I installed a CPP front disc break conversion on my 1965 Impala. The stock 14" wheel is just too small because of the caliper. Will a disc break 14" wheel work? If so, will I have a problem putting the hubcaps back on the wheel? If it does work I will be looking for two wheels so if anyone wants to sell a couple let me know. David
Change all your wheeels/ tires to 15 inch .might get you rollin again. Or get the right break conversion to keep the stock wheels tweaking the 14 inch rim a little so they fit over the caliper will not work once all four wheels are on the ground..
Depends on what wheels you have now. here's a pic I found on the internet that shows the difference. If your wheels don't have the deep recess on the back, then you'll probably be ok with disc brake wheels.
I have 15s that I am running for now... I just wanted to figure out if there is a way I can run my stock hubcaps before I by $upremes.
Stock GM 14" disc wheels will just barely clear the normal 11" GM single piston discs. Non-disc 14" wheels will lock up solid...spent a Loooong afternoon figuring that out, complicated by the fact my Nova had 2 of each kind... The first few years, at least up to '68 or so, disc wheels came only on disc cars, and I think most were Rallye type. After that, all wheels were disc type, even drum cars.
here's a lousy pic of a drum brake wheel on the left, and a disc brake wheel on the right. Notice the rim is full diameter about half way back on the disc wheel, and has a big step near the bead on the drum wheel. I just put this pic up so you'll have some idea of what the difference is, so you might be able to decide if changing wheels will help. 14" disc brake wheels fit over the 11" factory discs on my kid's camaro just fine, but barely won't clear the Wilwoods on my 55.
I have very good luck with 14" G body wheels (76-82 (?)Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Regal). 20 bucks at a pick & pull near you....
Isn't the Impala the big lug pattern? G-body wheels won't fit. Did all disk brake Impalas have 15" wheels? If so, it seems like you might need to order up a pair of 14" steelies to fit your disks OR get someone to swap out the big lug pattern centers into the later-style 14" rims.
I'm pretty sure the stock '65 Impalas had the smaller 4-3/4" x 5 bolt pattern with 7/16" studs and 14" wheels. It wasn't until sometime in the '70s I think that they moved up to the bigger 5 on 5 pattern with 15" wheels.
If you are dead set on running the factory wheels and hubcaps, get yourself some 1" or 1.25" billet spacers for the front. That will work, however you will then have less clearance when cranking the car to turn. Spacers are not the best way to go, but if it means that much to you, you can use those. You can also use the spacers to change the bolt pattern if you insist, but not sure why you would want to. Your impala is 5x4.75 which is very popular for wheel choices. Hope that helps. Just run 15" and avoid all the trouble.
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