17"x8" Bullitts on a '61

Thanks to those of you who answered questions I had about doing the disc brake spindle swap. I have been pretty busy getting this going, and I'd be glad to share what I did to make this work if anyone has questions. My goal was to make these tires & wheels fit without cutting anything on the car. I ended up removing only 1/4" from each rear wheel-opening lip for sidewall clearance. It's close, but doesn't rub.

very nice

Nice looking '61 with those wheels.Looks like a fun car. Must have taken some doing to get an 8 inch wide rim to fit though. I had to move the rear springs inboard to get some 15X8 Weld wheels to fit my Falcon.

Thanks guys! I thought I might have to move the springs in but I ended up with 1/4" of clearance. I have an 8" rearend I narrowed 1" on each side.
Jim, do you have any pics of your '62?

That little car looks good! Can you show the minor trimming you did on the rear? Any plans on shorter tires and if so what size?

I too am running bullits. I just found out that the newer models have different back spacing and can cause problems. I believe the newer rims had less back spacing. What year are your rims?

Originally Posted by JBerryman

I too am running bullits. I just found out that the newer models have different back spacing and can cause problems. I believe the newer rims had less back spacing. What year are your rims?

Hey there, nice ride... I researched the factory rims and they are as follows:
1994-2004 17x8 and 5.72" b/s or 30 mm offset
2005 to present, 17x8 and 6.29" b/s or 45 mm offset.

Approx 1/2" difference, the newer ones sit inboard by that amount or 15 mm.
Do you have the stock width on the rear or are they widened? We have a place here in Dallas that does a great job widening or narrowing factory wheels. In fact I just had a set of Bullitts narrowed to 17x7, which looks super cool.

Hey,
I like that color! And the rims look sweet on their too.
Also running Bullets but on a '64.
Nice job.
Ras Daniel

Very nice.