NSW Corvettes

Technical Tips => Brakes, Suspensions, Steering, Wheels & Tyres => Topic started by: mick on May 14, 2008, 04:13:42 PM

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 14, 2008, 04:13:42 PM

Hi all,
         Im looking at buying a 77 15x6 steel corvette wheel to use as a skinny spare for my vette, im pretty sure it will fit no worries.

Any advice if it dosent would be greatly appreciatted.


Mick

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: gtc on May 14, 2008, 04:40:05 PM

The ‘72 came standard with 15 x 8 rims. That should fit in the spare tyre compartment. Is there a particular reason why you want a skinny spare?

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: Cameron 77C3 on May 14, 2008, 05:10:58 PM

Something to do with this I think. ;41

(http://www.nswcorvettes.com.au/photo/albums/userpics/100_1143.JPG)

http://www.nswcorvettes.com.au/forum/viewthread.php?tid=5541

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: gtc on May 14, 2008, 06:14:58 PM

Yep, that could be a squeeze! ;-)

Do Holden wheels fit Vette stud patterns?

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: demonx on May 14, 2008, 06:41:24 PM

Quote

Originally posted by gtc
Yep, that could be a squeeze! ;-)

Do Holden wheels fit Vette stud patterns?

I've heard that HQ-WB stud pattern is the same.

That is a very common stud pattern so you'd be able to get a wide range of slimline wheels from any mag place and check to see if they fit.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: MADLT1 on May 14, 2008, 07:08:20 PM

the hq rims fit BUT they lock on to the brake calipers and do not turn:23

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: Thunder Kiss on May 14, 2008, 09:32:47 PM

Not sure what C3s come with for a spare, but C4s come with a space saver.  Maybe you could test fit a C4 space saver wheel to see if it works.  Stud pattern is the same, offset is different but wont make a difference on such a narrow wheel.  As long as it doesn't touch the calipers, you'll be OK.

Otherwise, Commodore wheels can be bolted on (not sure about brake clearance though) in an emergency but are not ideal.  Commodore stud pattern is 5/120, Chev is 5/120.6 (or 5/4.75") so use a Commodore rim only as a last resort.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: humphbri on May 15, 2008, 06:04:08 AM

Mid C3s came with a 15x8 steel spare—even those post-76 that chose the alloy option.

Stud pattern is the same as a Holden but the brake calipre will stop you from doing up the studs properly on a standard wheel (I tried to use a standard Holden wheel when I had a flat.. no luck).

I guess you'll need to experiment.

Cheers

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: demonx on May 15, 2008, 06:31:28 AM

I wonder if you'd be able to use a holden cheese cutter (real slim) - you could fit one of those anywhere.

Then maybe to get around the brake issue, simply put whastever wheel you decide on it back to front for clearance?

Remember this is only planned for temp/emergency use and not permanent?

Just throwing some ideas around for comment.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 15, 2008, 07:44:18 AM

Im in awe guys thanks for all your comments, it helped me decide not to buy a 15x6 and look into spacesaver holden or corvette.


Thanks

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 15, 2008, 07:49:38 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160239727290

This was the wheel I was eyeing off.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 15, 2008, 02:13:47 PM

I just got told buy someone from the U.S. that C4 Space savers will not fit my car. (C3)

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 15, 2008, 02:17:16 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230250020732

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: humphbri on May 15, 2008, 03:57:43 PM

From memory; 78s to 82s came with a space saver tyre, so if you can buy one of them you'd be set.

;42

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: nifty on May 15, 2008, 05:05:00 PM

or maybe do as buddy did with his 73...he has fitted FORD rims to it using adaptors....that way you could buy a skinny rim and just carry the adaptor....hey how about just paying a little bit extra and buying a mag wheel? something like a very skinny centreline?you used to see them down to 3 or 4 inchs on some mean ass pro street cars. it may never get used but its handy if you do have one.i was always led to believe that the holden stud pattern was slightly different....(.2mm i think) was also so told the holden  rim WILL fit,but that .2mm puts strain on  the studs...thats my 2 cents worth.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 15, 2008, 07:03:44 PM

thanks nifty I didnt know that (slight difference between Holden and Chev)

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: 69 DIRTY RAT on May 15, 2008, 07:05:20 PM

And dont forget to make sure when the spare is fitted that it is equal diameter to the other tyre otherwise you will ruin your positraction!
Are you going to put the spare under the tank?

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 15, 2008, 07:08:53 PM

Yep Im going to make an alum spare holder from scratch and powdercoat black.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: gtc on May 16, 2008, 12:44:54 AM

Here's another thought: A mate of mine is building a rat rod and at the moment it has Chevy wheels attached to a Jaguar XJS front end, so presumably Jag wheels would fit the Chev stud pattern -- dunno about offsets.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: Cameron 77C3 on May 16, 2008, 01:00:15 AM

Or, as suggested by someone I know, they/you could/can have taken/take an old Vette wheel, had/have the rim removed from the center and a new rim of the correct width put back on.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 19, 2008, 08:50:16 AM

Just a quick update I got confirmation that a 15x5 1977 wheel will fit my car (1972) I just bought that wheel and will organise rubber that is the same diameter as the wheels on the car, then build tire holder to suit.

Thanks for everyone's input.

:22 ;42

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: gtc on May 19, 2008, 12:48:05 PM

Quote

Originally posted by mick
Just a quick update I got confirmation that a 15x5 1977 wheel will fit my car (1972) I just bought that wheel

Where did you buy the (assume you meant) 15x6?

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 19, 2008, 01:08:52 PM

I actually got 15x5, which was good. Got it from good old ebay as per link above I previously put up.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: MADLT1 on May 19, 2008, 01:20:36 PM

the good old u s comes through yet agian:boldgood price too,although the shipping would be a bit pricey maybe?

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: gtc on May 19, 2008, 02:35:07 PM

Quote

Originally posted by mick
I actually got 15x5, which was good. Got it from good old ebay as per link above I previously put up.

Reason I asked is that eBay ad says '88 to '96.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: humphbri on May 19, 2008, 02:49:31 PM

I would double check the wheel before shipping it over here. I know that the 1978 spare was a 15x5; but I didn't think the 77s came with a space saver.

;46

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 19, 2008, 03:24:26 PM

It was this wheel

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160239727290

I paid 100 for freight (you get that)

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 19, 2008, 03:28:36 PM

Quote

Originally posted by humphbri
I would double check the wheel before shipping it over here. I know that the 1978 spare was a 15x5; but I didn't think the 77s came with a space saver.

;46

The guy promised me it would fit my 72 no worries (i bloody hope so). Mabye its late 77 date stamp for a 78 model.

We will see I guess.

One thing I do know every time ive done business in the USA I have had excellent and honest service, lets hope it continues.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: 77CVT on May 20, 2008, 12:55:17 PM

'77's had a normal spare.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: humphbri on May 21, 2008, 09:04:04 AM

I checked out the e-bay ad; you'll be right with that rim, it is a 78 wheel with a 77 date code and will definately fit your 72. FYI, they weren't originaly painted yellow, they were black with a Goodyear tyre on them.
:}

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: nifty on May 21, 2008, 10:08:20 AM

another option is to go brand new repo.....
crager make a replica ralley wheel and could proberly make to the width you need and cheaper than a 2nd hand rim....mine had replicas on it and looked a damn sight better with new trims and caps.....

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 28, 2008, 05:37:14 PM

Hey all,
            Got the wheel. It fits fine.

I want to thank everyone for their input, without this Forum so many jobs would be a nightmare !!!!!

:24

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: Cameron 77C3 on May 28, 2008, 06:14:13 PM

So now we want a pic of it in it's carriage under ya tank. :22

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 29, 2008, 07:44:33 AM

that may take a while im currently making a mock up in corflute(cheap plastic) to see how it looks before I even think about it in aluminium.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: mick on May 30, 2008, 09:12:24 AM

I got a 205 tyre that is 4mm less diameter than my 295's, happy with that.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: Cameron 77C3 on May 30, 2008, 10:48:47 AM

Now I will stand corrected on this but you should watch that.  If running diameter is different then your circumference well be different and you could load up your limited slip diff.  When dealing with circumferences you are dealing with the factor of PI

Say a tyre had, for example only, an outside diameter of 600mm.  The circumference would be PI x D = 1885.2mm

Now lets say you had a tyre with an outside diameter of 605mm.  The circumference would be PI x D = 1900.9mm

There fore the smaller diameter is going to want to spin faster than the larger diameter for the same distance travelled.

Maybe not a big issue as a spare, but if you had to drive some distance..............

Just a thought.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: 77CVT on May 30, 2008, 11:59:08 AM

Correct.  Short distance only.   ;51

Not a huge worry though considering no spare at all.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: MADVET on May 30, 2008, 06:53:35 PM

4mm is pretty close so i wouldn't worry, remember we don't travell in a straight line.
The curves and turns on our roads would induce a lot more wear on the LSD than this small discrepancy.
Besides after a few good burnouts with those 295's the diameter will probably be the same as the spare.:22

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: gtc on May 30, 2008, 07:42:16 PM

Quote

Originally posted by MADVET
4mm is pretty close so i wouldn't worry, remember we don't travell in a straight line.
The curves and turns on our roads would induce a lot more wear on the LSD than this small discrepancy.

Sure, but the majority of normal driving is in a straight line, and diffs are not designed to "differentiate" for wheel rotation speeds continuously -- only for the short periods during cornering.

Title: 77 15x6 wheel will it fit 72
Post by: MADVET on May 30, 2008, 08:17:56 PM

Quote

Originally posted by gtc

Quote

Originally posted by MADVET
4mm is pretty close so i wouldn't worry, remember we don't travell in a straight line.
The curves and turns on our roads would induce a lot more wear on the LSD than this small discrepancy.

Sure, but the majority of normal driving is in a straight line, and diffs are not designed to "differentiate" for wheel rotation speeds continuously -- only for the short periods during cornering.

True, but it's only 4mm in diameter we're talking here, or if you like 2mm of tread depth, easily fixed 69DR style.;46
    ;46;46;46