Magnum Wheel Size

[DixieSatellite]

Hi,

What is the best Magnum 500 wheel size / tire size for these B bodies? I know this is personal preference, but the white 'B' bodies can tend to look rather 'big' and this can makes the wheels look small. Tire size proportions also have a big visual impact.

I have to buy new tires (the current tires are about 7 years old and the car has been sitting in storage). My SSP currently has 15 x 7 Magnum 500s all around, but I am wondering whether 15 x 8 rears and 15 x 7 fronts might be better, or if I should keep the 15 x 7s and concentrate on tires that fill out the guards more.

On the plus side, I am getting the shop to install a full replacement white interior for my SSP (all new bucket seat covers, redone center console, new T-bar, seat repair / foams. kick panels, seat backs, roof lining etc.). I will provide pics details for those interested. My original interior is not in too bad condition for a 40 y.o. car. but no matter how much cleaning I do it will never match a new one.

(The roof trim strip is still in the trunk and will also be reattached).





Thanks,

Ian B.

[JimT1971RR]

I like the way it looks in the pics. Having the wider rears does, in my opinion, make the car look better from the rear. I am just glad to hear that you are only looking at wider rims and not larger diameter rims. I think huge rims really look stupid, especially on classic cars.

[asuperdry]

I think huge rims really look stupid, especially on classic cars.

I second that.

[471Magnum]

15x7 works fine for anything up to 275-60-15, although I prefer 8's with that size.

255-60-15 will work on all four corners if you want to go with the same size all around. They work fine on 7s or 8s. I think the 255's look a bit excessive up front though.

235-60-15 is the closest to the factory 15" size (G60-15). I think they fill out the wheel opening just right up front.

Wider front tires can lead to wonky tracking, more so if your front suspension is not in good shape. Need to be able to dial in maximum caster for good tracking, and that requires good bushings. With that in mind, it the front suspension needs work, go more conservative on tire size. Better yet, rebuild the front suspension before ruining new tires.

A staggered fitment (taller in rear) will further cannibalize your effective caster.



Another consideration is power steering. If you lack it, 255s will wear you out, particularly with a big block. My four speed GTX had 255-s, no PS or PDB. You had to plan your course (and gear selection) well in advance on low speed turns. Pulling into my side entry garage was quite the work out.

I run 255-60-15/235-60-15 combo on my Road Runner (auto,ps,pb). It's a car I drive a bunch on the highway. Looks good. Tracks great. I am seriously considering getting some of the new 17" cast Rallyes from Year One though.

I think your car looks great with the current tire fitment.

[471Magnum]

I think huge rims really look stupid, especially on classic cars.

I second that.

I agree with that to a point. In too many instances, people use a late modern style wheel with the wrong offset (usually a Mustang wheel) and it comes off as a glaring anachronism. Done right with no more than a 17" or 18" wheel can look pretty good.

Here's one of my GTXs on 17's (same style wheel as on my RR, but 17s vs 15s):

[JimT1971RR]

Here's one of my GTXs on 17's (same style wheel as on my RR, but 17s vs 15s):
[/quote]

I think your GTX looks sweet. 17s are larger than stock, but by no means huge. I was really referring to rims 20" and larger. You know, the ones that are so big that the tires looks like rubber bands and car has to be raised up in order for them to fit and makes it look like it has 4 wheel drive.

[DixieSatellite]

Hi all,

Thanks very much for your input / responses. I will go w/ meatier tires to start with and keep the 15 x 7s for now and post pics.

I will provide pics of the interior refurb.

Cheers,

Ian B.

[Eric]

I've been thinking the Year One road wheels, 17x8 front and 17x9 rear would look really good on a 71/72. Here's a photo from over on moparts.

[471Magnum]

I've been thinking the Year One road wheels, 17x8 front and 17x9 rear would look really good on a 71/72.

I've been really tempted to order the 17" Rallyes. I've actually got my 15" Telstars for sale to finance the purchase.

[wejewill]

I have Road Wheels that are 14 X 7 and will need to buy new tires when all is said and done. I was really looking at staying with these rims but I really want to put Goodyears back on the car. I obviuosly do not need Goodyear Eagle's on my car, but the tires I do have are called Wingfoots that were made by Goodyear. I was wondering what size I have been looking but the choices are limited for these small rims?

[road chicken]

I run the 255/60/15 on all four corners but if you're just cruisin the the pavement or get on it in straight lines only a 235-70 should do just fine, especially with the 14" rims. I'm running through a lot of back roads and like to open it up on the highway, well over the rated speed, but just for quick jaunts before the tires heat up too much. I dunno about handling problems with big tires, I do just fine at 135 and climbing, being able to switch lanes deliberately, without being terrified the car is going to out of control. The car is set up for it though, 7 degrees positive caster and 1 degree negative camber, with the front suspension dropped 3" from stock. Makes the euro-trash scratch their heads because these big tanks aren't supposed to go that fast and be able to move around. Much less be able to pull away from them at those speeds. The look on that A8 drivers face was priceless

The biggest trick is to get the tires to fill out the wheel wells and look right. A 235/70/14 ought to do that for you and be available. Alot of the 15 inch tire sizes are going away since there aren't that many cars using them any more. I'll be looking at a 17" set of rims for just that reason. Good luck

[wejewill]

Thanks so much for the advice on the tire sizes.