Wider steel rims?

[johnunit]

Looking at getting wider rear tires, up to 275. I want to keep my wheel covers, meaning it's gotta have the same outer rim. What can I get that's an inch or two wider and will still fit the wheel covers? Junkyard, new, widening stock ones, what are proven options?

[sly]

widening the stock ones is proven... gotta have a place that can balance them though to get it done right. You can definitely get custom steelies though. New/used in the right size would definitely be better since there's no question about weld quality then.

If you can find the size you want at a junk yard... that would be the least expensive option for sure though. finding them may be hard. Finding custom new would be easy, but more 'spensive.

[marquisman]

i dont think many have done the wider steelie that takes a hub cap. but, if you want to go 275, you will need a 8inch wide rim to look right. i dont think there are any stock steelies in that size. one possible option though, you can get the same style steel wheels that i have on GMGT. they might accept a hub cap, since mine accept trim rings with no sweat.

[mrltd]

275 should be on a 9" wide wheel minimum.

[1980c10]

^^^ agree

[johnunit]

Thanks guys. Sounds like I want 9 inch rims that fit trim rings. Backspacing, i'm guessing an inch or so more than stock? Any firsthand experience with a wheel widening company? Whitewalls and wire covers from the side, 275 meats from the rear, my sleeper senses are tingling.

[1980c10]

0 offset or 5" backspacing on a 9" wheel should be right on an older panther.

[marquisman]

9'' rims for a 275? the 275s looked fine on the 8'' rims on GMGT. weird

[johnunit]

Slightly overwide rims are ok. That will look less 'wide tire' from the side.

Are the tires on gmgt 275 on 8 right now?

[marquisman]

no, i put on 255s on the 8 inch rims.

[P72Ford]

275s on an 8" wheel are fine.

I have done it, and it looks damn good.

I am looking at doing 275s (maybe wider) on a 9" wheel.

Based on my measurements, you can't put much more than a 9" wheel under the car. And I mean tucked, as I have no interest in having the wheels hanging outside the fenderwell.

If I was using an 8" wheel, I'd want 4" backspace (which is not 0 offset, btw). With a 9" wheel, 0 offset (5" BS) would have the wheel on the same outer plane as an 8" wheel with 4" BS.

I've done alot of measuring on my car, and I will do some test fitting before I buy anything.

Stockton wheel can widen your stock steel wheels. I was alost contemplating this for the rear, but I am still stitched for the front, short of going to a 4" outer with the factory center. 15s just won't clear the brakes without finessing the offset/ wheel width.

[johnunit]

Interesting. It sounds like I'm good with 8-9 inches. 1010tires.com's calculator claims anywhere from 7.5 to 9.5, but I'd like to be in the middle of that for stockish appearance on the sidewall and optimal traction.

Looking again at my options on diamondbacktires.com, I may go with 295/50/15 with 2 1/2" whitewalls on the rear, and then pick up 245/60/15s for the front later. Total cost would probably be over a grand plus shipping, but it'd look and grip great. 8.5 inch rims should work with the 295s in the rear.

[marquisman]

one word of advice, be very sure what tire size you want. it can be a very expensive mistake. personally, after looking at GMGT, im very happy with the tire selection. 275s with the rim offset on the rear would rub on the quarter panel. the 255s clear with a little room to spare. also, the 255s dont make the car look overly muscly. i dont want to advertize what i dont have

[johnunit]

how much room did you have on the fender lip side with 275s?

[mrltd]

All depends on the tire- some 275s just aren't gonna fit on an 8" wheel. I had one set that worked good, the others just didn't handle well at all.

I fit 17x10.5" wheels with 335's under my car just fine, with tons of room.