Can I run 235/60s or 235/70s on 5.5" magnums??

[OzCuda]

Budget has blown out on the body and paint so looking to restore and re-use the magnums that came with the Barracuda (at least initially).  Was going to just re-use the 205s that were on it as I thought they were almost new but hadn't noticed one that was badly worn on the inner side so I guess I have to buy new tyres regardless.  If I can safely use 235s then it might even be good for the longer term (could use 225s on the front if it helps?).

[Super Blue 72]

As far as I've seen, hmmm... assuming you're in Australia, you may not have heard of a tire cmpany called NTB.  Actually, others in the states may not know that company come to think of it.  Anyhow, my useless ramblings.....

I saw one of thier books.  To "safely" mount  225/70R-14 or 235/60R14 I believe, if I remember correctly, you need at least a 6.0" wide rims.  You could probably get them on the rim but it may risk damage to the tire (tread) or danger to the person putting on the tire.  Also the tread may bow out so the tread in the center may wear out prematurely.  I know this first hand because when I was in highschool I put some G60-14s on 6" wide rims and they looked like pudgey donuts!  I think we put 14" tires on 15" rims once too...

Are you sure they're 5.5" magnums you have?  I thought they are 6.0" wide from the factory?  Yes?  No?  The rims I have are from a '70 Road Runner and I believe they are 6.0" wide.  I have 215/70s in front and 225/70 in the rear.  The 225/70s are a little taller than the 235/60s.

Best thing is to call a tire dealer and they should have one of those little books and they can tell you what is safe or not.

Hope this was helpful.

[OzCuda]

Thanks for that, definately 5.5" rims as I had the tyres removed to measure the rim width.  Local tyre places also advised the recommended minimum of a 6" rim.  Do the 225/70s look Ok (not too skinny)?

[Super Blue 72]

With the 215/70s up front, they look a little wider and taller.  Here are some pictures.  The side shot makes the 225/70s look meatier.  The rear shots look a wee bit skinny.  That's why I have a set of keystone Klassics with 275/60s for the rear.
There is also a comparison shot of the tires.

[OzCuda]

Thanks Super Blue - pictures help a lot.  They do look a bit on the skinny side from behind.  I can get the rims widened but not sure how cost effective this is versus buying repro Magnums but at least I would retain the original dress rings.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I have 14X6 Rally's on the front of mine. I have 70's with a 225 size. I think they look meaty enough. Sorry I don't have a better picture right now. 

  Mike

[Super Blue 72]

Those are 14", MEK?  They look real nice for 14"s!    A lot of times the 14" Rallyes look small.

Hey Oz, I don't know how much it costs to widen the rims but Summit Racing has repros that about $130 each but they may be in chrome.  If you have the factory Magnums, they may be more like brushed steel center with an unfinished outer ring part that'll require trim rings.  Or do you have chrome?

The Paddock (www.paddockparts.com) has both chrome and the other style but the center section is painted aluminum, not brushed steel. For about $150-$165 depending on size/style you have.  Keep in mind that center caps are an extra cost, plus rings if you have to get them.  The factory brushed rings from the Paddock are $90/each!  Yikes!!!!

Either way, if you don't get a whole set of rims and only get 2, then you may have trouble matching them, but you may not be able to tell from 20'.  Also the trim rings you have will have a gap between the ring and the center section of the wheel if you chose to use those.

I know, decisions, decisions, I went through the same thing.

Do you definately want to stay with 14"?  Only Magnum style?  Are you looking to keep the factory look?

[OzCuda]

I vary between the full-resto look and the street machine look, depending on what cars I have recently seen but more often than not, I think the Magnums look the part on muscle cars.  I was planning on buying new 15x7 or 15x8 Chrome Magnums but the blown budget and maybe trying to retain the stainless steel dress rims for accuracy has led me to investigate keeping the wheels I have.  When i first bought this car, the car having Magnums already was factored in as an area that I could save a few dollars.  Ultimately here in Australia, 15s are easier as there aren't many tyres still available for 14s.  I'll check Summit and the Paddock - thanks.