20 inchers on an '81

[Eric R.]

I see a lot of discussion on wheels and tires but I cannot find a post where someone offers a combination that works. I would like to purchase a set of 20" rims and tires for my 1981 Vette. Does anyone know of a combination and brand that will work? I understand that the diameter may not match but that is OK with me.

If anyone has this info, please post rim width and backspacing along with the known tire size.

Thanks for your help!

Eric

 

[KC-21]

Eric,
Check out this thread, it might give you some insight on your new wheels.

Later,

KC

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...;threadid=33123

 

[CLABORN1960]

KC,
The link doesn't work and I am curious to see what was said....

 

[KC-21]

go to forums, 1968-1982 Corvettes, C3 Mods (1968- 1982) and scroll down to a thread that says "New Wheels Before and After", about half way down on the first page there is a link to the same thread and it works..... Why this one doesn't is far beyond my limited computer knowledge.....sorry

KC

 

[Eric R.]

I still do not see anywhere that a size for 20" rims and tires is listed.

Who owns this car? These are what I am looking for.

Does anyone know the size, width and backspacing?

 

[81LT4]

wheels

GROOVYJAY A MEMBER HERE ON CAC. ARE YOU SURE 20'S
ARE WHAT YOU WANT. WILL THIS BE A EVERYDAY DRIVER?

 

[Eric R.]

I would like 20's but outside of loss of ride comfort are there any other issues?

 

[Eric R.]

I am still interested in the issues with 20 inchers

I was able to find the info I needed on the 20" rims once I had the owners user ID and searched the back posts.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Thumper]

Groovyjay owns the 79 with the 20" torq thrust II's. He also has set up a 79 registry web site. Do a member search to find him. He lives in Finland and is very helpful.

 

[groovyjay]

Hi there, I have 20" all around in my 79. I have 20x8 fronts and 20x10 rear wheels. I have stock 4" backspacing in front and 5.25" at the back. I'm using offset trailing arms to get enough room for the 10" wheels. The overall diameter of the wheels and tires I'm using is the same as the stock one with the 255/60/15 tires. If you have any more questions just shoot.

L8er Jay

 

[71roadster]

other issues

I would like 20's but outside of loss of ride comfort are there any other issues?

I have heard it said a number of times that a very small tire sidewall on any rim will result in a lot of bent and dinged rims. Ask a vendor if they do much straightening of bent rims. I have seen happen with a lot of the ricers. I am running boyd coddington 17's with 255/45 tires and yet to have a problem.

Chris

 

[81LT4]

YUP, 275/40 UP FRONT AND $105.00 FOR A FREAKING SMALL BEND. DONT EVEN KNOW HOW IT HAPPEND. NOW THAT SUCKS.
AND THESE ARE ONLY 17'S

 

[Eric R.]

I was quoted $425 a rim today for the 20 inchers. I dont know guys,,, might have to sleep on this one.

 

[groovyjay]

I was quoted $425 a rim today for the 20 inchers. I dont know guys,,, might have to sleep on this one.

What? 425 for 20" American Racing TT II? Where? I'm gonna get another set for my other car!

 

[Eric R.]

Earls white wall rims and tires in Des Moines, Iowa. What did you have to pay?

 

[Eric R.]

Jay,

How long did it take to get your 20" torq thrust wheels?

 

[groovyjay]

Jay, How long did it take to get your 20" torq thrust wheels?

8 weeks.

 

[groovyjay]

Earls white wall rims and tires in Des Moines, Iowa. What did you have to pay?

I paid 540$ each, this was 2 years ago though...

 

[Eric R.]

WOW! $540 and eight weeks? I guess I am only a little over a week into the wait... Maybe before x-mas anyway. I did find them for $385ea. that makes the wait a lot more tolerable.