Does anyone know what the stock bolt pattern AND backspace is for a 73 Safari Wagon? I have been trying to find this info on the net now for about an hour now and I'm getting frustrated. Seems easy enough, right? Also, does anyone know what the stock tire size is? I believe my tire size is 235/75/15. Is this what's supposed to be on there? Thanks, Tom
Is the Safari Chevy's version of the Caprice? Go to this link. You can try different wheel/tire combos and it will give you a visaul and technical breakdown of the difference between stock fitment and custom. Including what the difference does to your speed limit! http://rimsntires.com/packages.jsp?req=newCar&carYear=1973&carMake=Chevrolet&carModel=Caprice Sedan Good luck.
Thanks guys! Just what I was looking for. Thinking about 17" and 18" Torque Thrusts on my '73 Safari. Have to find some used though, so goes the Ebay search
The tire size should be in the Owner's Manual and also on a sticker usually on the door jamb. I would suggest, while on eBay, you snap up a set of Factory Shop Manuals for that beauty, too, fggn. Well worth the money. I have had a set for every car that I ever owned and referred to them often. Hey....when are we going to see a bunch of pix of that slick Poncho?? Did I miss that thread somewhere? Or, more possibly, did I forget? I'm dying to see more of that wagon in & out. Anyway, you are on the fun side of this purchase now. ENJOY!
once you've find the orinal tire size: here's a conversion chart http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/45_conversionchart.html
Backspacing is dependent on the width of the wheel. These cars should have near zero offset, which is measured independently from the width. Roughly, the backspacing is about half the width for zero offset. It's not exactly half due to the fact that backspacing is measured from the most outboard lip on the wheel, whereas offset is relative to the center of the bead seating lips, which does not take into account this lip on the outside of the wheel rim. The stock rims on this car should have been 15x7, which would have about a 3.75" backspacing (whereas, 3.5" would be the middle of the bead seating surfaces). If you are considering wider aftermarket wheels, you'll need a different backspacing.
Not if I want the extra width to the outside of the vehicle correct? Since the offset is measured from the back of the rim?
Yes, but on most GM cars, the wheel wants to be centered in the wheel well for clearance. If you use too much offset, your tires may rub on the fender well opening.
If you want to see what your availible backspacing is. Put a flat edge on the brake drum/hub face. Then measure to the inner part of the wheelwell. Then subtract what you think you need for clearance. I like atleast and inch. I know some that are fine with less. Then for wheel width measure from the inner part of the wheelwell(minus your clearance) to the inner part of the wheel lip giving room there for clearance. The larger the sidewall the more lateral movement there will be. Call it wallow. I am running 18X9's with a 5 inch BS on my Olds Custom Cruiser. I have 275/40-18's all around. Now I only rub in the front at full lock on the aftermarket swaybars. The rears I am using an Inch spacer mostly because the wheels sit so far inboard even nromally that it looks wrong to me. So I like them spaced out. Not sure if they hit without the spacer or not. I think I could easily fit a 18x10 or 18x11 on the back.
