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Announcements => New Members / Bio's => Topic started by: pontiyak on January 06, 2017, 02:40:07 PM

Title: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak 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 ?
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: dsags 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
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: GS66 on January 06, 2017, 04:25:35 PM
Welcome! Where are you located and any pictures of your 65 GS?
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: cwmcobra on January 06, 2017, 07:10:28 PM
Welcome Pontiyak!  Are you a Pontiac fan, live in Pontiac, MI or both??  :-)

Chuck
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak 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.
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: dsags 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
Title: Depends! (Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels)
Post by: elagache on January 06, 2017, 09:47:35 PM
Dear Dan, Jim, Chuck, and 65GS.com welcome wagon . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/welcomewagon.gif)

Welcome pontiyak to the 65GS.com forum!! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/welcome_smiley.gif)

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!! . .  (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/kodak.gif)

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 (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:
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: WkillGS 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:
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak 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.
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: GS66 on January 09, 2017, 01:59:33 PM
Love the red interior, looks like a nicely optioned car!
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak on January 09, 2017, 02:09:44 PM
oops posted 2 interior shots , try this again!!
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak 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.
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak on January 09, 2017, 04:14:03 PM
I was thinking 22 -70-15 on rear , 215 70 15 front
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: dsags 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
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: dsags 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
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: GS66 on January 09, 2017, 05:50:12 PM
Nice 65 GTO too!
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: Loren At 65GS on January 09, 2017, 07:18:17 PM
Welcome , nice looking and well optioned GS.

As Dan mentioned, the earl grille badge is not real common and can be some what pricey.  I finally found one for the display I put together for the BCA Nationals when they were in MO.

We're a fairly friendly group, how about a first name and putting your location in your profile.

 Loren
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak on January 09, 2017, 08:50:44 PM
Hi Dan. yes typo on 225 70-15 for rears, and yes 215 70-15 for fronts ,pict of car has 215 70 14,on mags which is ok but to qualify for collector car insurance in this province I had to switch to original steel wheels and stock spinner hubcaps,but I just don't like the look of them,  I prefer to keep same profile of tire front and rear ie 70 series.  I really like the 15 in rally wheels so that's what its getting. The 65 wheel centers are one year only?
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: cwmcobra on January 09, 2017, 09:28:33 PM
Hi Lee,

Yes, the 65 "Fat Bird" centers are exclusive to that year.  In 66 they migrated to "Skinny Bird" centers.  I've got a 65 with Skinny Bird centers that I need to swap to Fat Birds.  Reproductions are available from Mitch Romanowski at http://www.buickcenters.com/skylarkgs.html (http://www.buickcenters.com/skylarkgs.html)

Chuck

PS:  Very nice cars!
Title: Thanks for the pics! (Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels)
Post by: elagache on January 09, 2017, 09:52:41 PM
Thanks Lee for posting the photos of your car!  :thumbsup:

You definitely have a nice GS in very good condition!  :love4:

Cheers, Edouard  :occasion14:
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: 66nailhead on January 09, 2017, 11:43:29 PM
Welcome to the forum. Beautiful convert. I have always loved black with red interior. My dads 65gs convert is also a January build. It had the black medallion in the console but he's missing the small badge on the grille because the car was hit in the late 70's.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: 35chevcoupe on January 10, 2017, 10:04:27 AM
Lee ,    Welcome to the forum ( family ).  Your convert is beautiful , I like your GTO also .
Hope you find the site helpful . There is a wealth of information here .
Nice cars !
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak on January 10, 2017, 11:29:58 AM
thanks Chuck for link to the correct wheel centers for 65 , hopefully someone can steer me to proper 15x7 wheels , apparently there are diff. hole sizes for Buick rally wheels. 




Lee
65 GS convert
65 GTO convert 3x2 auto
65 GTO HT  3x2 4 speed (505 ci Kaufmann head Pontiac 10.40,s @ 129)
37 Ford coupe
65 Beaumont 327 4 speed needs resto
65 Mustang fastback 289 4 speed  undergoing full resto in my shop

Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: Buicknut65 on January 10, 2017, 10:10:39 PM
Sweet ride . I like to use 215/65/15 front and 255/60/15 rear .
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: GreatScat1965 on January 12, 2017, 06:19:23 PM
215/65R15 Front, 255/60R15 Rear on stock 1971 15X7 Buick wheels. Just for a slightly different prospective. Yes the rear tires are taller than the fronts. (1960's "Rake")

Jerry
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: GS66 on January 12, 2017, 06:36:39 PM
Jerry, that looks so good!
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: GreatScat1965 on January 12, 2017, 06:56:06 PM
Thanks Jim, that is my attempt to disguise the 15" wheels to look correct on the car. 1965 center caps and some argent paint. I'm glad you think it came out alright.

Jerry
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: bobbybuick on January 12, 2017, 07:15:26 PM
15x7 front disc brakes used whatever the stock 15x7 are I think 3.5 and have 215x65-15
15x8 Rear 5" BS 275x60x15 4.5 BS wont work  on 8
Title: Re: 65 GS 15 in. wheels
Post by: pontiyak on January 12, 2017, 08:41:35 PM
Jerry, I didn't realize the originals came with argent centers (same as Pontiac), new wheels will no doubt come black, and with black car I may keep them black,  not sure collector insurance will notice anyway. 
thanks for posting picts, guys,both nice cars, I like the rake on both of them.
 Lee