9.5" wheel backspacing confirmation needed.

[70chevellemalibu]

Just want to confirm that a 17x9.5" rear wheel will fit with a 5" backspace on a 70 Chevelle.

Thanks.

[Swain]

Originally Posted by 70chevellemalibu

Just want to confirm that a 17x9.5" rear wheel will fit with a 5" backspace on a 70 Chevelle.

Thanks.

We usually run a little more back space but it should work. Might be a little close to the outer fender depending on how low the car sits.

[70chevellemalibu]

anyone else?

[JeffPeoples]

I agree with the previous post. A little more backspace may be better. I have 5 3/4" backspace wheels (9" wide) on my 72 GS and still have room to spare before the tires hit the frame rails. Previously, I was running some really tall 295/45/18 tires, and did have to hammer the edges of the inner fenders inward a little. These tires were 28.75" tall. My current tires are 295/35/18, around 26" tall. Plenty of room now. Height does make a difference.
I would think the quarter panel profile is a little different on a GS than a Chevelle, but the axle flange to frame rail relationship should be the same.
You can always put a spacer behind the wheel if you have a little too much backspace. If your tires rub on the outside at the quarter panel, there is no easy solution.

[inkman101]

I have a 70 El Camino with an 18 x 9.5 rim with 5.5 inch bs. I'm running a Dana S60 with disk brakes. The disks push me out 1/4 more than stock and with loose body tolerances, I need a 6 or a 6.25 bs on my 9.5 to clear all around. With a 5.5 bs I have over a 1 and 3/8 inside clearance. I think your better to have too much bs as you can always use a small 1/4 inch or less spacer. I will be sending my wheels out to get re-hooped.

Hope this helps


Pete