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235/60 BF T/A on 7" rims

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Old 04-02-2009, 08:24 AM
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obx2323
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Default 235/60 BF T/A on 7" rims

I have tried this ? before and flame all you guys want to BUT ALL I want to know is anyone running 235/60 BF T/As on 15x7" Ralley wheels on a '65 C-2. That's all I want to know on tire sizing as I am not changing from my Ralley wheel look. I have 6" rims now and a 235/60 WILL NOT fit a 6" rim. If anyone is running that EXACT set-up please answer. I feel like I have taken over the forum today. No more post this week I promise.

Thanks guys
Old 04-02-2009, 09:20 AM
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Plasticman
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On a 62, I am running those tires on 6" rims (on the rear) with no issues for 9 years.

I understand that the recommended rim width is 6.5" to 8.5", so the 6" rim is below that spec.

Plasticman
Old 04-02-2009, 10:17 AM
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66since71
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I ran 235/60 x15 Goodyear Eagles on 15x7 rims for 10 or 15 years on my 66. Its not the exact set up, since the BFG T/A's may be a little different. But I can let you know what I had to do to make the Goodyears fit. I did run Monte Carlo/Chevelle rally wheels for a portion of that period.

Harry
Old 04-02-2009, 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by 66since71
I ran 235/60 x15 Goodyear Eagles on 15x7 rims for 10 or 15 years on my 66. Its not the exact set up, since the BFG T/A's may be a little different. But I can let you know what I had to do to make the Goodyears fit. I did run Monte Carlo/Chevelle rally wheels for a portion of that period.

Harry


I found much the same. The 225/60 x15 BFG G-Force tires fit my 63' on the 7" Monte Carlo/Chevelle rally rims with the 4.25-inch backspacing.

235's were too wide to tuck under the stock rear fenders without grinding the lip flange.

The 68' Corvette 7-inch Rally rims with 4-inch backspace also pushed the tire out too far. The 1/4-inch is about what I have for clearance as the wheel tucks under the fender lip.

I understand a disc brake chassis is slightly different in width, reinforcing the need to try the tire, rim, & backspace combination on the car to see what fits.

Old 04-02-2009, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by obx2323
I have tried this ? before and flame all you guys want to BUT ALL I want to know is anyone running 235/60 BF T/As on 15x7" Ralley wheels on a '65 C-2. That's all I want to know on tire sizing as I am not changing from my Ralley wheel look. I have 6" rims now and a 235/60 WILL NOT fit a 6" rim. If anyone is running that EXACT set-up please answer. I feel like I have taken over the forum today. No more post this week I promise.

Thanks guys
EXCUSE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's what this forum is for!!!!!!!!!!! We ain't NCRS regulated here!

I don't have a 63-67 Vette (I DO NOT do the "C" thing), with 15x7s, but I do have a a 76 Cutlass I bought new with 15x7 Olds wheels and I have 245R60/15s on those wheels and they are just fine.
Tom Parsons

Last edited by DZAUTO; 04-02-2009 at 12:09 PM.
Old 04-02-2009, 12:48 PM
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I'll add a little about my disc brake 66. My Goodyear 235/60's fit without grinding the fender lips. I ran the 4.25" (4.30?) BS 7" Monte Carlo/Chevelle rally wheels. My car has the F-41 springs. Its been a while, but I recall:

Fronts fit without any changes. It will run very close to the tie rod end. I used the "fast-steering" (power steering) holes for the tie rod ends. The tires will rub the frame and sway bar at full lock. But they rub on carriage bolts or smooth surfaces, so its not really a problem. A 1/4" spacer will work if you don't like the clearances, and will not otherwise affect the fit. I did shim the bump stop on the lower a-arm 1" to prevent the tire from contacting the fender at full lock and over a bump or steep driveway.

Rears also fit without shaving the fender lip. I had to run a 1/4" spacer to get clearances right. I don't like spacers, but if you must use one be sure its one designed for a steel wheel (small diameter holes, vs large diameter slots). The circle track racing guys should have them. I also tied the parking brake cable bracket to the t/a with a large stainless hose clamp, for clearance. The remaining mods were made for clearance to hoosier racing tires, and I am not sure you really need them for the 235's. My parking brake cable bracket was modified to create about 1/8 to 3/16" extra clearance. I run a shortened main leaf on the rear spring (Guldstrand). I run about 1.0* to 1.5.* negative camber in the rear. And finally I run the C-3 camber bracket. (edit: actually the camber stuff may be necessary for fit on the 235's)

few of these bodies were perfect fits to the frame, and you will find one corner that has the smallest amount of clearance to the fender lip. Do your fitting there, and it will work everywhere else.

Just for the record I am running P4000's 225/65x15 now, and like them better than the Goodyears.

Good luck and have fun!

Harry

Last edited by 66since71; 04-02-2009 at 12:51 PM.
Old 04-02-2009, 02:30 PM
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obx2323
there are variations in the body/frame fittings on C2 cars and what fits on some doesn't always fit on others. It's always best for YOUR car to just try to see if the combo you want will work or not.
Having said that, my neighbor had a '67 L71 for years until he sold it 2 years ago. He had the 7" rally wheels with BF T/A 235/60-15 on for as long as I knew him to have the car and he always said they fit fine with zero rubbing front or rear. On HIS car this combination wheel/tire fit but that's no 100% guarantee the same will fit on your car without any rubbing.
Old 04-04-2009, 10:59 PM
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riogrand
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I have used 235/60 15 BFG Radial TAs for years on stock 15x6 KO wheels. The BFG specs lists 6" width wheels within the recommended range.

On my particular car they work fine.
Old 04-04-2009, 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by riogrand
I have used 235/60 15 BFG Radial TAs for years on stock 15x6 KO wheels. The BFG specs lists 6" width wheels within the recommended range.


On my particular car they work fine.
Not according to the specs posted on the BF Goodrich website. It lists 6.5" as the minimum (see below). However, as I posted before, I agree that they work fine on 6" rims.

Tire Size Service
Description Sidewall MSPN Rim Width
Range (inches) Section
Width on
Measuring
Rim Width Overall
Diameter Tread
Depth
(in/32nds) Revs/Mile
at 45 mph Max Load
(lbs@psi)

P235/60R15 98S RWL 54712 6.5 - 8.5 9.5 on 7 26.1 11 797 1642@35


Here is the actual website address:
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/specs/radial-t-a/12.html

Plasticman

Last edited by Plasticman; 04-04-2009 at 11:31 PM.
Old 04-05-2009, 12:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Plasticman
Not according to the specs posted on the BF Goodrich website. It lists 6.5" as the minimum (see below). However, as I posted before, I agree that they work fine on 6" rims.

Tire Size Service
Description Sidewall MSPN Rim Width
Range (inches) Section
Width on
Measuring
Rim Width Overall
Diameter Tread
Depth
(in/32nds) Revs/Mile
at 45 mph Max Load
(lbs@psi)

P235/60R15 98S RWL 54712 6.5 - 8.5 9.5 on 7 26.1 11 797 1642@35


Here is the actual website address:
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/specs/radial-t-a/12.html

Plasticman
Tire Racks info shows 6"-9"

Here is their link:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...irePageLocQty=
Old 04-05-2009, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by riogrand
Tire Racks info shows 6"-9"

Here is their link:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...irePageLocQty=
I copied Tire Rack's listed info below for direct comparison to the BF Goodrich website info I listed above.

235/60R15
Load Index 98 = 1653lbs (750kg) per tire
Speed Rating “S” = 112mph (180kph) 98S SL Treadwear: 400
Traction: A
Temperature: B400 A B 1642 lbs.
35 psi
11/32"
26 lbs. 6-9"
7"
9.5"
NA
26.1"
797


Guess they can not make up their mind!

Thanks,
Plasticman
Old 04-05-2009, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by riogrand
I have used 235/60 15 BFG Radial TAs for years on stock 15x6 KO wheels. The BFG specs lists 6" width wheels within the recommended range.

On my particular car they work fine.
Is the BS the same on KO wheels as my '67 Ralley rims?? My car is a '65 BTW. I had made my mind up (AFTER I POSTED THIS) to go with a set of Michelins 225/60 that my local shop has had on his rack for over a year as he made me an offer I couldn't refuse BUT they don't make that tire any longer, seems Michelin has a habit of doing that so I was gonna buy 5 of them so if ruined one I'd have a back up (and I gaurantee you I would never even have to add air ever just because I bought an extra one, LOL) as I doubt it would fit in my tub which I don't have mounted. They are black wall tires but they seem really wide for 225s. Also I was thinking someone had mentioned on here that you could actually get any tire red lined somehow (or was I dreaming?) Besides that I didn't think 235/60 would fit on 6" rims.

You guys have helped me into TOTAL FREAKIN' confusion
Old 04-06-2009, 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by 66since71
I ran 235/60 x15 Goodyear Eagles on 15x7 rims for 10 or 15 years on my 66. Its not the exact set up, since the BFG T/A's may be a little different. But I can let you know what I had to do to make the Goodyears fit. I did run Monte Carlo/Chevelle rally wheels for a portion of that period.

Harry
It's always been my experience that BFG T/As run a hair narrower than other brands......... Just one more unsubstatiated data point for you
Old 04-06-2009, 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by obx2323
Is the BS the same on KO wheels as my '67 Ralley rims??
Yes, it is - both are 15x6 with +.06" offset.
Old 04-06-2009, 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by riogrand
I have used 235/60 15 BFG Radial TAs for years on stock 15x6 KO wheels. The BFG specs lists 6" width wheels within the recommended range.

On my particular car they work fine.


I do this on the rear all the time and sometimes I even do so with drag radials.

I don't do it on the front because my car sits low and I would probably hit the fender lips.

Doug
Old 04-06-2009, 01:42 PM
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I want to thank everyone that replied and helped me out on this one. The garage that has the Michelin 225/60s is the place that did my complete chassis and brake rebuild this past summer at their convenience. They let me go in and scrape and paint the frame and work on the car as I had my own bay for 2 months. I went and measured those Michelins and they are almost 9" wide and test fitted them this summer. After looking at pics on here of white '65 with blackwalls I'm gonna go with them.

I surely didn't mean to waste anyones time guys but I'm headed there now to get them installed. THANKS..!!!
Old 04-06-2009, 08:11 PM
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Ain't nothing like a new pair of tennis shoes for your Vette. The Michelins I went with suggest 44lbs air pressure but we only put 40 in 'em. I have armstrong steering and was thinking of going the jeep power steering route but with the wider tires and higher pressure it's like half the effort now.

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Old 04-06-2009, 10:13 PM
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If you are referring to the PSI number on the sidewall, that is max running / loaded pressure. I doubt you want to run 40 psi for a Vette with those size tires!

Maybe someone else here can tell you what they are running (with similar size tires). But the power steering may still be in the cards (once you lower the pressure). Wider tires, with new "sticky" grip should make it harder to steer.

Congrats on the new shoes.
Plasticman
Old 04-07-2009, 12:19 AM
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I autocrossed my '66 with 235/60's B.F.G. T/A's for years on KO's and no fender mods at all.
Old 04-07-2009, 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Plasticman
If you are referring to the PSI number on the sidewall, that is max running / loaded pressure. I doubt you want to run 40 psi for a Vette with those size tires!

Maybe someone else here can tell you what they are running (with similar size tires). But the power steering may still be in the cards (once you lower the pressure). Wider tires, with new "sticky" grip should make it harder to steer.

Congrats on the new shoes.
Plasticman
I questioned him on that when he told me what Michelin suggested so I'll keep an eye on the wear pattern. He very well may be wrong but he said alot of the newer tieres are running higher pressures. I can just stick my finger between the parking brake clamp so without changing that I'm about as wide as I can go. They are the MXV4. Checking the concrete dust on them from pulling in driveway they aren't bubbling, all the tread has dust on then but I'll probably drop them down a tad. Thanks. Glad I went with a 3.55 after I blew the 4.11 last week as that puts me just about right with the stock muncie. I ain't in no hurry when cruising the car just 55mph. I'm broke BTW and the car is finally finished I hope, LOL.

Last edited by obx2323; 04-07-2009 at 08:14 AM.


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