<VV> Wheel Swap questions…

[Frank Campbell]

I want to swap out the tires and rims on my ’64 Corvair. I’m confused and
I‘ll probably confuse you too.

Here goes, a friend gave me a set of rims that came off of a seventies
Z-car. The rims are really nice and after checking them out, the stamping
on the backside indicates they are manufactured by Pro Wheel (aftermarket
?). Stamped on the wheel is 14X7. The backspace is 3½ inches and the
overall rim width is just shy of 8 inches.

I’ve actually put one of the rims (with no tire) on the front of the car.
The rivets on the brake drum prevent the rim setting flush on the drum. I
was told that I can drill out enough material to allow for a proper fit.
The next thing I noticed was that the lug nuts are short by about ½”. I’ll
have to replace all of the lug bolts which seems like a pretty big chore. I
looked at the inside clearance of the rim and all looks well. However, I’m
concerned about the outside where a tire would come close to the fender.
I’ve not checked, but I assume I’ll have the same concern about the rear
fender.

I have read the wheel article on Bryan Blackwell’s website about a thousand
times (only a slight exaggeration) .

Can anyone with firsthand experience tell if I should drop this project
before I get in too deep. If I continue, what would be the best size tire
to use with those rims ? I hate the thought of buying tires and then have
an issue with using the rims and new tires after what may be a difficult
and costly effort.

I’d appreciate any/all suggestions…

Frank