65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
Drivetrain => Rims & Tires => Topic started by: elagache on November 30, 2015, 02:24:39 PM
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Dear those who live, breathe, and dream, 1965 Buicks . . . .
I need to decide on some larger tires for my assertive 1965 Buick Special wagon with a big-block Buick engine. The engine is putting put over 500 foot•pounds of torque and almost 500 horsepower, but it is extremely easy to control. Since I don't intend to use that power at all, my feeling is that I simply need conservative tires that will cope with rare instances of getting caught in the rain, but nonetheless are only used for normal daily-driving. I've been driving her with her seriously undersized P205/70R-14 Coker tires and she handles just fine for my needs (at least in dry weather.)
I have already bought a set of 4 57 series Buick Rallye wheels by Wheel Vintiques:
http://www.wheelvintiques.com/wheels/muscle/buick-rallye.html (http://www.wheelvintiques.com/wheels/muscle/buick-rallye.html)
I bought the 15" x 7" wheels which gives me 4" of back spacing.
I would like to buy some Diamond back III tires that are a remanufactured version of the B F Goodrich Radial T/A. The Diamond back process allows me to get a traditional 1960s white-wall tire that is no longer available from B F Goodrich. They can be made in a wide variety of sizes. Here is the table from the Diamond back website:
http://www.dbtires.com/store/shopbrand.cfm?brand=61 (http://www.dbtires.com/store/shopbrand.cfm?brand=61)
A few years back I started a thread on V-8 Buick and got suggestions like 235/60-15 for the front, and if desired, something larger like 255/60-15 for the back. What sort of tire and rim combinations are you guys using? My original goal in upgrading my wagon was to be able to tow a modest travel trailer. At the moment though, that project looks many years away, so I might simply settle for 4 tires of the same size for the interim.
Thanks in advance for advice born of years of experience! :thumbsup:
Sincerely, Edouard (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/smiley.gif)
P.S. I'm already aware of the fact that I'll have to recalibrate the speedometer as a result of the change in tire size. I'm already committed to this because of the switch from the TH350 to the 200-4R transmission. I really need to settle down on the tire size and then the appropriate rear end ratio so that I can indeed get the speedometer displaying accurately once more.
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on my 65 Sporty I now run 255/50/16 on the rear on 16X8 rally's with 5 1/2" of back spacing but I also use 69 A body diff so 1/2" wider each side to run a 255/60/15 you should have 5" back spacing minimum or it will rub
I have put many different combinations on the old girl but these I think look the meanest and most stealth
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I have run many styles of rims on this car and always try and fit biggest tire
245/60/15 fit ok on my stock 15X7 rally's but worked better on my 15X8 with 5" back spacing
my torque thrust rims have 235/60/16 on 15X8 with 5 1/4 bs could easily go 255/50/16
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They all look good on your car.
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They all look good on your car.
X2 :thumbsup:
Good thing you showed up Ken. Now Edouard won't feel lonely. LOL
Maybe there will be a wagon in my garage someday. I've always liked them.
Loren
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The wider the better , and I like to share them with the neighbor hood . :evil6:
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Nice John! I agree, you don't want them dry rotting from old age.
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Dear Ken, Jim, Loren, and mid-60s longroof fans,
Shuck Ken I'm overwhelmed!! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)
Should I ask about the specs on that 350, or . . . . do I not want to know! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)
on my 65 Sporty I now run 255/50/16 on the rear on 16X8 rally's with 5 1/2" of back spacing but I also use 69 A body diff so 1/2" wider each side to run a 255/60/15 you should have 5" back spacing minimum or it will rub
I have put many different combinations on the old girl but these I think look the meanest and most stealth
Still, I'm guessing that you are in the business of "killing" the competition! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/car_3gears.gif)
I have more modest goals in mind, but if I ever get around to pulling around that vintage Airstream trailer of my dreams, I would need plenty of traction on the rear tires. Do you have any idea of the potential rubbing problem on the rears? Are the 255/60/15 rubbing on the rear or the front? To get away with what I'm imagining down the road having larger tires on the rear than the front is probably unavoidable.
Thanks for the neat pictures - that's one sharp wagon! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/drool-smile.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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I run 255/60-15's (rear) and 235/60-15's (front) on my 66's.
Wheels are 15 x7 Buick rallys that have 4-3/8" backspacing. Note that these wheels measure 8" wide outside edge to outside edge. Back space is also measured to the outside edge. 'frontspacing' would measure 3-5/8" on these. 4-3/8" + 3-5/8" = 8".
It is a 7" wide wheel when measured between the mounting lips.
255's are a tight fit on the rear of a '66. The '65's supposedly have a little more room at the fender lip.
255's will rub on the front of my '66, that's why i run 235's.
Instead of 60 series tires, consider 70 series for more fender clearance. You can use the same size at all 4 corners.
I don't think traction will be a problem with the added weight of a trailer pushing those tires into the ground.
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I have 70's on all 4 corners on one of the 66's. I believe they are 215 or 225-15 on the front and one or two sizes bigger in the rear, but I'm using 6" Cragars.
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Shuck Ken I'm overwhelmed!! . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)
Should I ask about the specs on that 350, or . . . . do I not want to know! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)
I have put many different combinations on the old girl but these I think look the meanest and most stealth[/quote]
Still, I'm guessing that you are in the business of "killing" the competition! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/car_3gears.gif)
I have more modest goals in mind, but if I ever get around to pulling around that vintage Airstream trailer of my dreams, I would need plenty of traction on the rear tires. Do you have any idea of the potential rubbing problem on the rears? Are the 255/60/15 rubbing on the rear or the front? To get away with what I'm imagining down the road having larger tires on the rear than the front is probably unavoidable.
Thanks for the neat pictures - that's one sharp wagon! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/drool-smile.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
[/quote]
Thanks for the complement on the sporty the 255/60/15 will not fit the front 235/60/15 are tight if you want a 26" tire run a 215/65/15 works perfect on stock 15" rims back spacing is the key!!! I have had rims custom made at times as well I have had centers moved to get the look I, like with the largest tire. I also like mine lower than stock so I have tried many combinations as well
all rims are measured inside the bead area never outside back spacing is measured from the inner mounting surface to the outer rear lips, 99% of after market rims have less back spacing for the wide look sadly our 64-65 cars don't have the wheel well space to fit small back spacing, I have run 15X9 1/4 with 6" back spacing ( custom offset ) using a 68-72 rear diff with 255/60/15 rubber and it was friggin close
My 350 is pretty mild 300 hp QJET 2004r od 3.31 posi diff it really needs 3.73 gears with the 2004r. I will be setting it up to pull a trailer soon but ill be using my TH350 with a gear vendors OD unit and the 3.31 diff gives me a final drive of 2.5 perfect for the Buick motors the current set up with the 200r AND 3.31 gives ne a 2.2 final drive great for cruising at 85-90 but the local cops frown on that hahaha I have put over 40,000 on the sporty and I know what works and what is hype at least for me anyway
good luck with yours look awesome as well I am looking for a 65 Special wagon my 65 F85 will have to do until I find a Buick and of course a 65 GS HT would be a perfect addition to my Buick fleet
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Dear Walt, Jim, Ken, and mid-60s Buick fans,
Thanks for all the helpful advice! :icon_thumright:
Instead of 60 series tires, consider 70 series for more fender clearance. You can use the same size at all 4 corners.
I don't think traction will be a problem with the added weight of a trailer pushing those tires into the ground.
Okay, that's a good point. I forgot to consider the tongue weight even if a load equalizing hitch will absolutely necessary.
I have 70's on all 4 corners on one of the 66's. I believe they are 215 or 225-15 on the front and one or two sizes bigger in the rear, but I'm using 6" Cragars.
if you want a 26" tire run a 215/65/15 works perfect on stock 15" rims
Okay, so what would be the consensus? 215/70/15 or 215/65/15? Both are available.
My 350 is pretty mild 300 hp QJET 2004r od 3.31 posi diff it really needs 3.73 gears with the 2004r. I will be setting it up to pull a trailer soon but ill be using my TH350 with a gear vendors OD unit and the 3.31 diff gives me a final drive of 2.5 perfect for the Buick motors the current set up with the 200r AND 3.31 gives ne a 2.2 final drive great for cruising at 85-90 but the local cops frown on that hahaha I have put over 40,000 on the sporty and I know what works and what is hype at least for me anyway.
Sounds like a nice combo! What sort of towing did you have in mind?
good luck with yours look awesome as well I am looking for a 65 Special wagon my 65 F85 will have to do until I find a Buick and of course a 65 GS HT would be a perfect addition to my Buick fleet
Well, 1965 Special wagons are out there. You just can't have mine! :laughing7: Best of luck in expanding your Buick motorpool!
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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my wife wants a vintage trailer so she can come to more events, so I am on the hunt for something that's cool and old ( like me I guess hahaha ) I may have to go big block if I pick some thing to large but that's no problem I have several ready to go in the sporty including my old stage 1 that pushed my 4800lb 69 sporty to high 12's hahaha
ken
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as for 65's or 70's I prefer 215/65/15 as the 70 series tire to get any width you are getting too tall in my opinion the 215/65/15 is 26" and the 235/60/15 is also 26" tall
245/60/15 is 26.5 and the 255/60/15 is 27" tall I like them to be as wide as possible too much sidewall high also makes then lean too much in corners and all of my cars are built to drive at speed around corners too :):) :thumbsup:
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Another vote for the 215/65's.
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Mine might actually be 65's, not 70's I'll have to check. Or you can go crazy and change to 17's!😀😀
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/Moparjim71/image.jpg2_zpsri4y793g.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Moparjim71/media/image.jpg2_zpsri4y793g.jpg.html)
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Here's the 15's. Not sure if pictures will help since yours is a wagon but here it is.
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/Moparjim71/IMG_20140621_134409750_zpsf7a48c2a.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Moparjim71/media/IMG_20140621_134409750_zpsf7a48c2a.jpg.html)
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Dear Ken, Dan, Jim, and mid-60s tow vehicle fans, . . .
Well, there seems to be a consensus on 215/65/15s, so I'll check what those well fellers at Orinda Motors think. If they say okay, I'll order a set of 4 from Diamondback tires. Thanks for the photos! :thumbsup: Honestly, I can't imagine that the rears can be much different on a wagon. My main concern was rubbing for the front tires.
my wife wants a vintage trailer so she can come to more events, so I am on the hunt for something that's cool and old ( like me I guess hahaha )
Hmm, bummer dude, if you have a case of SWMBO, then you'd better darn obey! :laughing7:
If you are looking for a little inspiration, you might try subscribing to this magazine - Vintage Camper Trailers:
http://www.vintagecampertrailers.com/ (http://www.vintagecampertrailers.com/)
I've been keeping an eye on the vintage trailer market, but this magazine was a real eye-opener. I'm not sure if it was inspiration :angel4: or terror! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek-sign.gif)
I had no idea how hard-core this vintage trailer movement had become!
I may have to go big block if I pick some thing to large but that's no problem I have several ready to go in the sporty including my old stage 1 that pushed my 4800lb 69 sporty to high 12's hahaha
Well, according to the Airforum.com forums this is a situation where "there is no replacement for displacement." Even so, perhaps you shouldn't go quite so extreme as I did. I did want an "assertive wagon", but . . . she's so assertive that she now wants to race into the garage - a bit faster than I can steer her! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/eek2.gif)
Thanks everybody for your thoughts! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/thanks_sign.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Well, there seems to be a consensus on 215/65/15s,
You might want to consider load rating too.
Looking at BFG radials, the 215/65-15 (1510#), the 205/70-14 you have now (1433#). EDITED (thanks Ken)
The 215/65-15 was used on the 80's GN's and Monte SS's, should be good for your average mid size car. But with your towing needs, maybe you should go up in load rating?
Size...
Do you like the height of your present tires, or do you want something taller?
The 215/65-15 is 0.2" shorter than your present tires.
A 225/60-15 would be 0.2" taller than your present 70's and give you a higher load rating too.
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Here's the 15's. Not sure if pictures will help since yours is a wagon but here it is.
([url]http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag150/Moparjim71/IMG_20140621_134409750_zpsf7a48c2a.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Moparjim71/media/IMG_20140621_134409750_zpsf7a48c2a.jpg.html[/url])
The 1966 GS.....one off mankinds most beautiful creations!
Very nice Jim! :thumbsup:
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Well, there seems to be a consensus on 215/65/15s,
this info is incorrect
You might want to consider load rating too.
Looking at BFG radials, the 215/65-15 has less of a rating (1411#), than the 205/70-14 you have now (1433#).
the actual load rating on the bfg on the 215/65/15 95 (1521lbs) the 205/70/14 93 (1433lbs) so the 15's have a higher rating :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
as well the 70 series tire has more sidewall flex for a poorer handling car
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Thanks for the correction Ken.... I woke up this AM wondering if I messed up the 65 vs 60 series specs...... and (drats) you found it before I could fix it!
Agree on the sidewall flex. More sidewall might give a nicer ride tho.
If Eduard likes the look of the 14's on his car now, the 215/65's are a very slight upgrade. IMO short tires look odd on a large car.
.....Maybe we can convince him to trade the 15's for 17" wheels with tall, wide, short sidewall tires! :icon_biggrin:
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Dear Walt, Ken, and mid-60s Buick fans,
The actual load rating on the bfg on the 215/65/15 95 (1521lbs) the 205/70/14 93 (1433lbs) so the 15's have a higher rating :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
If Eduard likes the look of the 14's on his car now, the 215/65's are a very slight upgrade. IMO short tires look odd on a large car.
I am trying to keep the car looking roughly as she did from the factory, still I have to make some compromises so that I have any chance to tow at all. So it looks like the 215/65/15s are the best compromise to be had.
Thanks again! :icon_thumright:
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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I am trying to keep the car looking roughly as she did from the factory,
But the original tires were taller, about 27".
The Diamondback 215/70-15 is 26.9" tall and has a wider tread width (7.0" vs 6.8") than the 65 series.
Based on your criteria, this is a better match.
See this thread here where we discussed original sizes
(and where I recommended the 215/65's to him, LOL!)
http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2316.msg14075#msg14075 (http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2316.msg14075#msg14075)
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the specs for the 65 Special wagon
http://www.automobile-catalog.com/tire/1965/80495/buick_special_station_wagon_300-4_v-8_super_turbine.html (http://www.automobile-catalog.com/tire/1965/80495/buick_special_station_wagon_300-4_v-8_super_turbine.html)
The original tire size for the 65 Special wagon 7.35 14 25.3" tall
7.35-14 = 185R14 = P195/75R14 = 205/70R14 = 225/60R14
25.3 tall
215/65/15 26" tall
a little taller is actually better :hello2: :thumbsup: :icon_thumright:
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That's a neat site!
Sportwagon uses 7.75's, flatroof uses 7.35's. Larger tires were likely spec'd for the extra weight of the glass. I'll guess the flatroof with a tow package (if there was one) used the larger tires too.
Their tire diameters don't match other sources. They say 26.4" for the 7.75's.
Coker tire shows 27.02" diameter for their repo 7.75-14's, 26.8" for the repo 7.35-14's
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/styles/classic-50s-60s/bf-goodrich-bias-ply-blackwall.html (https://www.cokertire.com/tires/styles/classic-50s-60s/bf-goodrich-bias-ply-blackwall.html)
There is certainly a good argument for the 215/65's. The 215/70's are taller and a bit wider. IMO I'd go with the tire that looks better.
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Dear Walt, Ken, and mid-60s Buick tire experts!
Golly, thanks some more! :thumbsup:
the specs for the 65 Special wagon
Thanks for digging up that info from automotive-catalog.com. I was aware of the site, but I never found the info on tire sizes and clearances.
There is certainly a good argument for the 215/65's. The 215/70's are taller and a bit wider. IMO I'd go with the tire that looks better.
I thought the reason to go with the 215/65's was that they were less likely to have any rubbing issues. Is anybody running the 215/70's on the front? If so, do they fit fine?
I was about to run over to Greg at Orinda Motors and report what I had learned from you-guys. If I wanted to go with a slightly larger tires on the rears - how big could I go given my limit of 4" backspacing? If I wanted to do this, how much bigger could I go without being really noticeable?
Thanks again for all the good advice! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/thanks_sign.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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215/70's on all four corners would allow you to rotate tires and one spare would work at any location.
215/70 front and 255/60 rear are 26.9" and 26.8" are close enough to use one spare in either front or rear. 255's might be snug in the rear, you have to check.
215/65 front and 235/60 rear are 26.0" and 26.1" tall.
......or you can increase the rears to 245/60 (or 255/60 if they fit) if you want to carry two spare tires on your road trips!
Tire diameter effects revs/mile. Are you happy with the rear axle ratio?
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Dear Walt and mid-60s Buick fans of the phrase: "where the rubber meets the road. . . . "
I cornered Greg at Orinda Motors, and it is difficult to overestimate his disappointment. He definitely is like Ken - "da' more rubber da' better!!" . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/car_3gears.gif)
215/70's on all four corners would allow you to rotate tires and one spare would work at any location.
215/70 front and 255/60 rear are 26.9" and 26.8" are close enough to use one spare in either front or rear. 255's might be snug in the rear, you have to check.
215/65 front and 235/60 rear are 26.0" and 26.1" tall.
......or you can increase the rears to 245/60 (or 255/60 if they fit) if you want to carry two spare tires on your road trips!
Hmm, not the simplest arrangement to have different sized tires front and rear, . . . I"m beginning to see your point of view! :laughing7:
Tire diameter effects revs/mile. Are you happy with the rear axle ratio?
Actually thus far I am happy with the current driving experience with my wagon's 2.78:1 rear end ratio. So indeed larger tires would require a new differential at least. However, it seemed prudent to upgrade to a positraction differential. My wagon still has her original rear end from her 300 cid days. Seemed a bit weak for the new engine and tranny! Of course Greg is trying to talk me into a hardened rear end as well!
Stay tuned, this story is far from over!! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/tune_in_TV_emoticon.gif)
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Edouard,
I run 215/70/15 on 15x7 Buick Ralleys on my '65 Sportwagon; you can see pics in "Other Buicks". They work very well; just a little rubbing in tight parking lot turns.
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Dear Steve and mid-60s Buick longroof fans,
I run 215/70/15 on 15x7 Buick Ralleys on my '65 Sportwagon; you can see pics in "Other Buicks". They work very well; just a little rubbing in tight parking lot turns.
Thanks! That's good to know! I've got fuel injection issues to straighten out first, but eventually my trusty wagon will need "new shoes!"
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Dear mid-60s Buick tire experts,
I'm reawakening this thread because I really should order these tires one of these days and I'm wondering if I could go with fatter tires for the rear wheels. I've got a problem in that the spare tire well in a 1965 wagon is very narrow, so I'll need a unique tire that will fit in there. Also since I'm still dreaming of road trips, I need to have a spare that can be used on any corner of the car.
We last left this thread wtih an agreement that 215/65-R15 looked like a reasonable option for the front and potentially the rear. Walt pointed out one combo with reasonably close final tire diameter:
215/65 front and 235/60 rear are 26.0" and 26.1" tall.
The 235/60-R15 isn't a huge change but that puts almost an additional inch of width on the road. What do you'all think? Would this be a worthwhile tweak?
Thanks in advance for your expertise!
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14:
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Like Walt's choice in the tire sizes. The spare doesn't need to be the same width as the rear just the same diameter so the 215 would make a good spare. Make sure the 215/65-15 fits in the spare tire well.
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215/65 front and 235/60 rear are 26.0" and 26.1" tall.
If you want a taller/wider tire:
215/70 front and 255/60 rear are 26.9" and 26.8"
Steve has 215/70-15 on his wagon. Pics here:
http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2712.0 (http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2712.0)
I'd suggest doing a test fit to see what works or looks best!
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Dear Dan, Walt, and mid-60s Buick caregivers,
Thanks for the thoughts. At the moment I would prefer not to take any risk of rubbing. The car is handling very well with the small tires she has now. I don't think I'll ever drive the car aggressively enough to need extreme rubber. So I would prefer something that is conservative.
Steve has 215/70-15 on his wagon. Pics here:
[url]http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2712.0[/url] ([url]http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=2712.0[/url])
I just left a post on that thread to see if Steve would chime in on the question of whether or not he has any rubbing problems on the front. Even so Ken pointed out in an earlier post that 70s weren't as good a choice anyway:
The 70 series tire has more sidewall flex for a poorer handling car
So, maybe the 215/65-R15s are good enough for the front.
Thanks again guys!
Cheers, Edouard
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Hey Guys,
I only get rubbing on extreme, hard over, parking-lot type situations at slow speed, never during regular driving. And, since my front springs are original and probably a little saggy, maybe new spring would erase even that.
Best regards,
Steve.
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Dear Steve and mid-60s Buick fans of "rubber meeting da' road!"
I only get rubbing on extreme, hard over, parking-lot type situations at slow speed, never during regular driving. And, since my front springs are original and probably a little saggy, maybe new spring would erase even that.
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink_smile_triangle.gif) . . . . Awe shucks! Just when I thought I could make up my mind! . . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_grin_triangle.gif)
What sort of a spare tire would work with 215/70-15 and/or 255/60 and still would fit in the spare tire well of a 1965 Buick wagon?
Yes I know I should open up the spare tire well and just measure it, but the closest I got to getting any work done on my wagon was run another cold start test with the fuel injection system. I logged all sort of interesting data - that I still haven't any time to look at! (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/D'oh.gif)
"Such are the conditions that prevail" . . . . . Edouard
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As has been previously observed, the only real important dimension of the spare is the outside diameter. Hence, the spare in my Sportwagon does not match the tire on the car except outside diameter. I haven't even been in the spare well for a long time, gotta look at it. I'm sure up to a 225 would fit width-wise. Guessing that a 255 is too wide.
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Dear Steve and mid-60s Buick longroof tire experts,
I haven't even been in the spare well for a long time, gotta look at it. I'm sure up to a 225 would fit width-wise. Guessing that a 255 is too wide.
The time has come for me to pry free some time and open up the spare tire well and take some dimensions.
As has been previously observed, the only real important dimension of the spare is the outside diameter. Hence, the spare in my Sportwagon does not match the tire on the car except outside diameter.
Yes indeed you are 100% correct. The only other potential fly in the ointment is how tall a tire will fit into the spare tire well. As I recall, the existing spare comes very close to the top of the cover. So I'm not sure you can fit a tire that is almost 27" in diameter. However, there is only one way to find out!
I'll try to find the time today and get those dimensions.
Cheers, Edouard
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Dear mid-60s Buick longroof "archaeologists" . . . . .
I made a "terrible" mistake this afternoon . . . . I removed the cover of my trusty wagon's spare tire well. You see, that's where my Dad stored all the spare parts he - might - need. I did the best I could, but there was no way I could get a measuring tape to the bottom to see how big a tire might fit. I did take a picture though:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-DZ3JXgb/0/XL/Biquette%27s%20spare%20tire%20well%20-XL.jpg) (https://canebas.smugmug.com/Biquette/Photos-of-Biquette/Biquette-misc-photos/i-DZ3JXgb/A)
If you look carefully, the back wall of the well is starting to slope toward the existing tire. Clearly you are not going to get a tire with a much larger diameter into that well. I just double-checked, the factory tires were 25.9". So I should be okay with the tire combo that tops out around 26". Going with any bigger tires means I wouldn't have a spare. That just doesn't feel prudent since I hope to go on some long road-trips. I'm not sure I want all the junk that is currently in the spare tire well, but I think I really should have a working spare!
Oh well, . . . Edouard
P.S. Yes I know, I'll have to find the time to actually clean the well!
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What size is your present spare?
The Sportwagon used a 775-14, which was about 27" tall. I'm sure your Special has the same size tire well.
Why not just visit a local service center, tire dealer, or friend and test fit a tire into the spare tire well?
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Dear Walt and mid-60s Buick tire experts,
What size is your present spare?
Unfortunately I couldn't see.
The Sportwagon used a 775-14, which was about 27" tall. I'm sure your Special has the same size tire well.
Why not just visit a local service center, tire dealer, or friend and test fit a tire into the spare tire well?
Well, that's a good idea . . . . if the spare tire well was empty!
I need to take the time to completely empty it and find out what sort of stuff has been stashed away in there. The original jack was lost when the car was stolen and I don't know if the replacement jack really works well on a Buick or not. So there are a few things to be addressed with respect to the spare tire well. It doesn't look like I can take this on until the weekend at the earliest and even then time is looking plenty tight.
We'll see! . . Edouard
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Dear mid-60s longroof tire experts,
Since searching the web is much easier than cleaning a spare tire well, :laughing7: I quickly looked up the specs on the Automotive-Catalog website:
http://www.automobile-catalog.com/tire/1965/300620/buick_skyroof_custom_sportwagon_300-4_v-8_super_turbine.html (http://www.automobile-catalog.com/tire/1965/300620/buick_skyroof_custom_sportwagon_300-4_v-8_super_turbine.html)
According to that, the stock tire size for a 1965 Sportwagon is 26.4" which I'm sure would fit into my wagon's tire well. So are the factory tires on the Sportwagon actually taller than 26.4"?
Curious wagon owners want to know!
Cheers, Edoaurd :occasion14:
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I have an empty 65 Special wheel well and a few tires here. let me see what I can do.
I've got 15 x 6 (?) torque thrust wheels and have had rubbing problems on the front...
the GS has nice broken in springs and they would not even turn in the wheel well.
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Dear Ted and mid-60s Buick part hoarders . . . .
I have an empty 65 Special wheel well and a few tires here. let me see what I can do.
(http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/wink_smile_triangle.gif) . . . You mean you had a spot where you could have stashed some spare parts and you didn't you it? Ted you must be slippin'!! . . . . (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/big_grin_triangle.gif)
Seriously don't put any effort in it unless you happen to be doing something around that well anyway and you get those dimensions in under a minute. I have to clean up that well and I don't need to order those tires before I do so this is something I can solve for myself.
My question is as much about whether or not we can trust the numbers in the automotive-catalog.com website. For example, it claims that 1965 Buick Special wagon has a estimated drag coefficient: 0.6. Exactly how did they come up with this estimate? (http://www.canebas.org/WeatherCat/Forum_support_documents/Custom_emoticons/confused_do_no.gif). A lot of the other numbers look okay to me, but this is a huge database so I really don't know how trustworthy it is. Of course you can't beat a website like this for convenience, but as IT saying goes: "garbage in garbage out."
Stay tuned . . . . sooner or later I've got to find some time to empty out that spare tire well. I'm kind of looking forward to it. I'm wondering what sort of treasures from the past I'll find!
Cheers, Edouard :occasion14: