Spring is finally here in Ohio and it's time to get my Comet some new rims. I need help selecting the correct rims so i can keep the tires i currently have. I am running 215/60R15's on the front and 235/60R's on the rear. I would like to save the tires since they have a lot of tread left and just upgrade the rims. I'm favoring the chrome 5 spoke Cragar or the American Racing version. I know I need a 15" rim with a 5 x 4.5 in bolt pattern but that's all. What size width, backspacing and center bore?? Thanks!
71gold is right! I run 255 60R 15 on the rear with an 8" wide rim and 4.25 back spacing which you cannot get with Cragars or American Racing. Therefore, use a 4.0" back spacing. For the front I would just duplicate what you already have as far as wheel dimensions. The bolt pattern you posted means the wheels would be a Ford or Mercury and some Chrysler applications. No further dimensions required. Be aware, most tire retailers do not like to mount and balance tires or wheels not purchased from them. Secondly, just because the tires have good tread does not mean they are not compromised due to age. Many tire retailers will check the manufacturing date on the tire to determine it's age prior to mounting. If the tire is too old they will refuse to mount them. It's a liability thing!
I am running some original Magnum 500 15x7's. I believe they are 4.25 backspacing. They previously had 215/60R15 all round and now have 225/60R15's. I could probably push it to 235/60R15's but the fronts might rub the frame rails at full lock turns. Hotrock is right about places not wanting to mount old tires, that is why mine are now 225/60R15's.
Good to know about the tire age thing! So my rear tire would fit an 8" wide tire then? How can i figure out the width of the front rim without taking the tire off?
You can take the wheel/tire combo to a tire store and they have caliper s to measure the width of the wheel with the tire on it.
Yes, your rear tires will fit an 8" rim. Craig answered your other question about front wheel measurement. You can also do your own wheel width measurement with the tire mounted. Just give it some thought.
