Wheel Choices: AD with 73-87 Cradle UNCUT and UNEDITED

[Dan Bowles]

Somewhere I've posted up some pictures of the 1949 1 ton panel we are starting to work on. What I've got is a VERY welded up front cradle with spacers on the stock frame. It, of course, puts the wheels way out and I don't like it.

I'm not looking to cut it back out and section it because I think it'd be easier to just get a new frame! I've heard you can get shorter A arms but need to know what parts these are.

What I'm hoping is something along the lines of El Dorado/Toronado rims (the original ones) but something of a bit more modern vintage so I can FIND them!

Any ideas? 5 on 5" bolt pattern, 15".

[pgf545]

We had the same front end on the truck that I am working on. I ended up cutting the thing out and installing a Mustang II setup. I had thought about looking for some offset wheels but never got to research it.

Bernie

[dwcsr]

These are all 5x5 but not sure of the offset

BUICK LE SABRE, RIVIERA 64-87
BUICK Riviera 64-78
BUICK Roadmaster 91-98
BUICK ROADMASTER, ESTATE WAGON 90-96

CADILLAC Calais 68-85
CADILLAC Deville 68-84
CADILLAC Fleetwood 68-84, 86-98
CADILLAC Seville 77-79

CHEVROLET 1/2 TON BLAZER, JIMMY, SUB FULL SIZE 2X4 71-91
CHEVROLET 1/2 TON TRUCK ALL MODELS 2X4 67-87
CHEVROLET 1/2 TON TRUCK ALL MODELS 2X4 88-98
CHEVROLET 1500 ½ Ton P/U (2WD) 88-98
CHEVROLET ALL 5-LUG HALF TON TRUCKS up to 99
CHEVROLET ASTRO/SAFARI 85-on
CHEVROLET Caprice 88-98
CHEVROLET CAPRICE CLASSIC 90-97
CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 94-99
CHEVROLET Suburban 1500 (2WD) 88-98
CHEVROLET TAHOE, YUKON 2X4 92-99
CHEVROLET VAN G-SERIES 1/2 TON 71-96
CHEVROLET WAGONS & HD models 55-95


GMC 1500 ½ Ton P/U (2WD) 88-98
GMC Safari Van 1500 85-2002
GMC Suburban 1500 (2WD) 92-98
GMC Van 1500 88-99
GMC Yukon (2WD) 95-98

JEEP Grand Cherokee ALL MODELS 99-06

[Dan Bowles]

Thanks, Dave. I know that the full size truck wheels have standard offset. That's what is on there now. I know someone with Roadmasters so I'll hit them up.

I'm NOT going through the change to a Mustang II at this point.

[2ndGenRR]

Hey Dan - I have the same rig as you...mine is a '52 that was used as a school bus and then a fire rescue truck in Colorado. Anyway, mine has also received the too wide 73-87 front subframe. I know that you are looking for offset wheels, but Classic Performance now makes a drop spindle that pulls the wheels in 1-1/8" on each side. (http://www.classicperform.com/NewPro...op_Spindle.htm)

You may not be interested in the 2" drop, but mine sits higher in the front than the rear anyway. I haven't tried them yet, but between a wheel with a deeper backspace and these spindles, the tires might actually fit inside the wheelwell without rubbing.

By the way, I'm in MI too...I live in Lowell, which is just east of Grand Rapids.

[Dan Bowles]

Thanks for the tip but $799!!! I don't think so! I'll swap it to an S10 frame or clip it for that kind of price. If it hadn't been welded the way it is, I would have it off in a minute. If it gets to ugly, then I'll figure something out. Eldorado/Toronado wheels can be had for $150 a set!!!

[2ndGenRR]

$799 is for the spindle and brake package. The spindles by themselves are $299 retail, but they were running a sale on them for $250 I think.

[Dan Bowles]

That isn't too bad. I found that there was like a '94 Camaro HD brake package that I can go to and get 5 on 4 3/4" bolt pattern so maybe a combo of the two would get me to something a bit more realistic. I think I'm going to go ahead and get the motor/trans/rear swap done and bolt the front end on to see where it all sits, get the steering hooked up and then go from there.

You going to be at Kzoo next month?