How much space do you have between the wheel and the inside part of the wheel well on the back? The Chrome Torq Thrust D's I was looking at only come in 15x7 and 15x8.5. So if I got the 8.5 I wanted to know if they would also fit. Thanks --Rick
I've never seen Keystones as a performance image wheel. Around my town, they were always on Monte Carlos and Grand Prixs (mid to late 70's) I have also seen the black peel badly. I'd go with your original thought on the Torque Thrust II's if you are willing to go with that price range. The Torque Thrust D's-original non-polished give you that trans-am/road race look and aren't commonly found on these cars. If cost is an issue, Cragar S/S in chrome are probably the best performance image wheel available, and they come in a variety of sizes. They are beautiful classics. I think Shawn Simpson had 17 in. TT II's at one time. I do believe that he has changed to Edelbrock wheels based on some recent pics that I have seen. To measure backspacing on a wheel, put it face down-back side up. Put a yard stick or something long and flat across the rim facing you. Measure from that marker to the flat mounting surface of the hub. That is your backspacing. You can do the same with your car. Have someone hold a straight marker-yardstick, against the drum, measure from that back to the leaf spring. You will need some clearance from that. You also need to go to a tire/wheel shop and ask them to mount a wheel/rim and check for clearance in the wheelwell before selecting tires. Make sure you have clearance. I wouldn't go too deep on the dish for the rears. Your tires will stick out from the wheelwells and you will get chips and mud all over your nice car. As far as TT II's vs. other aftermarket wheels, I do like the fact that they are available in specific mounting sizes while most of the wheels that have been suggested are uni-lug style wheels. Some people don't feel safe with uni-lugs. I never had a problem with mine however. Seth
Thanks for all the information! It is a huge help! Im going to go up to the local wheel shop and get everything checked before I purchase.
235/70's would be huge in the front, would almost definitely rub the fenders or the frame (depending on backspacing) when you turn.
i'd put 15x7 on the front and a 15x8.5 on the rear... the 8.5 will work however i would make sure that your backspace is no more then 4 inches but if your looking to put some meat under there i'd go with the an x8 if they made one and go with at 3-1/2 offset for sure it will fit. i did some measuring today just for the hell of it and a x9 will fit.. probably with a 275 even a 285 with just rolling the fender and thats it! but the tire size is really important! low profiles are key! ok back to the orginal question... remember when you go with a small rim like a 14 inch or 15 inch you are really limited on your series that go along with the width. (ig: if the series is where you like it the width is too narrow in my opinion.) but any 26 inch tall tire will fit on the rear... a 28 inch tall will too but you wont beable to lower it much without rubbing. please note i'm comming from the point about doing this to a bone stock maverick without a rearend change or cut fenders. we all know what the options on what could be done to a maverick but in this case i think its best not to confuse people. sorry just ranting cuz i don't know how many times this question comes up on what size rim and tire will fit. everyone is very helpful however there are like ten million differant answers that never apply to the poor person who just want to put a set of rims on there maverick... lol anyway Rick good luck on your shopping! let us know what you get!
That is a great help, Maverick Man! I think when I finally get something it is going to be the Chrome Torq D's. 15x7 front and the x8.5 back. The stock back space on the 15x8.5 is 3 3/4 - That should be good, right? After seeing what you wrote, I was thinking 225/60/15 on front and 245/60/15 on back. It is all stock, I'm not going to modify the fenders in any way.
yeah a 245 will work.. the 225 no problem at all. but also take into account that if your leaf springs are weak get it will rub also a nice set of gas shocks too! looking forward to seeing it!
I have new air shocks on back, so if needed, I can lift or drop the rear end. thanks again for the info. The pics will be posted when I get what im looking for.
don't get me started on air shocks... personally i wouldn't put them on your car. i don' t know... why not? personally i think gas shocks will help the car tremendously! it doesn't sound like hes gonna drag race it.. so no need for 50/50 or 90/10s. and personally i don't like saggy rides.. if i wanted a saggy ride i'd buy a caddy and if i wanted to roll over i'd buy a suzuki samuri. i'm sure most (not all) would like to up date their car to handle better. cuz mavericks, as i'm sure you know, they don't handle worth a crap unless you invest in suspension parts.
