Thanks Again

Jeff

Norsky2007-04-16 09:33:43

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    Reid    '72 T-top

www.wildbunchcarclub.com
www.vannuyscruisingassociation.com

    I found the above car on the Corvette Forum. ( I know, I know). Anyway he is running 18x9 with a 5.5 inch backspacing, so your tires should fit.......but you are going to have to get a shortened spring. I ran into this problem when changing the stock rear spring on my car...Guldstrand Motorsports sells a shortened spring (which is what the 73 pictured above uses as do I. Check them out at www.guldstrandmotorsports.com.  If you call them, ask for Craig. He can have a custom 5 or seven leaf spring made up for use with a spring rate based on how you plan on driving the car....ie cruising, slalom, etc.  They are located in Burbank Ca, not too far from me....Went there on my lunch hour, met Dick Guldstrand himself and a shop filled with some very nice cars . They make complete custom suspensions for all year Corvettes and are very reasonably priced. I definitely recommend them and their customer service can't be beat....

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    Reid    '72 T-top

www.wildbunchcarclub.com
www.vannuyscruisingassociation.com

I thought I recognized that '73. He is a member of Rochester CC.

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Hi Jeff, I've just replaced the wheels on my '78 and with either the stock spring or the composit replacement I couldn't go more than about a 4" back space. I chose 3 3/4" with only 1/2" to spare and this wheel change was due to having spacers on my last set of rims, Definately not recommended unless you change out to longer studs,

a very hard or expensive job. Just be careful not to buy used rims unless you can try 'em on first for clearence. Good luck bro.

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
                             Click to see larger views!

Hi Jeff..... I agree with Jimmy, if you go with 4 1/2" back space, it will rub.  I have a set of 17X8 Torque Thrust IIs with 3 1/2" back space and have about 1" clearance to the TRW glass spring.  The following pix show the spacing b/t spring and wheel.  You'll notice I had to use 10" bolts to get the rear end down.  The last pix shows how far the wheel come to the edge of the wheel well.  I'm running P255/55R17 Kumho tires and the fronts do rub some on hard turns.  If you use 235 or 245's on the front, they probably won't rub.

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Thanks Guys!  That's what I needed to hear.

         This is why I recommend the spring from Guldstarnd. It is 1 1/2" shorter therefore providing you with the extra needed clearance.

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    Reid    '72 T-top

www.wildbunchcarclub.com
www.vannuyscruisingassociation.com

  Vette Products will also Cut a Spring for You any Size You want. However You may Find that You don't even need it. Remember that going from a 15" to a !7" Wheel is Increasing the Clearance. In other Words You Might end up with the Spring Up inside of the Wheel when its on the Car ajusted to the Ride Height You want. And if it Hits the Wheel it will at the Very Corner of the Spring and You can just Cut off a Bit of the Spring and the Mount. Remember by Using a Shorten't Spring You are Changing the Angle of the Spring Bolts and there rubber Doughnuts will only Sit on one Side. You should really Move the Spring Mount inboard on the Trailing Arm so that the Bolts Remain Staight. Richard....

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My Car...PIC 1     PIC 2

I agree with banks. I have the same question I came up with 4 inch back space with a little to spare. I have a 80 vette, do you think I can fit 17x11 in rear with flares and 17x8 in front? If the rim is taller more can fit into the back of the rim . Do you think 4 inch backspace is my max?

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Frank, I agree that 4" is about the max you could go.  If you go to a wheel dealer, they usually will try one on your car to check for proper spacing and clearance.  I did that when I bought my wheels.  If you put 17X8's on the front, I wouldn't go over a 235 or 245 tire as it may rub on hard turns.  Good luck on your selections.

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  I have 17 x 9.5 up front and 17 x 11 in the Rear on my 80".  I'm using C-4 Wheels and therefore I have Spacers as well.  Up front I Shine up the Frame a Bit on Locked Turns but not Bad. I'm Using 255 Tires. The same Tire and Wheel will go on the Back with Stock Trailing Arms and Spring. If You want a 11" Rim then things get Complicated Fast. Offset Trailing Arms, Moving the Parking Brake Cable, Narrowing or eleminating the Swaybar etc.....Oh I have 315's out Back. Richard.......

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My Car...PIC 1     PIC 2

I took a measurement and I think I can get a 17x10 in the rear  4.5 offset with no rubbing. I have a 80 vette. Say banks I would like to see a picture of your car.

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Update TMTNET2007-05-05 12:57:47

Jeff - thanks for posting an update. I've been following this thread with great interest.

I have a stupid question. I might be needing tires before the carson trip.  would the 17x8 with 4 in backspacing fit on the 70 vette?  Also would any wheel that was 17x8 w/4in bs work (don't really want what every one else has)
 thanks believe it or not i have never purchased a set of nice tires and wheels, what a lacky
Larry