Measuring For Wheels Video,... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 10:47 AM

I get asked almost daily,... either on the board or via PM, about the correct "offset", or "backspacing" for wheels, for these old trucks.

Since my normal answer is to, "Measure your truck, yourself",... I'm going to use this thread to post any info or store any videos that explain the process.

Here's one for a '74 nova, that I found today.
The length of the video is kinda long, but it covers all the details.

74 Chevy Nova Update 81 - Chosen Rim and Offset...

El Campo · 06-24-2012, 10:48 AM

Awesome!

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 11:03 AM

Here's one using the Percy's Wheelrite tool.

V8TV 65 Chevelle: Vintage Wheel Works Wheels and...

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 11:12 AM

This is a great thread from Car Craft.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...t/viewall.html

It also shows you how to make a quick tool for measuring.
The back wheels can be done easily with a tape measure and a straight edge.

The front is a little more complex, because they have to turn.
The tool in this article allows you to rotate the rotor to check for interference inside the entire fenderwell, AND, turn the wheels left and right to check for chassis interferences.
This is a must for static dropped and bagged trucks, as well as getting a proper fitting wheel on stock trucks.

As most know,... the track width of the rear wheels on the 60-87 trucks are narrower, than the front wheels.
If you run the same width wheel (front and rear) it is obvious, by just looking at your truck.
The front wheels are closer to the fender edge than the rear wheels.
Altering the backspacing or using wider rear wheels, will help mask this issue that GM designed in these trucks.

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 11:20 AM

I used the above Car Craft article to design my own backspace tool.
I made one with the 5x5 Chevrolet truck bolt pattern and the 5x4.75 car pattern.
I also have one for the 6x5.5 bolt pattern for the 6-lug trucks.

The threaded rod represents the wheel width.
All threaded rod is 1" longer than the wheel width since wheels are measured from the actual tire "bead surface".
The outside-to-outside measurement of most wheels is approximately 1" wider in total width.
(a 20x8.5 wheel will actually measure 9.5" wide)

SCOTI · 06-24-2012, 11:24 AM

Nice work on the BS tool.

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 11:27 AM

Another good thread:
http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...s/viewall.html

**RRR18** · 06-24-2012, 11:30 AM

Good Thread!

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Nice work on the BS tool.

Thanks.
I made it a few years ago, when I was trying to squeeze a big tire under the rear of my '91 S10.
(that's why it has the 15" diameter spot on it)

I should have made it longer, so I can measure for 22's, 24's and diameter bigger wheels.

I had to make the 6-lug version when we measure wheels for Nate's (72BlckButy) 4.5/6 dropped '69 swb.

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 11:40 AM

Backspace measuring from Weld Racing Wheels.

How to Measure Back Space on a Wheel, Shown by...

**lolife99** · 06-24-2012, 11:44 AM

Measuring for wheel "bolt circle".

How to Measure a Bolt Circle Front Wheel Hub -...

big_al_71 · 06-24-2012, 02:40 PM

This is great Keith...You my man always take the time to help and i sure appreciate all your advice/help over the last few years..

andrewmp6 · 06-26-2012, 07:20 AM

Can we have a sticky for this ?I will say one thing that wheelrite tool is worth buying if you have to custom order rims or running a totally different suspension then stock.

**lolife99** · 08-13-2012, 09:22 PM

Bringing this back to the top,...

red02chevy · 08-13-2012, 11:46 PM

http://wheelworksinc.com/index.php?o...=78&Itemid=118

Awesome tool for finding out the correct offset and tire clearance.
Posted via Mobile Device

andrewmp6 · 08-14-2012, 06:45 AM

I'll ask again can we have this as a sticky please admin.

**lolife99** · 08-14-2012, 11:33 AM

andrewmp6,... I doubt this will be a sticky.
I can see it maybe being put in the FAQ section.
This board does not use sticky's very often.
Posted via Mobile Device

**N2TRUX** · 08-14-2012, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

I'll ask again can we have this as a sticky please admin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

andrewmp6,... I doubt this will be a sticky. I can see it maybe being put in the FAQ section. This board does not use sticky's very often.

lolife99 is correct. We have found that too many stickies create clutter that most members don't read. It will be recommended and reviewed as FAQ material.
In the meantime I suggest you subscribe to it.

andrewmp6 · 08-15-2012, 02:15 AM

Yeah i kinda forgot about the FAQ lol but if it makes it would help answer a lot of questions on what wheels will fit or not.

64shortbox · 11-09-2012, 02:03 PM

A LOT of good information here!

jimmydean · 11-09-2012, 02:53 PM

Wow, I was just going over this last weekend when trying to see if I can get OE wheels to work on my truck. Thanks for the info and links.

**lolife99** · 01-15-2013, 08:14 PM

Bringing this back to the top, for recent questions.

ZUBZ · 02-27-2013, 05:14 AM

Awesome thread lolife, must subscribe to this and check back when I am ready for wheels....

Andy4639 · 03-02-2013, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Bringing this back to the top, for recent questions.

Nice thread man thanks for sharing the info.
Here is a nice little tool I have used over and over again. $5.00 at my local tire store. It gives you all the popular wheel sizes and bolt patterns.

**lolife99** · 06-24-2013, 06:29 AM

Bring this back to the top since the questions keep coming.

I recently used my backspace measuring tool on a buddy's '66 Impala wagon.
He wanted to simulate the actual tire height also.
So I added to my backspace tool.
The 1/4" tubing represents the tire height.
It can be adjusted up and down to get the exact height wanted,...
and the tubing moves in and out, when the BS number needs to change.

06-24-2012, 10:48 AM	#2
El Campo Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: El Campo, Tx Posts: 1,246	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Awesome! __________________ 72 Chevy blue LWB, 99% original Oklahoma truck, 28,000 miles 72 Chevy SWB: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=486626 (Attempt/Mistake #2) 2003 Harley Davidson Dyna Superglide with 2007 Street Bob front end 2000 Ford F350 Powerstroke 4WD CCLB, 310,000 miles running great (STOLEN St. Patricks Day 2014 AND NEVER RECOVERED) 2002 Ford F250 Powerstroke 4WD CCLB (To replace stolen one) Hook em Horns!!!

06-24-2012, 11:12 AM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... This is a great thread from Car Craft. http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...t/viewall.html It also shows you how to make a quick tool for measuring. The back wheels can be done easily with a tape measure and a straight edge. The front is a little more complex, because they have to turn. The tool in this article allows you to rotate the rotor to check for interference inside the entire fenderwell, AND, turn the wheels left and right to check for chassis interferences. This is a must for static dropped and bagged trucks, as well as getting a proper fitting wheel on stock trucks. As most know,... the track width of the rear wheels on the 60-87 trucks are narrower, than the front wheels. If you run the same width wheel (front and rear) it is obvious, by just looking at your truck. The front wheels are closer to the fender edge than the rear wheels. Altering the backspacing or using wider rear wheels, will help mask this issue that GM designed in these trucks. Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

06-24-2012, 11:20 AM	#5
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... I used the above Car Craft article to design my own backspace tool. I made one with the 5x5 Chevrolet truck bolt pattern and the 5x4.75 car pattern. I also have one for the 6x5.5 bolt pattern for the 6-lug trucks. The threaded rod represents the wheel width. All threaded rod is 1" longer than the wheel width since wheels are measured from the actual tire "bead surface". The outside-to-outside measurement of most wheels is approximately 1" wider in total width. (a 20x8.5 wheel will actually measure 9.5" wide) Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

06-24-2012, 11:24 AM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Nice work on the BS tool. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

06-24-2012, 11:27 AM	#7
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Another good thread: http://www.superchevy.com/technical/...s/viewall.html __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

06-24-2012, 11:30 AM	#8
RRR18 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lordstown, OH / Wentzville, MO Posts: 870	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Good Thread! __________________ '67 BAD IDEA Follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rtimes3c10/ Ryan

06-24-2012, 02:40 PM	#12
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... This is great Keith...You my man always take the time to help and i sure appreciate all your advice/help over the last few years.. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

06-26-2012, 07:20 AM	#13
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Can we have a sticky for this ?I will say one thing that wheelrite tool is worth buying if you have to custom order rims or running a totally different suspension then stock.

08-13-2012, 09:22 PM	#14
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Bringing this back to the top,... __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

08-13-2012, 11:46 PM	#15
red02chevy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: TX Posts: 499	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... http://wheelworksinc.com/index.php?o...=78&Itemid=118 Awesome tool for finding out the correct offset and tire clearance. Posted via Mobile Device __________________

08-14-2012, 06:45 AM	#16
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... I'll ask again can we have this as a sticky please admin.

08-14-2012, 11:33 AM	#17
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... andrewmp6,... I doubt this will be a sticky. I can see it maybe being put in the FAQ section. This board does not use sticky's very often. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

08-15-2012, 02:15 AM	#19
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Yeah i kinda forgot about the FAQ lol but if it makes it would help answer a lot of questions on what wheels will fit or not.

11-09-2012, 02:03 PM	#20
64shortbox Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Tulare, CA Posts: 734	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... A LOT of good information here!

11-09-2012, 02:53 PM	#21
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Wow, I was just going over this last weekend when trying to see if I can get OE wheels to work on my truck. Thanks for the info and links. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210



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01-15-2013, 08:14 PM	#22
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Bringing this back to the top, for recent questions. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

02-27-2013, 05:14 AM	#23
ZUBZ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Posts: 354	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Awesome thread lolife, must subscribe to this and check back when I am ready for wheels.... __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ ZUBZ - C10 "GUS" - JOHANNESBURG, South Africa My 1970 C10 Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=542560

06-24-2013, 06:29 AM	#25
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Measuring For Wheels Video,... Bring this back to the top since the questions keep coming. I recently used my backspace measuring tool on a buddy's '66 Impala wagon. He wanted to simulate the actual tire height also. So I added to my backspace tool. The 1/4" tubing represents the tire height. It can be adjusted up and down to get the exact height wanted,... and the tubing moves in and out, when the BS number needs to change. Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

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