PROJECT " LAID BACK 2 " - 1978 SALON 2 DOOR AEROBACK

[1evilregal]

nice score! could've done a helluva lot worse for $800!
looking forward to the progress!

 

[CaliWagon83]

I think if you paint those Camaro 18” steelies, those could look really cool. 😎

 

[ssn696]

Let's talk abut this a minute, so I don't make a mistake. Found this on another forum.

The new camaro 18X7.5 has 38mm offset which equals 5.8 inches of backspacing. If you want the outer face of the wheel to match where the factory wheel sits, or within about 1/4 of an inch you will need to match the backspacing of the original rim. So you are looking at a spacer that needs to be camaro backspacing minus the original wheel backspacing or 1.3 inches or 33mm's.

So with this being said, It looks like the 1.25" OR 1.5" spacer would work. I'm thinking the 1.5" would be a better choice.
Do you agree? Please post pics of your setup. Thanks!

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=323561285463

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.

 

[ssn696]

I think if you paint those Camaro 18” steelies, those could look really cool. 😎

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.

 

[JAMCAR223]

Thanks for the pics/correction/info. Much appreciated. So 1.5" "bolt pattern changing" spacers, with longer studs it is...

 

[JAMCAR223]

I think if you paint those Camaro 18” steelies, those could look really cool. 😎

I agree. And I have not seen it done before.

 

[ssn696]

I agree. And I have not seen it done before.

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.

 

[ssn696]

Thanks for the pics/correction/info. Much appreciated. So 1.5" "bolt pattern changing" spacers, with longer studs it is...

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/

 

[ssn696]

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.

 

[pagrunt]

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.

7/16-20 up to '81, the rotors are '78 only due to the bearings.