[bigdave R.I.P.]

Guys, I tried to figure out what size tire I can fit for my car.
57 Bel air with stock rear end and 2" drop spindles with front disc brakes.
I was thinking of getting the same size for front and back using 15" wheels. I'm not sure how many people use this, I know most go with a bigger tire for the rear. Does size affect mpg too? I can measure the brakes but I have the body is off the frame roght now so measuring anything else is moot. I don't want to fill up the wheel wells to the max but make it look nice.
The reason I'm thinking of thos now is my son works at a auto shop and can get tires now at wholesale but is going to look for another job with more hours so I'm thinking that I might want to get them before he moves on.
thanks

 

[56Mark]

I have about the same setup on my 56, 2" drop in front, stock rear with 1" drop. I have 245/60/15's on the back on 8" wide rims with 4 1/2" backspace and it is tight, but OK. I can get my fingers easily between the tire and lip. I had to roll the fender lips just a little to make sure it didn't rub in corners. I have 215/65/15's on the front on 7" wide rims with 4 1/4" backspace and they work great.

 

[bigdave R.I.P.]

So the 215/65/15"s would work all the way around?

 

[56Mark]

I think the 215's would work all the way around. If your disk brakes don't set your wheels out more than 3/8" and you use wheels that are offset inward a little like I did on the front, you might even get away with 225's or 235's. My disk brakes and spindles set mine out 5/8". That is why I used the 4 1/4" backspace (4" is the usual zero offset on 7" wides)

A friend has 245's on 8" with 4" offset(that's -1/2" I think) rims all the way around on his 55, but it is not dropped much. They work good on his, but I tried them on mine and they wouldn't work.

 

[55mike]

So the 215/65/15"s would work all the way around?

I'm also running 215/65/15's on standard offset 7" rims on the front of my 55, that has 2" spindles and 1" lower springs. Would this size tire also work out back? I suppose they would fit, but I they would be a bit narrow unless you are going for a very stock look. Since you plan to do 2" dropped spindles, I suspect you are going for more of a hot rod look.

 

[bigdave R.I.P.]

your'e right Mike. I didn't think about that. I still am thinking in the e-n width era( I know it shows my age). I was thinking that I could rotate with all of them the same. I'll have to think more about it.
Thanks

 

[Jim '57]

I agree with Mike , the 215's would be too small for the rear.
If you go 60 series instead of 65 you could also put 16 in rims.
I have 17 on front and 18 on rear. Just to give an idea what you can do.

Jim

 

[56owner]

BIG DAVE !!

Dave - DON'T give up on your idea of rotating the tires. IT's a smart idea to do so if you drive any serious miles. I'm planning on doing the same thing. I have a new 2"narrowed 9" to install before I'm ready to buy tires.:happy0030::happy0030:

 

[Gary Blake]

Hey Mike I have that pic. of you car on my wall of the shop! don't know where I got it.

 

[55mike]

Hey Mike I have that pic. of you car on my wall of the shop! don't know where I got it.

For $100 I'll sign it. Just kidding.. I'm actually flattered.:shakehands:

 

[bigdave R.I.P.]

Thanks Jim but I'm more old school about tires. I like more rubber on the side walls. Just fits with the era better,IMO