When upgrading the wheels on a classic like the 1968 Camaro SS or similar models, getting the right fit isn’t as simple as choosing any attractive wheel. Proper fitment is crucial to avoid issues with fender gaps, clearance, and ride height. Here, we’ll dive into three critical factors that determine whether your new wheels will enhance your car’s look and performance.

Backspace

Backspace is a crucial measurement in wheel fitment. It refers to the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to the inside lip of the wheel. This measurement influences how far into the fender well your wheel sits.

Understanding Backspace in Wheel Selection: When selecting wheels that are wider than the factory standard for vehicles like the 1968 Camaro SS, you’ll typically see wheels with less backspace. This adjustment compensates for the additional width. For instance, if a 17×8.5″ wheel has a +18mm offset, it might feature a 5.5″ backspace. If you switch to a 9″ wide wheel with a 0mm offset, the backspace reduces to 5″—acceptable, assuming you have sufficient fender clearance. This change makes the tire and rim protrude further by 18mm and 24mm, respectively.

Offset

You hear it the most, but it’s irrelevant to fixate on Offset when adjusting your final tire width/stick out plans. Offset is the distance from the mounting surface to the center of the wheel (vs BS to the inside edge). With negative offset wheels, you get that deep dish as the wheel face tucks deeper in. But you can’t just get a custom wheel width with whatever offset you want..well a pro shop won’t even advise or do it for you.

So what if you’re still not satisfied with how your new wheels sit/stick out…that’s where wheel Spacers come into play. *NOTE: always go for the Hubcentric type, avoid the floating ones at all costs.

Wheel Spacers

If the new wheels don’t sit exactly as you’d like, wheel spacers can be an effective adjustment tool. They decrease the wheel’s backspace by physically pushing the wheel outward from the hub.

Calculating Changes with Spacers: To determine the new backspace with spacers, subtract the thickness of the spacer from the current backspace. For example, if you’re starting with a 5.5″ backspace and add a 0.5″ spacer, your new backspace will be 5″. Note: Always opt for hub-centric spacers to ensure the wheel is perfectly centered on the hub, avoiding vibrations or uneven tire wear.

-Always consult with a professional when changing wheel dimensions from the stock setup, especially on classic cars like the 1968 Camaro SS.

-Ensure any new wheel setup does not interfere with the vehicle’s suspension or inner wheel well, which can differ significantly between models and modifications.

Conclusion: Upgrading your wheels involves more than picking a style you like; understanding the dynamics of backspace, offset, and the potential need for spacers will ensure that your classic car not only looks great but rides smoothly and safely too.