Frame Mods to fit 12" Wide Wheel on 1965 Chevelle

[BANKO]

Hey guys, I'm planning on building a '65 Chevelle with a custom width 9" and 3 link + watts linkage rear suspension. I also plan on doing mini tubs to accommodate the wider wheels/tires, however I realized based on Malitude that I might only be able to get a 11" wide wheel without frame modifications. Would it be better to cut the rear frame rails before the rear axle and weld in a custom clip as opposed to notching the frame locally near the wheels?

Thanks, Josh

[camcojb]

Malitude had frame mods too, but not a custom rear clip. I could have put a 12" wheel in there with the right tire. I don't think a 335 would have fit though, would have been super close. Since I ended up with 17's anyway, just like Mark built it, an 11" wheel is as wide as they go in that diameter.

Jody

[BANKO]

Thanks a lot Jody, your info is helpful. Do you have any pictures of the frame mods Mark did? I didn't remember the chassis being showcased in the PHR article.

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by BANKO

Thanks a lot Jody, your info is helpful. Do you have any pictures of the frame mods Mark did? I didn't remember the chassis being showcased in the PHR article.

here's a few.........

[MarkM66]

I narrowed the frame on my '66 the same way. But I moved mine in 3" per side instead of 2" like Malitude. Which fit a 20x12 with a 335/30

[JND]

I just picked up another frame and was looking to move the frame rails in 2-3 inches to fit 18x13 335's on my 69 chevelle. do you have any pic's on the upper support modifications. i have a good idea but wanted to ask in the event i am missing somthing. I also had some concerns about lossing my sway bar. i noticed Malitude still has a rear sway bar, any idea how that was modified to fit the narrowed control arm gap. i am thinking of Hotchkis's extreme sway bar kit may work sinc it does not mount to control arms.

Thanks Joe

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted by JND

I just picked up another frame and was looking to move the frame rails in 2-3 inches to fit 18x13 335's on my 69 chevelle. do you have any pic's on the upper support modifications. i have a good idea but wanted to ask in the event i am missing somthing. I also had some concerns about lossing my sway bar. i noticed Malitude still has a rear sway bar, any idea how that was modified to fit the narrowed control arm gap. i am thinking of Hotchkis's extreme sway bar kit may work sinc it does not mount to control arms.

Thanks Joe

2" isn't going to cut it if you want to fit a 13" wheel. Do you mean 12" wheel?

What do you mean by "upper support"? Where the uca connect to the frame?

[JND]

i want to run 13 inch wide rims, should i run 12" with 335's? i was told i could run upto 13" wide. Currently i have 10" rims 285's with 6" BS and have 1.5" to the frame so going in 3" would leave me with 1.5" running 13" rims with 9" BS.

Yes i am refering to the support where the UCA mount. i am thinking i would have to remove 3" from each side and reattach to the frame rails. then move the LCA mounts and coil mounts in 3".

Joe

[MarkM66]

Originally Posted by JND

i want to run 13 inch wide rims, should i run 12" with 335's? i was told i could run upto 13" wide. Currently i have 10" rims 285's with 6" BS and have 1.5" to the frame so going in 3" would leave me with 1.5" running 13" rims with 9" BS.

Yes i am refering to the support where the UCA mount. i am thinking i would have to remove 3" from each side and reattach to the frame rails. then move the LCA mounts and coil mounts in 3".

Joe

I think most run a 12" wheel with that tire. What do the tire specs say on rim range?

Yeah, that's what I did on my uca crossmember, and coil mounts/lca brackets.

[JND]

You would be correct, range is 11.5-12.0-12.5. so looks like 12 is the sweet spot. i guess i still need to move the frame rails in 3" since the tires are 13.3 wide.

Do you have a rear sway bar?