Finding the Perfect Tire and Wheel Size for Your 1968 Camaro
- 1 day ago
- Read Time: 4 minutes
- by Redactor
Okay, let’s dive into figuring out the perfect tire and wheel setup for your classic 1968 Camaro! It’s a question every Camaro enthusiast wrestles with. You want that sweet spot – the right look, the right performance, and, most importantly, no rubbing! Getting it right can transform your car, but getting it wrong? Well, let’s just say you’ll be hearing a lot of unpleasant noises. So, let’s get this right!
Understanding 1968 Camaro Tire and Wheel Fitment
So, you’re looking to upgrade the wheels and tires on your ’68 Camaro? Awesome! But before you start throwing money at shiny new rims, it’s crucial to understand what fits and what doesn’t. Backspacing, offset, tire size… it can all feel like a foreign language. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down. We’ll explore the factors that influence fitment and provide some common sizes that work well on these iconic cars. Let’s make sure your Camaro looks and performs its best!
Key Considerations for 1968 Camaro Tire and Wheel Size
Choosing the right tire and wheel size for your ’68 Camaro involves more than just picking what looks cool. Several factors come into play, and ignoring them can lead to headaches down the road. Are you planning on keeping the stock suspension? Or have you lowered it? This makes a huge difference! Let’s look at some of the most important things to keep in mind:
- Backspacing and Offset: These measurements determine how the wheel sits within the wheel well. Getting them wrong can cause rubbing on the inner fenders or suspension components.
- Tire Diameter: A larger diameter tire can affect your speedometer reading and potentially cause clearance issues.
- Wheel Width: Wider wheels can improve handling, but they also require careful consideration of backspacing and offset.
- Suspension Modifications: Lowering your car will significantly impact the amount of space you have available for tires.
Pro Tip: Always measure your car’s wheel wells before ordering wheels and tires. Every car is slightly different, and these measurements will help ensure a perfect fit.
Common 1968 Camaro Tire and Wheel Size Combinations
While every car is unique, there are some tried-and-true combinations that work well on ’68 Camaros. These are good starting points for your research:
- Front: 15×7 wheels with 4.0″ backspacing and 215/60R15 tires
- Rear: 15×8 wheels with 4.5″ backspacing and 235/60R15 tires
- Front: 17×7 wheels with 4.0″ backspacing and 225/45R17 tires
- Rear: 17×8 wheels with 4.5″ backspacing and 245/45R17 tires
These are just examples, of course. You might want something different! The key is to understand the principles of fitment and then choose sizes that work for your specific car and desired look.
Avoiding Rubbing Issues with Your 1968 Camaro Tire and Wheel Size
The dreaded rubbing! It’s the bane of every car enthusiast’s existence. Nobody wants to hear that awful screeching sound every time they turn a corner. So, how do you avoid it? Careful planning and attention to detail are key. Are you prepared to roll your fenders? This can provide extra clearance, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Let’s look at some strategies:
- Choose the Right Backspacing/Offset: This is the most critical factor in preventing rubbing. Consult with a wheel specialist to determine the correct measurements for your car.
- Consider Tire Size Carefully: Don’t just focus on width. Tire height is just as important.
- Roll Your Fenders: This can provide extra clearance, but it’s a more advanced modification.
- Check for Interference: Before you drive, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and inspect for any rubbing.
Interesting Fact: The original 1968 Camaro SS came with 14-inch wheels and relatively narrow tires. Times have changed!
Tools for Determining the Correct 1968 Camaro Tire and Wheel Size
Thankfully, you don’t have to rely solely on guesswork. There are several tools and resources available to help you determine the correct tire and wheel size for your ’68 Camaro:
- Online Tire Size Calculators: These tools allow you to compare different tire sizes and see how they will affect your speedometer reading and overall fitment.
- Wheel Offset Calculators: These calculators help you determine the correct offset for your wheels based on your desired fitment.
- Forums and Online Communities: Connect with other Camaro owners and ask for their advice. They can share their experiences and provide valuable insights.
Generally, a 235/60R15 on an 8-inch wide wheel with the correct backspacing (around 4.5″) is about as big as you can go in the rear without modifications. Up front, a 215/60R15 on a 7-inch wheel is a safe bet.
Absolutely! Lowering your car reduces the amount of space available in the wheel wells. You’ll need to be even more careful about choosing the right backspacing and tire size to avoid rubbing.
Camaro-specific forums and online communities are great resources. Also, talk to a reputable wheel and tire dealer who specializes in classic cars. They can provide expert advice and help you choose the right setup for your needs.
Backspacing is the distance from the mounting surface of the wheel to the inner edge of the wheel. Offset is the distance from the mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. Both measurements affect how the wheel sits within the wheel well.
