nice score! could've done a helluva lot worse for $800!
looking forward to the progress!
looking forward to the progress!
PROJECT " LAID BACK 2 " - 1978 SALON 2 DOOR AEROBACK
- Thread starter JAMCAR223
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I think if you paint those Camaro 18” steelies, those could look really cool. 
I stand corrected (and updated my post so as to avoid bum-doping anyone else). 1.5" is the right answer. I know this because I tried a set of 2" adapter/spacer in a 4.75 x 4.75 pattern. 1) the studs in late model rims are 120 mm not 120.7 (4.75") in diameter - you are bending them to make this work, and who knows what this will do to concentricity when the wheels are turning (probably the basis for separation failures that give these a reputation); 2) the late model rims use a 14 mm lug nut, so there is insufficient meat to use the 12mm lug nuts on these rims; and 3) 2" made the rims stick out too far so they rubbed the fender lip (and looked goofy).
So, I resold these on CL to a guy using a set of 90s Camaro rims, and bought two sets from my first link. These are old photos and the upper control arms have not been reshimmed properly. Before the Forum poops on my head, I will point out right away that these are not a long-term solution, as 1) there isn't enough stud engagement, so if you keep the stock rotors, you need to replace the studs with about 1.5" long studs (like I did in the back); and 2) I will be upgrading to Blazer brakes, and will be replacing these anyway. They hold up the car for now. Safe at 0 mph.
The photos below show 235-40-18 vs. 255-50-16 combinations. They look about the same in tread width, but when I use more than old CL junk tires to hold up the car, I plan to go to a 255-40-18, which is 0.1" shorter than stock.
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I have been looking for a pristine set of these, but no one wants to swap for my alloys. I'd like to get a set with the stock brushed trim rings, paint them the Malibu two-tone silver/charcoal and adapt a set of the Malibu Classic Rally caps with the red/gold bowtie inserts to work on them.I think if you paint those Camaro 18” steelies, those could look really cool.
Thanks for the pics/correction/info. Much appreciated. So 1.5" "bolt pattern changing" spacers, with longer studs it is...
I agree. And I have not seen it done before.I think if you paint those Camaro 18” steelies, those could look really cool.
Only in my head, and it looks like you will get there first. I have seen the Malibu caps on various aftermarket sites, and there is always Fleabay.
I used 2 five-packs of ARP 12 x 1.50 since I was going metric anyway. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-100-7708/overview/
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For your '78, if you keep the stock axle shafts and brake rotors, I think the lugs are 7/16-20. Others will correct me if I am wrong. The knurled shoulder under the head needs to match and I don't have those anymore.
Be forewarned...in 1978, the front wheel bearings were a different size than 1979 and later, although the rotors are the same, I believe.
Be forewarned...in 1978, the front wheel bearings were a different size than 1979 and later, although the rotors are the same, I believe.
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