Will 235/75 Fit a ’56 Chevy?
Fit 1956 Chev:
Fit 1956 Chev’s most frequent question of the restorer or modifier of a classic model. Such as a ’56 Chevrolet (Chevy). Is whether a modern tire size will fit properly on a vintage model. Let’s go over whether a 235/75 tire will fit a 1956 Chevy. Keeping in mind and looking at these questions: wheel size. Fender clearance, and potential problems that may arise from fitting a wrong tire.
Answers to FAQs:
Fit 1956 Chev:
We will answer the most frequently asked questions related to this very topic, for which we have been consulted more times than we would like to remember.
The 1956 Chevrolet is one of the classic models belonging to the Chevrolet Tri-Five family, which includes variants from 1955, 1956 and 1957. These great-looking vintage cars are a marvel for collectors and restorers, as they feature beautiful classic styling and a sturdy build, in addition to many customization options.
As for tire sizes, the original specifications were quite small compared to those sold today, so owners restoring or upgrading their 1956 Chevy may want to consider upgrading to larger new tires for performance, handling or aesthetics.
Tire Size Comparison: 235/75 vs Original Sizes:
Fit 1956 Chev:
To know if a 235/75 tire will fit on a 1956 Chevy, first. The tire size is deconstructed and matched up to the original specifications.
What does 235/75 mean?:
Fit 1956 Chev:
- 235: The first number represents the width of the tire in millimeters, so 235/75 tires are 235 millimeters wide.
- 75: Aspect ratio; the percentage ratio of the height of the sidewall when compared to the tire’s width. So, in this case, 75 means that the sidewall height is 75% of 235mm or about 176.25mm.
- R: Radially built tires, meaning that the modern generation of tires has been constructed in a radial structure.
- 15: The last number is the size in inches of the wheel the tire is sized for. A 235/75 tire fits a 15-inch wheel.
Tire Sizes on Original ’56 Chevy:
Fit 1956 Chev:
Original Tire sizes on the original ’56 Chevy varied depending on the model (sedan, coupe, convertible, etc.), but originally most tires on this type of car were:
- 6.70-15: This was a regular diameter for bottom-of-the-line models, and it facilitates a narrower width at 170 mm, with a sidewall height of roughly 6.7 inches.
- 7.10-15: A tire that is a bit wider, approximately 180 mm in width.
- 7.60-15: The widest of the selection of original tires, at about 190 mm in width.
These sizes were of the type with 15-inch rims, and there is an overall smaller diameter than those used today.
Does 235/75 Fit on a 1956 Chevy?
Fit 1956 Chev:
A 1956 Chevy comes with 15-inch wheels as standard issue. A 235/75 tire is also a 15-inch wheel. So, while a 15-inch rim diameter makes the tire fit technically, whether it fits has even more to it including tire width, sidewall height, and space available inside the wheel well.
Tire Width Information:
Fit 1956 Chev:
The 235/75 tire is a much wider tire than the original 6.70-15, 7.10-15, or even the 7.60-15 tires that came with the 1956 Chevy. A 235 mm width means the tire will protrude outwards more than the original tires, which could cause a few issues:
- Clearance to the Fender: The wheel wells of the 1956 Chevy was not designed for such a wide tire and would rub on the fender or wheel well, especially while turning or when the suspension compresses. This has also been a major concern in classic vehicles, which were built with much less clearance than modern vehicles.
- Backspacing and Offset: The fitters also rely on the backspacing and offset of the wheels in fitting the larger tire. So, if one has wrongly dimensioned offset wheels, the tire will sit too far inboard or outboard, and this causes further clearance problems. The person may have to resort to custom wheels with the right offset to ensure that the tire does not rub in various road situations.
Tire Diameter Considerations:
Fit 1956 Chev:
A 235/75 tire has a diameter of about 28.88 inches or 735 mm, while the original tire sizes of the 1956 Chevy are much smaller. To give some perspective:
This would make a 235/75 tire raise the ride height of your vehicle by about an inch or more, which could be another drawback to this design on the stance and handling of the car. It’s not like a huge problem for others who just want that aggressive look or a ride but something worth considering if you want it to be authentic or if you do care about suspension geometry.
Handling and Performance:
Fit 1956 Chev:
The handling of the car might also be altered by increasing the size of the tires. Large tires can, at times, make highways feel very good having more grip and an excellent ride but behave in worse conditions in terms of steering feel, braking, and the way through corners. Moreover, a larger tire may exert more pressure on the suspension and drivetrain of the car when no proper modifications are done for the larger size.
Possible Modifications:
Fit 1956 Chev:
If you are bent on running a 235/75 tire on that ’56 Chevy, here are the adjustments you’re going to have to make to fit it on right:
- Wheel Offset and Backspacing: You may need special wheels or spacers to alter the backspacing and offset of the wider tire. This is what you will need to get the tire into a good position with respect to the well of the wheel.
- Suspension Mods: Depending on just how much clearance you need, you may also have to mod the suspension. This can be anything from a small lift job to eliminating rubbing or even custom fender liners.
- Rolling the Fenders: Sometimes rolling fenders alone gives the needed room for bigger tires by simply using the reshaping of the edge of the fender for extra clearance.
- Steering Adjustments: Sometimes, larger tires cause the steering to feel heavier or more difficult to turn. You may need to adjust the steering linkage or install a steering box with a higher ratio to equalize this.
FAQs:
Fit 1956 Chev:
1. Would 235/75 tires fit on the stock wheels of a 1956 Chevy?
You may go up to 235/75 tires on 15-inch stock wheels, but you will likely have rub problems at the fenders and suspension. Please make sure to verify your specific model’s wheel well to check for rub-offs. You’ll likely have to swap or change the offset on your wheel, add spacers, or change suspension.
2. Will my car’s handling deteriorate due to the larger tire?
Yes, but a larger tire affects the roadability of your 1956 Chevy. It may provide superior traction, but it is more likely to make the car feel weightier and more ponderous when turning, which will also exacerbate the problem with cornering. Braking and ride smoothness will likely be impacted as well.
3. What alterations are required for installing 235/75 tires?
You’ll perhaps have to change the wheel offset, and suspension settings or even roll some fenders to fit 235/75 tires in your 1956 Chevy. All these changes ensure there is enough clearance for the slightly wider and taller tires.
4. Does a 235/75 tire make my car sit higher?
Yes, the total diameter of a 235/75 tire is larger than that of the original tires and will raise the ride height of the car by about an inch or more, which depends on the specific tire brand and model.
5. What’s the best tire size for a 1956 Chevy?
This depends on what you want from the car. If you want to stick it to its original specifications, then you should use a 6.70-15 or 7.60-15 tires for the best effect. But for the modern appearance and better performance, you can afford bigger tires but pay attention to the problem with the fitting and modifications that would possibly come.
6. Can I use 235/75 tires if I don’t modify anything?
Basically, if you don’t ever plan to make any changes, the installation of 235/75 tires on a ’56 Chevy may bring rubbing and/or clearance issues and a host of other issues. To make fitment correct, there would certainly be a requirement for modifications to the wheels or even the suspension.
Conclusion:
Fit 1956 Chev:
In a nutshell, while a 235/75 tire may indeed fit on a 1956 Chevy with 15-inch wheels, it is no match to the original size or design criteria for that particular tire. A wider tire could present problems with clearance, rubbing against the fender or the wheel well, and also changing the ride height and handling of the car. So if you decide to go this size, plan some modifications: “wheel offset, lift the suspension, roll in the fenders.”.
