Author Topic: 65 GS 15 in. wheels  (Read 1959 times)

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Offline pontiyak

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65 GS 15 in. wheels
« on: January 06, 2017, 02:40:07 PM »
Hi GUYS. I am newbie to this but here goes, I have a 65 GS convert, I want to add 15 in. rally wheels I see there are 4 in and 4 1/4 backspace available which are best for the 65 ?
Lee

Offline dsags

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #1 on: January 06, 2017, 04:10:23 PM »
Hi GUYS. I am newbie to this but here goes, I have a 65 GS convert, I want to add 15 in. rally wheels I see there are 4 in and 4 1/4 backspace available which are best for the 65 ?

First of all, welcome to the forum. Remember, we were all newbies once.

The latest original 14" wheels had 3-1/2" backspacing and most people believe they look the best since they push the tire further towards the fender. Think you can also buy new 15" wheels with 3-1/2" backspacing, but if not, would go with the 4". This is assuming you are going to use tires that are close to the original size - a 215/70 for example.

Dan
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline GS66

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #2 on: January 06, 2017, 04:25:35 PM »
Welcome! Where are you located and any pictures of your 65 GS?
Jim
North Mankato, MN

65 Gran Sport HT auto
66 Gran Sport Conv. 4 speed
66 Gran Sport Conv auto
66 Gran Sport Post auto
66 Gran Sport HT auto

Offline cwmcobra

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2017, 07:10:28 PM »
Welcome Pontiyak!  Are you a Pontiac fan, live in Pontiac, MI or both??  :-)

Chuck
Steve Shuman's 1965 Skylark GS Convertible: Flame Red/401/4 BBL/Automatic - BCA Archival Preservation
1965 Skylark GS Convertible: Verde Green/401/2x4 BBL/4-speed - AACA First Grand National - AACA National Award - BHA Outstanding GS - BCA Senior Gold
1965 Shelby Cobra Replica

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Offline pontiyak

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #4 on: January 06, 2017, 08:24:00 PM »
Hi guys. So I posted question regarding adding 15 in. wheels to my 65 , I assume the "quick reply" in bottom left is how to keep this going? or do I use the "reply" next to "add poll" ?   I will have to figure out how to post picts, I have a 65 auto, has, tilt,,  PW, P seat, AC, blk with dark red int.
Lee

Offline dsags

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #5 on: January 06, 2017, 08:31:33 PM »
Hi guys. So I posted question regarding adding 15 in. wheels to my 65 , I assume the "quick reply" in bottom left is how to keep this going? or do I use the "reply" next to "add poll" ?   I will have to figure out how to post picts, I have a 65 auto, has, tilt,,  PW, P seat, AC, blk with dark red int.

SWEET ! Post pics please.

When responding hit the + by Additional Options, then Choose File to select a picture on your computer.

Dan
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline elagache

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Depends! (Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels)
« Reply #6 on: January 06, 2017, 09:47:35 PM »
Dear Dan, Jim, Chuck, and 65GS.com welcome wagon . . . .

Welcome pontiyak to the 65GS.com forum!!

Although feel free to actually go by your first name.  We are a small and friendly bunch!  :love4:

Hi GUYS. I am newbie to this but here goes, I have a 65 GS convert


Sorry but you'll have to do better than that! . . . . We absolutely need pictures!! . . 

You also might clue us in as to which sort of 1965 Buick A-Body convertible you have.  There were Buick Special, Skylark, and even GS convertibles.  The differences do matter!  As a start you might try this engine bay plate decoder:

http://www.65gs.com/vin.html

I want to add 15 in. rally wheels I see there are 4 in and 4 1/4 backspace available which are best for the 65 ?


Honestly, there is no reasonable answer to your question until you tell us which sort of tires you want to put on your 'vert.  You don't need extra backspacing unless you need that extra rubber.  You don't need extra rubber unless you have a drive-train that can take advantage of it.  So do tell us some more of those juicy details that might help us decide what you need exactly!

Once more welcome and by all means do tell!!  :director:

Cheers, Edouard  :occasion14:

Offline WkillGS

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #7 on: January 06, 2017, 10:49:39 PM »
^^^^ Right, if you plan to use 60 series tires, you need more backspace to keep the rear tires from hitting the outer wheelwell lip.
The typical 15x7 Buick rally wheel has 4-3/8" back space. Works well for up to a 255/60-15 tire on a 65 Skylark.

Welcome to the forum! :occasion14:
Walt K
Eastern Pa

66 GS Astro Blue/blue 425 auto
66 GS Silver Mist/black 401 4 spd
66 GS Flame Red/black 401 5 spd
66 GS Saddle Mist/black 401 L76 auto
66 Special Flame Red/black 300 5 spd
65 GS vert Verde Green/ Saddle buckets 401 4 spd
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Offline pontiyak

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2017, 01:51:10 PM »
Gentlemen, thanks for welcome to this forum, I have already received feedback on my wheel question. As I stated earlier , I have a 65 GS auto, convert,  data plate says Jan build date.  Yes I have already decoded it, I need to look thru the tutorial on how to use this site.
Lee

Offline GS66

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #9 on: January 09, 2017, 01:59:33 PM »
Love the red interior, looks like a nicely optioned car!
Jim
North Mankato, MN

65 Gran Sport HT auto
66 Gran Sport Conv. 4 speed
66 Gran Sport Conv auto
66 Gran Sport Post auto
66 Gran Sport HT auto

Offline pontiyak

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #10 on: January 09, 2017, 02:09:44 PM »
oops posted 2 interior shots , try this again!!
Lee

Offline pontiyak

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #11 on: January 09, 2017, 02:15:15 PM »
Guys. My car has a rectangular grill emblem, probably due to Jan build date? I really prefer other emblem for these cars though.
Lee

Offline pontiyak

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #12 on: January 09, 2017, 04:14:03 PM »
I was thinking 22 -70-15 on rear , 215 70 15 front
Lee

Offline dsags

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #13 on: January 09, 2017, 04:31:46 PM »
Guys. My car has a rectangular grill emblem, probably due to Jan build date? I really prefer other emblem for these cars though.

The 'other' emblem is readily available as a reproduction. If you want to change would suggest that you keep the small badge as they are rare and a bit pricey.

Dan
« Last Edit: January 09, 2017, 04:41:22 PM by dsags »
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60

Offline dsags

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Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
« Reply #14 on: January 09, 2017, 04:59:26 PM »
I was thinking 22 -70-15 on rear , 215 70 15 front

Pretty sure that should be 225-70-15. Per the Tire Rack site it appears that the diameter on that size is 27.4" which is probably quite a bit larger than your current size. If so, that would mean your speedometer gear would need to be changed.

How about 215-65-15 front and 235-60-15 rears ? These tires are about 26" diameter.

What size are you presently running ?

Dan
1965 Special Convertible, L33 LS, 4L60