Corvair Forum

Posted: **Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:24 am**

This is what I decided to go with:

Posted: **Tue Sep 19, 2023 12:32 pm**

Amagalla wrote: ↑Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:24 am This is what I decided to go with:

Solid choice.

Posted: **Wed Sep 20, 2023 9:54 am**

nice!

Posted: **Sat Sep 23, 2023 5:06 am**

I've got a question on the wheel backset. The stock wheels appear to have a 4 3/8" backset. Bolt pattern measured to the back edge of the rim.
I have a nice set of vintage Torque Thrust wheels, 14" with a backset of 3 3/8". I have not put them on the car yet, the cars apart currently, but I'm wondering if the wheel extending out the extra inch will look OK or if I'll have interference problems? What backset do you guys work with?
Thanks, Mark

Posted: **Sat Sep 23, 2023 5:22 am**

markplucenik wrote: ↑Sat Sep 23, 2023 5:06 am I've got a question on the wheel backset. The stock wheels appear to have a 4 3/8" backset. Bolt pattern measured to the back edge of the rim.
I have a nice set of vintage Torque Thrust wheels, 14" with a backset of 3 3/8". I have not put them on the car yet, the cars apart currently, but I'm wondering if the wheel extending out the extra inch will look OK or if I'll have interference problems? What backset do you guys work with?
Thanks, Mark

How wide the wheels are and whether you have an early or late model play into this. Late Models have more room for the tires to move outboard, which is what will happen in your case.

This write-up does a good job of describing how and why to chose non standard wheels; http://autoxer.skiblack.com/tires.html

My 14x7 wheels have 4 1/2” backspacing which is shy of the 5” ideal backspacing for that width wheel. I have no clearance or handling issues with these wheels. Depending on wheel width you will be 1 1/2 to 1 3/4” short of ideal backspace. At some point the offset causes issues, I’m just not sure what that point is.

Note my tires are 215/60 R14s.

Good luck with your search.

Posted: **Sat Sep 23, 2023 7:39 am**

Considering the small number of properly sized 13" street tires now available on the market, and the huge number of choices in 14", 15", 16", or 17" high-quality, high performance tires and wheels that can be fitted to Corvairs, I think the only reason to stay with a 13" tire size would be either owning a show/concours-quality Corvair where seeking show-quality perfection while remaining all-original becomes your objective, or owning a set of unique 13" Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels or a set of Corvair-classic Hands aluminum wheels where 13" makes having those wheels on your Carvair an absolute necessity!

Posted: **Sun Sep 24, 2023 3:49 am**

I made PCD adaptors and fitted these 15" Halibrand look-a-likes I found here in South Africa

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2023 1:46 pm**

I just put my 14" torque thrust wheels on the driver's side of the car. The cars still on the lift and still apart. I should have taken a few pictures. With the 3 3/8" backspace and 190 70R 14 tires they extend out 1 1/2" to 1 5/8" further than the stock 13" wheels and tires. Seem to have plenty of steering clearance but I guess I really won't know how it will look until I actually roll the car. I just don't want the appearance of the wheels sticking out of the side of the car. Also, would this total 3" difference (both sides) affect my alignment settings?

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2023 2:39 pm**

hentysnr wrote: ↑Sun Sep 24, 2023 3:49 am I made PCD adaptors and fitted these 15" Halibrand look-a-likes I found here in South Africa

I've never seen those wheels - nice look.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2023 2:46 pm**

markplucenik wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 1:46 pm I just put my 14" torque thrust wheels on the driver's side of the car. The cars still on the lift and still apart. I should have taken a few pictures. With the 3 3/8" backspace and 190 70R 14 tires they extend out 1 1/2" to 1 5/8" further than the stock 13" wheels and tires. Seem to have plenty of steering clearance but I guess I really won't know how it will look until I actually roll the car. I just don't want the appearance of the wheels sticking out of the side of the car. Also, would this total 3" difference (both sides) affect my alignment settings?

Yes, but mainly the scrub radius that is fixed and only noticeable in a tight turn. Going slow it doesn't matter.

The caster effect will be multiplied. My front track is 2" wider overall and I had to set the caster back to the minimum value to make the "self centering/wheel return" force acceptable. The caster is adjusted by the lower control rod nuts and NOBODY will want to touch them as the nuts tend to get rusted solid to the rod. I've reported on this, Chevy II and early Mustang folks have the same issue at alignment shops.

A 190 tire isn't much wider (if any) vs. stock so toe in and camber stock settings should be used. A little less camber is recommended for a wider tire.

Posted: **Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:12 pm**

These are 14X7 442 wheels. They get a lot of attention. I have an extra full set that are actually better than these for $300.00. They are gray colors.

Posted: **Tue Oct 03, 2023 7:00 pm**

bbodie52 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 23, 2023 7:39 am Considering the small number of properly sized 13" street tires now available on the market, and the huge number of choices in 14", 15", 16", or 17" high-quality, high performance tires and wheels that can be fitted to Corvairs, I think the only reason to stay with a 13" tire size would be either owning a show/concours-quality Corvair where seeking show-quality perfection while remaining all-original becomes your objective, or owning a set of unique 13" Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels or a set of Corvair-classic Hands aluminum wheels where 13" makes having those wheels on your Carvair an absolute necessity!

I’ve got these on my ‘63 and I’ve got 4 more that are even nicer. What wheels do you recommend? I’m hoping to get it

running again soon.

Posted: **Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:21 pm**

I still have my stock 13" steel wheels on for the time being, I don't mind the small tire look. Couldn't resist buying these $6 wheel covers I just found at the 99 Cent store. They look decent from ten feet. I like them better than stock Monza hubcaps, so they'll work for now.

I got a different set off O'Reilly's AP clearance shelf for just $2.62 for a 4-pack. Yep, 65 cents per wheel cover. I guess I'm the only guy with 13s.

Last pic shows these same "Vector" WCs listed on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Custom-Accessori ... B000ZN3FMC

Posted: **Wed Oct 11, 2023 4:35 am**

17" has a much better selection of tire sizes.

Posted: **Wed Oct 11, 2023 9:23 am**

joelsplace wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2023 4:35 am 17" has a much better selection of tire sizes.

Sure, plus a nice set of 17s would double the value of my car.

Posted: **Tue Jan 30, 2024 4:10 pm**

My 64 110hp 4 speed coupe. Before and after new wheels and tires. Original whe nI purchased the vehicle had 13"x5.5" rims with 155/80/13 tires, yes 155 I said not a misprint. It was like riding on Bicycle tires. Just changed them out last week to the 14"x6" poader coated with trim rings and baby moons all the way around, with 205/60/14 on all four with no modifications, and no rub. A little room to spare. Replaced some control arm bushings in front and had a 4 wheel alignment performed. After 2 days shimming and heating bolts to make adjustments they got her pretty well aligned. The ride is much smoother and handling like a little sports car. Looking to perform the same on my 65 500. I believe I will have more options, thanks to all you good folks that take the time to share your pics and information.

Corvair Forum

Let's see them wheels

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