Ok, so I just recently got my '52 Chevy. It currently has some chrome wheels and baby moons that are in pretty poor shape. I am looking to replace. I have a ford 9" rear and a nova front end if that matters. I have two main issues..... First, the front tires rub the fenders pretty bad. If I hit a major bump I get some serious rubbing. For now I have added some spring spacers to keep this from happening. I would like to either put on a slightly narrower wheel/tire combo or go with a different backspacing to eliminate this rub. In the future I would like to slightly lower the stance as well....so I do not want issues with rubbing. The front tires are 205 65 R15. From my measurements I think the wheel is an 8 inch wheel with 4inches of backspacing. It looks like I have at over 1 inch of clearance if I wanted to increase the backspacing to move the tire inboard farther. I need to pick up at least 1 inch...or maybe 1.5 inches to eliminate all chances of rubbing. Second, I need to pick up about 1 inch in the back because of a very minor rub. I have several inches of clearance inside the rear so moving inboard should not be an issue. The rear tire size is currently 235 70 R15. If I moved the rears 1 inch inboard that should solve all issues. So, my questions are what tire wheel combos would you suggest? What issues can I run into if I go with a different backspacing, etc?? I have heard about changing backspacing leading to bearing issues. I What other items should I look at. Any information is greatly appreciated and suggestions on where to get the best deals as well. Thanks.
run the stock Chevy wheel in front(49-54)...NO reverse with a 205 75 15 tire...the Nova clip is too wide for any offset or wide wheel...You're on your own on the rear, sounds like you kind of have that one figured out
I have heard of bearing issues only when the tire stuck way out giving it more leverage over the bearing. As far as what tire wheel combo you need; each situation is different. It might help others on here to respond if you tell us what suspension modifications have been performed. We also thrive on pictures! Just from what you've told us so far, it looks to me that you possess the ability to measure and order some steelies from one of the vendors. They are after all readily available and fairly economical to boot.
I am unsure of what "no reverse" is. Also, what is the size of the stock wheel? I will try to google but if you are familiar with that I would appreciate it.
I can measure, etc....for the most part! It sounds like bearing issues should not be a problem then.... It is raining right now...but maybe tomorrow (Sunday) I can get some pics.... Steelies are what I was leaning towards....my ride is all white right now but I am unsure of a color in the future. I was considering black wheels with chrome lug nuts and maybe a chrome center of some type. Other than that, maybe some color with a trim rings. I like so many combos it is hard to pick one....
a stock 49-54 Chevy wheel is 5" wide 15" DIA...roughly the offset is 3" backspace and 2" out ..... A reverse wheel is one with the Backspace 2" and 3" out,simple enough
Good info.... So, I can put a 205 75 15 tire on a 5" wheel? That seems small but I guess I could be wrong. Thanks.
I found the best tire and wheel with a clip is orginal wheel or same backspace 3 1/2 bs 5 inch wheel 205-75-15 If a tire has a wheel needing a 5to7 rim,using a smaller wheel will move inward say 4 bs leaves 4" out,using a 6inch 3 1/2 bs , 2 1/2inch out, gaining 1 1/2 inward.Used the correct wheel for tire,low wide tires are the problem.
you can run 6" wide rims too. best to find rims that have the same style of centers for things to look better, especially if you ever try to run small hubcaps. rears depend on if you have a car or truck bolt pattern. there are aftermarket narrowed front upper control arms for the Nova frontend to give a little more clearance.
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