Shopping for Wheels

Author Topic: Shopping for Wheels  (Read 908 times)

Offline SlyGuy

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Shopping for Wheels
« on: December 16, 2020 - 03:03:40 PM »
Hello All,
I've started my quest for which wheels to buy for my build (72 Challenger). I "believe" that I understand backspacing and bolt patterns, but I would still feel better about ordering something if I had a little conformation from someone who knows for sure what will work.

That being said, I will be running stock drum brakes on the rear, and stock disc on the front. Suspension is all stock as well (if that matters). Therefore, I believe that what I need is 4 inch backspacing with 4.5 inch bolt pattern. Does that sound about right?

The wheels that I am considering are the "vn501" from American Racing. They look similar to my original 14's, and they are reasonably priced.

I know that all this info is probably available to me on the good 'ole internet, but I have been sanding and applying bondo all day, and really just want to sit down and drink a beer  ;)




Offline 70chall440

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Re: Shopping for Wheels
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2020 - 07:57:35 PM »
I can't speak to the back spacing but the bolt pattern is correct (5x4.5" or 5 lugs with 4.5" spacing). This is the same bolt pattern as Ford so many times I just look at craigslist and pick up some used Mustang wheels. That can be tricky especially in the rear with the offset but if they are cheap then it isn't too bad.

I am sure there are some wheel gurus here that can speak to the offset issue.
Current Mopar
70 Challenger RT 440-6 EFI, 73 Cuda 416-6 EFI
05 Hemi Durango, 01 Ram 4x4, 14 Ram 2500 4X4, 10 PCP Challenger 6 spd RT, 01 Viper GTS ACR, 52 B3B w/330 Desoto Hemi, 70 Hemi RR (under const)
Past Mopars
9 x Challengers. AAR Cuda, 4 RR, 2 GTX, 4 Chargers, etc... (too many to list)

Offline SlyGuy

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Re: Shopping for Wheels
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2020 - 02:38:16 PM »
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your input as always. The wheels that I am considering do come in a 5x4.5" bolt pattern, so I should be good there. As far as back spacing, I watched a couple youtube videos that said to lay a straight edge across the back of the rim, and measure down to the mounting surface. I did this with one of my original rims, and came up with 4 1/8 inches. That is what made me a little nervous, since the rims I want to buy are listed at 4 inches. I'm hoping that 1/8 of an inch difference is not a big deal.

Offline Fern

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Re: Shopping for Wheels
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2020 - 02:47:59 PM »
The backspacing will be different depending on how wide the rim is. What are the specs of the rims your looking at?
8" width will have 4.5 backspacing.
The 5×4.5 bolt pattern is correct.

Offline SlyGuy

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Re: Shopping for Wheels
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2020 - 04:40:29 PM »
The rims I have my eye on are 15 x 7. Upgrading from the original 14" rims. I've never replaced rims before, so just trying to make sure I'm not overlooking anything before making the purchase. Thanks!