4" skinnies with 1 1/2" backspacing

[GaryC]

Is a 15x4 skinny with 1 1/2" backspacing enough to use on the front of a 69 Camaro? Looking for a tire that won't give any issues. I would assume the wheel will be more outboard or closer to the fender edge. Thanks guys.

[GrumpyJeff]

Is a 15x4 skinny with 1 1/2" backspacing enough to use on the front of a 69 Camaro? Looking for a tire that won't give any issues. I would assume the wheel will be more outboard or closer to the fender edge. Thanks guys.

I Run the Coker /Firestone Deluxe Champion 7.75x15 (OEM size for 65-67 Corvettes) 0n my 4" Cragars on my 67 Camaro with disc brakes, Fit Great, Look Great , Kinda Pricey Tho

[GaryC]

I Run the Coker /Firestone Deluxe Champion 7.75x15 (OEM size for 65-67 Corvettes) 0n my 4" Cragars on my 67 Camaro with disc brakes, Fit Great, Look Great , Kinda Pricey Tho


That's a bias ply correct? How tall? I think I read 26" is about the tallest you can go on a 69 Camaro. Trying to decide radial or bias ply.

[GrumpyJeff]

That's a bias ply correct? How tall? I think I read 26" is about the tallest you can go on a 69 Camaro. Trying to decide radial or bias ply.

Bias Ply , think they are exactly 27"tall. All my Hot Rods have Bias, The Look is way more important to me than the Ride ,especially with the Skinnys...

[chevyman0429]

Bias Ply , think they are exactly 27"tall. All my Hot Rods have Bias, The Look is way more important to me than the Ride ,especially with the Skinnys...

You Sir are absolutely correct! I put Bias ply all the way around my 69 chevelle and loove the way it looks !

[big gear head]

Radials look awful on 4 inch wheels. I've got Firestone 6.40 15 on my Camaro. They are about 27 inches tall.

[Derek69SS]

I love the 6.40-15 Firestones. They look great with an L60 rear.

[GaryC]

What backspacing are y'all using? I've read 2" on up. The skinnies I plan on using are 1 1/2" BS. If I go bias ply the tire shouldn't balloon like the radial tire if what I'm reading online is correct. I was informed about the MT Sportsman tires, but not too keen on the roundness of it. I'm thinking this skinny needs a full tread pattern I would think. And I have been looking at a ton of tires for the past week. Anything you guys can point to will be appreciated.

[Pro Stock John]

If you are cruising around I'd run a DOT tire of some kind, available in bias or radial.

I have M/T SR fronts, heavy but drive great.

[1967 4K]

John, what size are the front M/T tires on the yellow 67?

Thanks,

[dykstra]

Car looks killer John!

[69 Post Sedan]

I’m running bias ply on all four corners…..if you’re trying to go for “The look”, that’s the only way to go as radials don’t look right.

My combination is 15x4 Cragars-Moroso Drag Special in the front with 15x8-M&H Racemaster in the rear. I’m not positive on the basckspace for the fronts but I don’t think there were a lot of options. The car drives fine except on wide cracks/seams in the road……I have manual steering which helps…..IMO

With that being said, the fronts are not DOT approved but the rear are……I have driven my car a lot like that since 2009 and never been questioned on them. But……if you’re going for plan on using a 4” wide wheel…..I’m assuming that’s not DOT approved either…….?

Kurt

[GrumpyJeff]

M&H used to make a nice DOT "Muscle Car'' Front tire 185/85 27" tall, last time I looked availability was a issue tho, Still have a pair on the front of my Chevelle and my Boss.

[Derek69SS]

What backspacing are y'all using? I've read 2" on up. The skinnies I plan on using are 1 1/2" BS. If I go bias ply the tire shouldn't balloon like the radial tire if what I'm reading online is correct

The ones on my '68 Chevelle are 5" with 2.5" backspace, so the extra inch is all to the inside compared to yours.

I can't imagine you'd have any fitment problems with the backspace. I've actually been considering putting a 1/2" spacer on mine just to move them outboard a little to match up to the rears a little better. From some angles, they look like they sit way in the fender opening.

[GaryC]

The ones on my '68 Chevelle are 5" with 2.5" backspace, so the extra inch is all to the inside compared to yours.

I can't imagine you'd have any fitment problems with the backspace. I've actually been considering putting a 1/2" spacer on mine just to move them outboard a little to match up to the rears a little better. From some angles, they look like they sit way in the fender opening.

That's why I'm asking the BS question. How far OUTSIDE is too far? There are a lot of tires out there and I have noted from 165/80, 165/70, 195/75, 205/70, 205/65, 205/75 and some of the tires y'all mentioned.

Curious what the tallest would be for the 69 Camaro at the front well. My car is already low, Z28, with 235/60/R15 with 15x7 Vintage Wheel Works V40 version of TT II's and they fill the wells good. I'm ready to go for a different look. Going day two. I want to go with a 15x8 rally 4.50 BS and something that will fit for the rear. The rear tires are a no brainer L60 or 275R. Sure seems to be a 50/50 thing with who is running what tire.

[GaryC]

Thanks guys for the back and forth on this, it sure will help with my decision.

[GrumpyJeff]

Wheel /Tire combo & sizes Make or Break a Cars Attitude ! Especially a period Day 2 look. Stance is Everything

[LetsFNgo]

5.60-15 Firestones up front on 15x3.5 Fenton Gyros
N50-15 M&H RaceMaster on 15x10 American Racing slot mags

Getting the 5.60’s to air up was a bear and required ether and a torch. But they do look cool. Even if the car has a long ways to go.

[NorCam]

I ran the Coker Tire 640.15 Firestone Pie Crusts on the yellow Day 2 Camaro with 4" wheels up front and they fit great. There's a shorter version as well (540.15) but they look too small IMO . Tried them on the Green Z28 but didn't like the smaller tires.

Also ran the 640 pie crusts on the Day 2 Nova I rebuilt a few years back and they were awesome on there as well.

[Crush]

I ran the Coker Tire 640.15 Firestone Pie Crusts on the yellow Day 2 Camaro with 4" wheels up front and they fit great. There's a shorter version as well (540.15) but they look too small IMO (tried them on the Green Z28 seen below but didn't like the smaller tires).

Also ran the 640 pie crusts on the Day 2 Nova I rebuilt a few years back and they were awesome on there as well. Some pics and a link to the right sized tires below. https://cokertire.com/tires/firestone-640-15.html

Smaller tires including ProTrac 540's. Not enough height I would say.

https://i.ibb.co/v6xVKDsp/IMG-7165.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/JjwmNFMC/IMG-7516.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7NNzwXZk/IMG-7519.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0ybyKR45/IMG-9422.jpg

And below are a couple shots with the 640 tires which are 27" tall and fit nicely with no rubbing at all.

https://i.ibb.co/XfBTCjBd/IMG-8147.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ks9YVzzS/IMG-8640.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/vvLq8p5Y/IMG-5531.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1GBZCSN6/IMG-5530.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DDfkcQD9/IMG-5528.jpg

All these cars look sweet! Great job

[Pro Stock John]

MT SR 26 x 6.00 x 15

[GaryC]

The yellow Z and the Nova, look just right. So a 27" front tire fits nicely.

[NorCam]

These are a 27.30 height which is a little taller than the original E70/15 Goodyear Wide Treads (26.73 height) chosen for the Z/28, but they have a narrower tread width at 4.45 vs 6.63 so they work well on a standard height car.

Your car with a lowered stance may become an issue for this tire and wheel setup. If you're looking for a day 2 look, you might want to ditch the lowered springs and raise the car up to where it will achieve the right stance / look.

Good luck with everything. :beers:

[1967 4K]

I have to use a 5/8 spacer for the Cragar Skinny’s I have. The car has disc brakes and the wheel won’t clear the caliper without the spacer.
That little bit of outboard width with will make a difference in required tire height if your not careful. If a car sets just a bit high it shouldn’t bother you concerning rub.

[big gear head]

I had a set of ProTrac tires on the front for a while. They were too short and looked stupid. My friends also thought they looked stupid, but didn't say anything about it until after I took them off. The 6.40 Firestones look a lot better. I don't have a good picture of the car with the short tires on it, but the first picture is with the sort tires and the bottom picture is with the 27 inch Firestones.

[GaryC]

These are a 27.30 height which is a little taller than the original E70/15 Goodyear Wide Treads (26.73 height) chosen for the Z/28, but they have a narrower tread width at 4.45 vs 6.63 so they work well on a standard height car.

Your car with a lowered stance may become an issue for this tire and wheel setup. If you're looking for a day 2 look, you might want to ditch the lowered springs and raise the car up to where it will achieve the right stance / look.

Good luck with everything. :beers:

Everything is still factory original with the suspension. I got it with 80,000 miles on it, still has original ball joints with the rivets. No issues there, just low.

[GaryC]

I had a set of ProTrac tires on the front for a while. They were too short and looked stupid. My friends also thought they looked stupid, but didn't say anything about it until after I took them off. The 6.40 Firestones look a lot better. I don't have a good picture of the car with the short tires on it, but the first picture is with the sort tires and the bottom picture is with the 27 inch Firestones.

You're sitting low, too. Looks like how mine sits with the tires IN the wells. The shorter tire doesn't look bad at all, but the taller tire pic looks more to my liking.

[GaryC]

I ran the Coker Tire 640.15 Firestone Pie Crusts on the yellow Day 2 Camaro with 4" wheels up front and they fit great. There's a shorter version as well (540.15) but they look too small IMO (tried them on the Green Z28 seen below but didn't like the smaller tires).

Also ran the 640 pie crusts on the Day 2 Nova I rebuilt a few years back and they were awesome on there as well. Some pics and a link to the right sized tires below. https://cokertire.com/tires/firestone-640-15.html

Smaller tires including ProTrac 540's. Not enough height I would say.

https://i.ibb.co/v6xVKDsp/IMG-7165.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/JjwmNFMC/IMG-7516.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7NNzwXZk/IMG-7519.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/0ybyKR45/IMG-9422.jpg

And below are a couple shots with the 640 tires which are 27" tall and fit nicely with no rubbing at all.

https://i.ibb.co/XfBTCjBd/IMG-8147.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/ks9YVzzS/IMG-8640.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/vvLq8p5Y/IMG-5531.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/1GBZCSN6/IMG-5530.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DDfkcQD9/IMG-5528.jpg

Just found this on FACEBOOK...

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1345830983330287&set=gm.1356461122219636&idorvanity=407261543806270

[GaryC]

Tire budget says go with these. These seem to be a commonly used tire, and there are plenty out there to buy. I just don't like the roundness of the tread. They are 26".

I still have to figure out the rears, so I may go with L60's If they'll fit. I was thinking on a black 15x8 rally with 4.50 back spacing on the rear.


https://www.jegs.com/i/Mickey-Thompson/672/1572/10002/-1

[NorCam]

Gack.

Horible tire and meant for drag racing as the surface contact patch is quite minimal. Hope you never have to hit the brakes because it'll skate...but if that's what you like?

[big gear head]

You're sitting low, too. Looks like how mine sits with the tires IN the wells. The shorter tire doesn't look bad at all, but the taller tire pic looks more to my liking.

That's just not a good picture with the short tires on it. If it was a direct side shot like the other picture you would be able to see how bad it looked with the short tires. I got my Firestones from Rusty Small (SmallHurst) who is a member here and has a classic tire business.

[1967 4K]

I’m like Freddie I’ve had too small- short tires on my 15x4’s that looked terrible. This thread has been very informative to me and I’ve decided to buy the M/T radials that ProStockJohn has on his yellow 67 Camaro.

[Pro Stock John]

Good driving tire at higher speeds, true radial.

These M/T ET Street fronts interest me too, I assume they won't have the same grip but they are lighter.

[GaryC]

I just don't like the roundness of the tread on the MT skinny tires. Kind of looks like a bike tire. Still looking to see what suits me and the car. The car will be driven on the street...so at least the very least a DOT tire. Been doing a lot of reading online and there are so many 'OLDER' post. Thanks for ALL the input. The more usable info the better.

[GaryC]

I sent a message to Mr. Smalls.

[RPO LS7]

https://cokertire.com/tires/pro-trac-front-runner-215-75-15.html?srsltid=AfmBOopZHZbiIlbt11-nU4GXbaDJiLc9B9JC2csRxZjk--5ZmgXjQ951

[Derek69SS]

https://cokertire.com/tires/pro-trac-front-runner-215-75-15.html?srsltid=AfmBOopZHZbiIlbt11-nU4GXbaDJiLc9B9JC2csRxZjk--5ZmgXjQ951

I have those on my '55 Chevy. I really don't like how much the sidewalls bulge out. They almost look like a radial.

[Pro Stock John]

Bias-
Pros: Old school look; lighter.
Cons: Don't handle as well, wear faster.

Radials-
Pros: Better handling, less oversteer
Cons: Modern looking tread, noticeable heavier.

[GrumpyJeff]

Gack.

Horible tire and meant for drag racing as the surface contact patch is quite minimal. Hope you never have to hit the brakes because it'll skate...but if that's what you like?

Grant is Correct! these Suck unless you want a 1990'S Pro Street look

[GaryC]

I have those on my '55 Chevy. I really don't like how much the sidewalls bulge out. They almost look like a radial.

Does look fat doesn't it?

[RPO LS7]

It's the old school look, you're into it or not. Kind of like the ones Kurt posted, but street legal.

[69 Post Sedan]

I’m a little confused on the DOT subject……if you are running a 3.5” or 4” wide wheel…..I find it hard to believe that they are DOT approved…….maybe I’m wrong.

I know my 1971 front wheels are 15x4 and it's stamped right on them that they are not for highway use.

On a side note…..I’ve driven 250-300 miles in one day before with my setup with no issues. Does it drive like a new car…..nope. But it’s a lot of fun.

Kurt :3gears:

[NorCam]

To me, I see a lot of people who want to get into the day 2 scene because it's popular, but many of them have no idea of what truly goes into the day 2 science. It's old school...and while it's cool to be that, it isn't about radial tires, DOT ratings, or straying far from what was initially born on the drag strips of the 60's and 70's.

Those who truly get though...they are the folks who are totally cool, with old school.

[Derek69SS]

To me, I see a lot of people who want to get into the day 2 scene because it's popular, but many of them have no idea of what truly goes into the day 2 science. It's old school...and while it's cool to be that, it isn't about radial tires, DOT ratings, or straying far from what was initially born on the drag strips of the 60's and 70's.

Those who truly get though...they are the folks who are totally cool, with old school.

I think the biggest draw into the Day 2 scene is the ability to run $100 swap-meet headers, a $200 vintage carb, a $50 distributor, etc and still be "correct" without needing a $2500 set of smog equipment, a $2000 carb, or a $1500 distributor...

...also, the cars look super cool.

[DW31S]

I think the biggest draw into the Day 2 scene is the ability to run $100 swap-meet headers, a $200 vintage carb, a $50 distributor, etc and still be "correct" without needing a $2500 set of smog equipment, a $2000 carb, or a $1500 distributor...

...also, the cars look super cool.

Oh, I disagree…and here’s why…
True day 2 people want to see the CORRECTLY DATED speed parts not a conglomerate of swap meet junk. I’m talking the real good stuff that wasn’t blown up at drag strips across the country. There is a gigantic difference in a high quality build like Grady’s stuff, or Chuck Berg’s, or the way Graeme and Grumpy Jeff piece one together versus the guy that buys old crappy headers because they’re cheap, doesn’t know the difference between square traction bars and oblong ones, and buys new “square spoke” 4.5 inch Cragars because he can’t see the obvious difference in the shape of the spoke or won’t pony up the bucks to buy a pair of “thin band round spokes”. Same with a genuine Lakewood 3-point bar—priced a real one lately? How about a real Fly-Eye air cleaner? Try finding a boot for an era correct inline shifter.
Genuine speed equipment from the ‘60s and ‘70s that hasn’t been destroyed is extremely hard to find and commands a high price. NOS stuff from the same era is next to impossible to obtain so be prepared to cough up some loot.

[cheveslakr]

A swap meet seller had a pair of Appliance CH22 headers on his 454 engine that he set up on a run stand. No mufflers because he couldn't adapt them to the square flanges. He said he was going to cut the flanges off in favor of 3 hole versions. Wouldn't sell the headers seperately, and had no idea what they were and didn't care. I offered him money, but no deal.
I did get an old MSD 8460 for $15, but that's probably 80s vintage, so not that cool.
I hunt for the old stuff, and it's so rare to find, which makes the frenzy just that much more intense.

[NorCam]

I'm with Dave.

Ever try finding original NOS Cragars with direct bolt patterns from back in the day? How about an early set of square Lakewood traction bars with matching hardware? A Hurst ram-rod with an original boot, vintage Air Lift bags from Motion, or how about a vintage Moroso 10K Mechanical Tach with a matching cable? Even a set of M/T Scavenger headers are nearly impossible to find these days. Oh yeah, and then there's the early Hurst Line Lock kits with the correct solenoids and buttons . Yup...unobtanium is what it's all becoming!

When it comes to period correct muscle cars from the Pony Car years, the truth of the matter is, there's early Day II hardware, and then there's everything else. The early stuff is so in demand, that it vanishes quickly whenever something surfaces.

People like David Siltman, Jeff Harnish, Dan Reimer, Russell Rosales understand the Day II vibe, and each of them truly know what it's all about. I'd also have to say that Mike & Grady are a couple of Day 2 guru's known to frequent sYc over the years. In fact, I'd say the brown Copo is always going to be the Benchmark Car IMHO!

:beers:

[scuncio]

Totally agree, been digging up the “real” stuff for 30 years and there’s no substitute.

[Derek69SS]

This is the $100 pair of headers I was referring to... NOS square flange Appliance for Chevelle. One of 3 pairs of vintage NOS headers I've bought in the last year for less than Chinese new ones.

The good "Day-2" stuff is way easier to find than a correct original assembly line parts.

Wheels are the exception. Direct drilled 15s are hard to find among the sea of unilug 14s.

[chevyman0429]

This is the $100 pair of headers I was referring to... NOS square flange Appliance for Chevelle. One of 3 pairs of vintage NOS headers I've bought in the last year for less than Chinese new ones.

The good "Day-2" stuff is way easier to find than a correct original assembly line parts.

Wheels are the exception. Direct drilled 15s are hard to find among the sea of unilug 14s.

I sure could use a set like this!

[Derek69SS]

And I can buy a Holley 950 3-barrel for 1/4 the price of a correct dated 69 L78 carb.

[Derek69SS]

I sure could use a set like this!

Unless I stumble upon some Mickey Thompson Super Scavengers, I am keeping these for my 69 SS396 Chevelle.

I have to give my brother ("chadk" here on the forum) credit for finding these. I found a pair of used square flange Impala, and he found the NOS Chevelle ones. He has Impalas and I have Chevelles, so we traded.

[Derek69SS]

Here's another neat pair of headers thay that I scored for free about a year ago. I was buying some other parts from a guy cleaning out his garage. SBC Tri-5 Appliance 4-bolt headers in excellent condition... "If you have a use for them, you can have them." he said.

[Too Many Projects]

Oh, I disagree…and here’s why…
True day 2 people want to see the CORRECTLY DATED speed parts not a conglomerate of swap meet junk. I’m talking the real good stuff that wasn’t blown up at drag strips across the country. There is a gigantic difference in a high quality build like Grady’s stuff, or Chuck Berg’s, or the way Graeme and Grumpy Jeff piece one together versus the guy that buys old crappy headers because they’re cheap, doesn’t know the difference between square traction bars and oblong ones, and buys new “square spoke” 4.5 inch Cragars because he can’t see the obvious difference in the shape of the spoke or won’t pony up the bucks to buy a pair of “thin band round spokes”. Same with a genuine Lakewood 3-point bar—priced a real one lately? How about a real Fly-Eye air cleaner? Try finding a boot for an era correct inline shifter.
Genuine speed equipment from the ‘60s and ‘70s that hasn’t been destroyed is extremely hard to find and commands a high price. NOS stuff from the same era is next to impossible to obtain so be prepared to cough up some loot.
And this is exactly why this hasn't been a "hobby" for many of us for the past 25 years. Building cars to be exactly as came off the assembly line or as raced 50 years ago just isn't in most people's budget anymore and building a "day 2" car from more readily available and somewhat more affordable parts should NOT be scorned by the few who can afford the "real" parts.

[Derek69SS]

There are very few true "Day 2" cars. What most call "Day 2" are more like "Day 2000" with parts that were available 3-5 years after the car was new.

My goal with my '68 Chevelle is nothing newer than 1972 on it.

[Pro Stock John]

What did you go with Gary?

[GaryC]

What did you go with Gary?

Sorry guys, been away. I have a list of sizes, bias ply and radial that I'm looking at...I'm really having a hard time making the right decision, 26" or 27" and what the car looks like. My car still sits on the factory suspension so it's factory LOW, which I like and am use to. There are other things I'm working on collecting, but like it was said, finding decent day-two parts is going slow and the list is long.

[GrumpyJeff]

Sorry guys, been away. I have a list of sizes, bias ply and radial that I'm looking at...I'm really having a hard time making the right decision, 26" or 27" and what the car looks like. My car still sits on the factory suspension so it's factory LOW, which I like and am use to. There are other things I'm working on collecting, but like it was said, finding decent day-two parts is going slow and the list is long. You probably already know , What Fits & Looks best on a 67/68 Camaro dosen't always work on a 69 due to the more squared off wheel lips of the 69...

[Pro Stock John]

27s and a low '69 might be tricky. Wonder if you can borrow a set and check fitment with wheels turned.

[big gear head]

My car with 25, 26 and 27s. I don't have a good picture with the 25 inch tires, but believe me, it looked bad. I have no problems at all with the 27 inch tires. No rubs or scrubs.

[GaryC]

I was running 78's on front and rear on my first Z28 with 15x8's 1976 or 77. Had just a very slight rub on one bolt head turning right.