Rim width

[Purple73Cuda]

I am considering putting BF Goodrich radial T/As on my 'Cuda. I was looking at the BFG web site and for a 255/60R15 (for the rear) they recommend a rim width of 7"-9". I have a set of 15x7 Rallyes. Am I going to have a tough time mounting these tires on the rim if I go with the 7" wheel? ( I mount my own tires. I have a mag wheel machine.) What are the pros of using the 8" wheel over the 7" wheel. I wanted to use the 7" wheels to save me the $200 or so dollars the new 8" wheels would cost me.
I value the opinion of the members here. Let me hear your opinions.

[72hemi]

I am running that size tire on the back of my Challenger on an 8" rim. The problem with installing them on a 7" rim is sidewall buldge. a 255 tire coorelates to roughly 10 inch wide tire. In 1970 the T/A Challengers and AAR cuda's had 245 60 15 (G60 15) tires on a 7 inch rim, so it may be ok. Just don't take any hard corners for fear of rolling the sidewall.

[Purple73Cuda]

John,
 Thanks for the info. Do you have a picture or two that you can post to show how the tire/rim fits in the rear well? Do you have plenty of clearance? I was going to go with a 275 and an 8" rim, but am concerned they might hit.
John

[72hemi]

I had 275's on the back of mine, but they hit, so now I have the 255's with no problems. My brother has 275's on his Challenger with a 8 inch rim, and his clear (super stock springs) until he lowered his car 2 inches in the back now they hit with a full tank of gas and back seat passengers. I'll try and post pics later today.

[73Chally]

For what it's worth, I was told by several people, one being a dealer for American Racing, and another being a tech at a chain tire store, that 255's are too wide for a 7" rim.

[HP2]

Ideally, you want a rim that is as wide as the tread width of the tire.

You can run a 255 on a 7" rim. You can run a 295 on an 8" rim. Neither is ideal but they are possible. You may have to run it slightly underinflated to get the full tread contact on the ground. Lower pressures build more heat which will accellerate wear on the tire carcass. Or run it at a standard pressure and deal with wearing out the center section of the tire faster than the edges.

[Purple73Cuda]

HP2
Good points.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Well, I have 255's on the back of my car, 60 series/ 15" with a 7" rim. I bought them because a chart at the tire dealer said they were the tallest I could go. I have no problems. I don't think they look bad at all either. I wish I had a close up pic, it doesn't bulge in my eyes.