I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseam and I really don’t want to get too far into the weeds with this topic, but here goes:
Currently I am running 185 / 80 15 tires which ride approximately 7 inches wide when my VS is sitting on the ground.
I look at the rear of my VS and I can’t help but feel the wheel and tire combo on the back end is just plain thin. I’m not going for a “stock” 1957 Speedster look and I’ve built this little machine to be a bit of a beast so I’m not at all concerned with keeping it true to the original.
I have a set of rims with 205 / 60 15 tires already mounted and balanced. They sit approximately 8 1/2 inches wide on the ground.
All of the lug patterns are the same and there is no difference in the rim offset so a straight swap is definitely possible although a lower profile tire will most assuredly ride 1/2 inch (give or take) lower. And if you were within 100 yards of me in SLO you’ll know I’ve already ground down all the sharp edges on my sidewinder exhaust so losing even a little ride height could be a deal breaker!
Questions:
1. Does anyone have any experience putting 205 /60s under a VS? And, if so, are there any associated issues (rubbing, etc.) they have come up as a result.
2. Can a wider tire be stuffed under my VS with a different offset wheel if that is my only recourse?
I don’t really want to change wheels too; unless, of course, I can source a set of 10 slot chrome wheels with baby moons for a decent price. I’m not really in the market to buy wheels, but every change I ponder ends up with a few more changes to fulfill my vision.
On a side note: this will be for a swing axle set up.
Any thoughts, anecdotes, suggestions, etc. are gladly accepted!
