what size wheels???

[TonyG]

I am trying to decide what size wheels to put on my 65 Malibu. I am planning disk brakes all around and lowering it quit a bit (probably 3-4 inches).

17x7 and 17x8 with M/T Drag radials

18X7 and 18x9.5 with nitto drag radials

18x7 and 20x8.5 with Firestone wide ovals all around

each has its own advantages, but can't decide and I want to get the wheels ordered so I can start preparing the frame and body to get the stance that I want.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

[TonyG]

OK, thanks anyways...lol

[roddr1968]

18x7 and 18x 9.5 is my choice

[markss28]

18x8 and 18x10 I think the malibu will fit it.

[kennyd]

18x7 and 20x8.5

[skatinjay27]

if your other two options are with drag radials then you dont want 20s... i say 18 all around

[JayR]

18x7 and 20x8.5

Definitely!

[TravisB]

I have a good deal on a set of 18's and 20's but the car would have to mini tubbed and rear end narrowed.

[HRBS]

17X7 and 18x9.5
That body doesnt want more than 1" difference (IMO)
It'll be too raked.

[JayR]

17X7 and 18x9.5
That body doesnt want more than 1" difference (IMO)
It'll be too raked.

I like a 1" difference better than 2 as well but if the front will take 18s, don't run a 17 or it will swim in those big wheelwells. 18s all the way around would look better than 17s and 18s but 18s and 19s would look even better and give you your 1" differentiation and give you some room for some sidewall too.

Or there's Travis' 18s and 20s which are super nice and a great deal......

[TonyG]

Sorry guys.. I haven't checked this thread since it wasn't getting any interest when I started it.. lol. Anyways.. I was leaning towards 18's all around since I would like to do drag radials. But my original plan was 18's and 20's.

Travis.. you and I had talked several times before when I first got the car about the mini-tub and a few other things. I am going to PM you about the wheels incase you haven't looked back here.

Thanks guys.. I will check here more frequently and keep you updated.

I am building the car all myself with the hopes of learning and maybe drummin' up some business on the side.

thanks again.

[class67]

The 18's and 20's will work, I had them on a 65 El Camino. Watch your back spacing!:thumbsup:

[TonyG]

I measured the face of the drum to the fender lip and got 4.75 inches. So, on a 20X8.5, a 4.25 backspace would be plenty right?

[65 'buSS]

I also have a '65 Malibu SS. I also wanted to get the stance "right". Went with Airide for that. On the front I have the tall B body spindles with Hotchkis upper arms, Baer 13" brakes. I was able to run 17 x 8 w/5.5 bs and 245/45 Nitto 555's. In the back I managed to squeeze 275/40 Nitto 555's on 18 x 9.5w/ 5.5 bs. To make them rear fit required stretching the rear quarters an inch on each side.

Nice to see another early A body in the mix !

[TonyG]

I am planning to trim the inner lip of the rear quarters and also doing a mini-tub.