Technical analysis paralysis is kicking my ass!!!!! Opinions and help requested. (tire clearance issue)

Gentleman, I am 10 yrs into a 5 yr frame off build and am still only working on the frame! My issue is this: I have 1/4" gap between my front tie rod ends and the tire walls. (there's no rim clearance issues)
I have one piece 1st gen Camaro disc brake spindles with 2" drop and the beefier upgraded Mercury steering linkage set-up. I'm running G78's on 15" x 6" rims with 3.75" back spacing. I tried 1/4" spacers but that bombed due to lug nut stud length not allowing nearly enough bite.

Options I've garnered so far:
1. Keep my G78's and get new 15 x 5" rims that will allow for smaller back spacing but possibly run the risk of fender clearance issues in the future (assuming I get that far someday!).
2. Keep my current nice red powder coated rims and change all 4 tires to 710-15's which have a narrower width. (those bitches are pricey!!!)
3. Try to find and replace wheel studs with longer ones that will allow the spacers to work.. That seems like a less desirable "fix" overall.

Any other ideas or suggestions? Anything I'm missing?

What is a generally accepted minimum clearance amount between tire sidewalls and tie rod ends?
Thanx

 

yea, 1949 Merc.

 

Get lug nuts for those old style ET wheels that ran that funny oval washer thing that could accommodate different wheel bolt patterns. They seat on that conical face and have a bit longer shank for your short wheel studs.

 

Studs and spacers, and move on to the next hurdle...

 

When do you project the rubber will hit the road?

Should give more clearance then the Gs

 

...and post some pictures.

My guess is that the tie rod is real close to the rim, where the tire sidewall won't be able to flex, so 1/4" gap might actually be OK. But I'm just guessing, because you didn't give us any pictures.

 

I don't know what this means: "beefier upgraded Mercury steering linkage set-up. "

Are the Steering Arms original Merc? What are they made of? If they are original steel I'd heat them up cherry red, bend in some more clearance and then shorten the tie rod.

 

Fair point:

 

That is truly a magical question that I wish I had an answer to. Hopefully no more than 5 yrs which, by that time will already be 15 yrs past the first time I said that...

No, my steering arms are part of the one piece cast 1st Gen Camaro spindles.

 

Somebody correct me if I’m wrong but I stand by what is posted earlier, heat ‘em, bend ‘em, shorten tie rods.

 

I think that is about the same as I had on my 51 when I had the same front end on it. You can press out the studs and put longer studs in if you need to run the spacer though.

 

That wouldn't worry me in the least. After a spin around the block you'll be able to see if there was any contact, which I doubt there would be, but if so I'd go with a smaller tire.

 

Try it out as-is first, the. Do what DH says

 

I see a dead end approaching. Lippy

 

Care to expound?

 

Aren’t the first gen Camaro steering arms bolt on?

 

“At risk of fender clearance”
Probably not an issue on a skinny tire.

but I’d probably build the car and iron that minor issue out when the sheet metal is on

 

Another reason to buy tires last is welding gas destroys rubber in tires, so if you have heavy bodywork (welding) you shouldn't have the tires your planning on eventually running running in the same room when fabricating. You should not store tires in a welding shop either.

 

Analysis paralysis, circling back around

 

What kind of welding gas, shielding gas?

 

Been a certified welder all my working life , and never heard that welding gas story ???

 

I doubt they rub. If they do install smaller tires after it's a running, driving car.

 

I've only heard about Cloroform being harmful to tires. Saw it on CSI back in the day...

 

I’d build the car then do a couple Thunder Road maneuvers
If the tires rub, then fix it

 

Has any one thought about STP Steering Ackerman Principle? You may have to correct the Ackerman to make it turn without scrubbing the tires

 

Might I suggest a build Coach. Someone experienced to set goals and give advice to help you along.. You could start a build thread on here and get an occasional, "what's up?".