65 Fairlane pro-touring build

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

Thanks! Now that school has started up again, I need to get over your way and grab that dash. No hurry but when the weather is nice it's more fun rooting around the salvage yard.

Amen to that and I appreciate the kind words! At least the progress is starting to show.

Thx for the input. I'm not sure the tunnel will be all that accessible once the console and infotainment panel are in place. Right now, it's a snap to R&R the engine and trans as a unit. If I install the front section of the tunnel permanently, I'd have to drop the tranny before yanking the engine. I need to get my mind right and make that a problem for future Vic.

I agree on the tire size, I think I've been feeling obligated to fill up the wheel wells after all that work widening them. Lots of choices on the wheel/tire websites. You can spend a bunch of time trying to find a combo that has a decent tread pattern and comes in suitable aspect ratios. I've always preferred a bit taller sidewall, so I've been avoiding 19-20" diameters. I also like a staggered, wider rear tire/wheel setup. It's going to be a while before I actually need them, so I have time to figure out what works.

What were you thinking for fronts (wheel tire sizes)?

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

What were you thinking for fronts (wheel tire sizes)?

I was originally leaning toward a 245/45-18 on an 8" rim. However, you've got me thinking a lower profile rear might be more suitable. Online, I see a few 11-12" wide tires in a lower profile that wouldn't end up being so tall. Filling up the mini tubs shouldn't necessarily be the goal. When the car is on the ground, the size of the wheel tub can't be discerned anyway unless you offset the wheel/tire way too much inboard.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Vic1947

I was originally leaning toward a 245/45-18 on an 8" rim. However, you've got me thinking a lower profile rear might be more suitable. Online, I see a few 11-12" wide tires in a lower profile that wouldn't end up being so tall. Filling up the mini tubs shouldn't necessarily be the goal. When the car is on the ground, the size of the wheel tub can't be discerned anyway unless you offset the wheel/tire way too much inboard.

245/45-18 = 26.7" tall.

I'm doing a 255/40-18 on a 9" wide wheel @ 26" for the front of a g-body Malibu & that's considered 'tall' for a mid-size "pro-touring" ride. Most are less than 26" up front for sure.

A 315/30-18 = 25.4" for reference of a very common 18" pro-touring rear. Many are opting for staggered 18(F)/19(R) combos now w/a 325/30-19 @ 26.7" tall.

I'm all about a 4" tall sidewall (as close as possible if not 4") for best ride quality.

[Vic1947]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

245/45-18 = 26.7" tall.

I'm doing a 255/40-18 on a 9" wide wheel @ 26" for the front of a g-body Malibu & that's considered 'tall' for a mid-size "pro-touring" ride. Most are less than 26" up front for sure.

A 315/30-18 = 25.4" for reference of a very common 18" pro-touring rear. Many are opting for staggered 18(F)/19(R) combos now w/a 325/30-19 @ 26.7" tall.

I'm all about a 4" tall sidewall (as close as possible if not 4") for best ride quality.

I agree on the sidewall - at my age comfort is a bigger deal than style. I haven't been looking at 19" stuff, but it might be worth investigating.

The weather has turned nice enough to lay down some epoxy primer before winter arrives. I had the entire car dipped almost two years ago and some very light surface rust has started to appear in places. Generally speaking, if you don't touch the bare metal without wearing gloves, it will stay rust free for a very long time. But that's hard to do when you're patching around on it. I dusted off the doors to start prepping them and was blown away by how nice they are. Usually there's rust on the underside of the door jambs, but these are like the day they rolled outta the factory. The hood and trunk lid are similarly nice, so I have a lot to be thankful for. Helps make up for all the other tinworm I've had to fight.