Opinions please - wheel combos on a 69 Camaro

[72Z/28]

Todd is the front 18x8 with 5" backspacing?

[Vegas69]

It was an 18x8.5 on a 5.25"(I think). 255mm tire I could dig through my file if it's important.

[chr2002ca]

Hey Ron, I've been thinking about this also lately and have been asking myself the same exact questions. Same dilemma on sizing also. Amazing how many beautiful wheels out there nowadays are only made in 20" and larger. WTF? I have the 18" front and 19" rear with fatlip on my 69 which sounds like something you're considering. Initially, the 19" rear limited my selection of tires, but nowadays there are plenty of 19" tires available so it's not really an issue. Like you, I like the fatlip because I think it gives you a little more bang for the buck in terms of appearance, as you were mentioning, however the step lip gives you more clearance on the inside for the bigger brakes and steering knuckle/tie rod ends(if applicable), and the step lip seems to be more of a performance option. It seems like you're leaning towards a fatlip setup with a 19" rear with some options for weight reduction. I think that will look sharp and should function nicely also. If you're looking for every ounce of performance you can get and plan to compete to win(versus competing for the fun of it), then you might consider 18's on all four corners with a step lip performance rim(unless you need that 19" rim for a certain tire like OneLapCamaro and RedDevil). In regards to paint/finish on the rims, that all depends on the wheel and how much bling you have on your car. If you're running chrome bumpers and have some other chrome trim, and given your color, I think brushed centers with a polished ring would look good, but also a gun metal painted center would look great also given your car's color. Just keep going to the car shows, and browse Google Images and the rest of the web, and you'll have to decide for yourself! It's not an easy decision I know.

[chr2002ca]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

I grew to hate my 19" rear fat lip wheel.

It's funny how we're all different. Todd and I share a LOT of common opinions, but I actually grew to love my 19" rear fat lip. So, Ron, it's all up to you buddy! Don't screw it up.

[Vegas69]

There you have it. I didn't know Chris' car had 19's on the back and it looks good. Backspacing is crucial in the decision. I do agree with tire choices being better in a 19" rear nowadays.

[Musclerodz]

yep, personal tastes are what they are. But I can look at all those black center wheels and find an inexpensive wheel and get the same effect less the deep tub. To me its like a diamond on a ring. It could be cubic zirconium, but you have to get up close to tell the difference.

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

yep, personal tastes are what they are. But I can look at all those black center wheels and find an inexpensive wheel and get the same effect less the deep tub. To me its like a diamond on a ring. It could be cubic zirconium, but you have to get up close to tell the difference.

There's looks and then there is performance. I've seen a wheel break at one of our events and it could spell disaster. When I'm in 4th gear on the road course, I'll take the Forgelines.

I do agree that black wheels tend to disappear. They are much better in person than in most photos. Here's a picture that makes them look pretty damn good. The photo at RTTC does exactly as you are describing.

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by chr2002ca

It's funny how we're all different. Todd and I share a LOT of common opinions, but I actually grew to love my 19" rear fat lip. So, Ron, it's all up to you buddy! Don't screw it up.

Your's works, mine didn't.

[fleetus macmullitz]

The above are certainly close to your exterior color, but you obviously could go a little darker if you don't want black centers.


The Manning/DSE car certainly went a different route on the centers.

[Formula43 Wheel]

Ron,
You have a lot to consider when switching from a stepped lip to a flatlip wheel. Your automaticly gaining wheel weight due to the larger center size.
I agree on certain applications the flatlip looks great but for performance, the stepped lip is the way to go.
At Formula 43 we have developed an exclusive spin form technology that allows us to make an inner rim shell that is up to 2 lbs lighter than our competition. All of our engineering is targeted at building the strongest, stiffest and most light weight wheel possible. Take a look at the video for a better understanding of how we manufacture our inner and outer rim shells.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5w3e...layer_embedded

And Todd, your car is still one of the cleanest 1st generation Camaros ever built IMO!!