I just had the car completely done. New sheet metal almost all around and new floors.

Nice car by the way! I am also adding the RS option to my car. Did you have to make extensive mode to the front to make it work? I am going with the DSE kit and it looks like I will need to modify the inner fender well extensions so the motor can link up with the doors. Did you use this kit or did you stay with the vacuum system?

Thanks again for the info. and anyone else out there please let me know if you have any other info.

Bob

 

[69rs/ssconvert]

Thanks again Al. I have already bought the DSE kit but I haven't got into the install yet as I am still trying to put the entire car back together. I did look through the directions and they look very self explanatory. I also converted a small block ss car to a 396 with a turbo 400. My car is also a convertible. It seems that nothing seems to fit the first time and needless to say I am cutting, tweaking, and modifying just about everything!! :-(

Bob

 

[69rs/ssconvert]

Thank you for your resoponses. I ended up purchasing Foose Nitrous chrome rims 18x8.5 with 4.5" back space and BFG KDW NT 235/40/18 front and 255/45/18 rear. I hope to have a pic for everyone soon.

Bob

 

[69rs/ssconvert]

Thanks for the info Big Sky. I hope to receive the rim and tire package this upcoming week. The car is still being assembled so it won't be on the road right away but I will definitely mount them on the car right away to check for clearances.
Bob