Tire Size - what will fit??

[orlowted]

Hello all. Getting new tires and rims in a week or 2 and have a few questions so I though I would ask the experts. 1965 Coupe - lowered 1" in the front and rear. I currently have p195 75 R14 all around. I have about 1" clearance in the front minimum all around from the fender and about 1 1/2 in the back. I want to come closer to filling the wells without risking the chance of rubbing. Heavy duty springs all around so the car dosent bounce much at all. I see that sizes range from 185 70 r14 to 225 70 r15 - These don't mean much to me. I wand a little taller and wider. I have considered bigger in the back and a little smaller in the front. Any thoughts?? I would drive the car there, but it is 2 hours away and it will be in the shop getting painted. I am getting the rims and tires as a package deal so I just want to make sure they will fit.
Thanks for any advice...

[mustangII460]

Remember this. The "70" in your tire size is the height. Its "70" percent of the width. So 70% of 225 is way tall, vs 70% of 185. A 185/70 is probably close in height to say like, a 225/60.

I would go with a 15 inch wheel with somewhere between a 205-225/60. Thats a plenty tall tire. Search google for people that have done this with your year car.

Make sure you get the correct backspace or none of this will work. Im sure a tire shop has a old 225 laying around for you to check the rub.

[orlowted]

Got it - Thanks

What is "Backspace" and how will I know if I have it right?

[mustangII460]

Vintage wheel chart 65-66 mustard

"Backspace or "Offset" is the amount of wheel that goes inward. Its measured from the flat surface (Inside of wheel) to the inside edge of rim. If you lay a wheel down with the inside up, set a ruler or srtaight edge across the wheel and measure fron the center down to the backside of the center hub area= backspace.

Id try somethng like a 15X6 with a 215/60 with 4 inch backspace. That way you can also rotate your tires.

[orlowted]

OK - I went and picked up tires and rims - they were a package deal. They look great....
Here is the question - I got 215/60 R 15 all around. I put them on checking for fit...Back is OK, but the front is a little tight. They are wide enough that the tire comes within 1/2 inch of the upper control arm and about an inch from the lower tie rod. I bounced the car all over the place checking for clearance and it seems that these clearances are OK. I think they move in harmony together (control arm and tire) so am I correct in assuming that the tight clearance will not be a problem? I just don't see how they could ever touch, but just wanted to check and see what you guys thought since they are so close?

TJ

[mustangII460]

Sounds ok to me. Have some fun!