VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1965-1970 What wheels will fit 69 Impala with Disc Brakes?

Don bought me a 1969 Impala convertible. The prior owner had replaced the drum brakes with the correct 1969 disc brakes. At the moment is has 15 inch wheels (crazy mags), I want to put it back to the correct 14 inch wheels. This maybe a very blonde question but, will the 14 inch wheels fit properly with the 69 disc brakes? We were concerned that discs might have required a different, optional wheel, or something.

I am also looking for a 69 Impala hood, this one has an air scoop in it...don't ask me what is under the hood....We will make it correct.

Thanks,

Liz Williams

The 1969 Impala with drum brakes had 14" wheels as standard equipment. The 15" wheels were required with disc brakes (14" would contact the calipers).
All 1970 (full sized) cars had 15" wheels and they would be the most easy to find. (1971 wheels are different).
The 1969 cars with the disc brakes and 15" wheels used a different looking wheel cover. The rally wheel was also available as an option in 15" but would be a little more difficult to find.
One hood was used for all common 1969 cars, the exception being the Super Sport.

Thanks, Gene! As a result of your answer, I have another question for you. I have no idea what the 15 inch wheel covers look like. Where could I find that information or a photo? I have the sales lit, I see the Rally Wheels, but not anything else for the 15 in. Never saw those.

Thnak you,
Liz

EGW,

Here's a little unsolicited advice. I'd go with the 15 inch Rally's. Especially on a big car like your 69 convertible. They look very "smart." And essentially it looks ( and is )'stock.'

I'd also suggest a slightly over-sized tire. I've always run P 235's on my big Chevy's.

I'll try to figure out how to send you a picture of my 68. Which was set up as described above. Enjoy your 'new' car. I had mine from 1991 to 2003 and always had a great time. Great road car. Went to many All Cal meets in it from Portland, OR. 1200-1500 mile round trip. NEVER had a problem with the car.

Bill.

I sent you a picture...it was the best that I could find. :)

Gene, Thank you.

Liz

Hi, folks -

We are thinking we will go with a set of the reproduction 15" Rally wheels.

What would you get from the factory for a spare, when the car came with the optional Rallys?

Thanks!

It would have came with a matching Rally wheel. This will be the best choice in a long run. :)

Hello Folks,
I would not purchase a set of repop Rally Wheels.Here's why:The repop rally hub is oversized(approx 3.25")and designed as a one size fits all for many,many year Chevy's.The original equipment 15X6 Rally wheel for '69-'70 has a 2 7/8" hub.The repop universal hub rally wheels are basically lugcentric while the OEM wheel has a nice snug fit around center wheel hub.
I have tried the repop wheels and did not like them for the oversized hub.Also,if your goal is a stock appearance the find a good used set of 15X6's and use a 215/75R/15 radial tire or for a show stock look go with a G70/15 belted.Or,for a slightly more muscular look use a 15X7 rally with 225/70R/15.The 15X7 wheel/tire combo is my choice for cruising.Look for a OEM 15X7 rally with FW code for correct back space/offset/hub diameter to fit '69-'70 B-car.These FW Rally's are common from the '70-'77 A/G body Chevy's.An OEM date coded matched set of JJ or JK '69-'70 15X6 Rally's are harder to find and usually more expensive than the more common 15X7 FW coded wheels.Depends on how you want to use the car.One more tip:Whenever I buy a used set of OEM wheels prior to refinishing them I run them down to the local tire shop and have them spun on the wheel balancer to check if wheels are true.It's cheaper than finding out later<g>.My thoughts,Jim Downum '70 Impala NIR

Jim -

Thanks for your post. I just saw it now, we have been gone a couple of days. Thanks for the advice, I did not know about the hub size issue on the repros.

I was thinking to use the 15 x 6 wheels, with modern 215/75R/15's.

It's just a plain and simple 327 Impala convertible, not a 427 SS.

Thanks again,
Don

Hi Don,
The 15x6 and 215/75R/15 combo is an excellent choice.I've used this exact size/combo twice in the past on both a '69 and a '70 Impala.
FYI,I've purchased 3 sets of vintage radial tires from Diamondback Classics if your looking for a quality redline or specific whitewall width.Here's the link if interested.Take care,Jim

http://dbtires.com/

Gents -

The deed is done - the 69 has its new shoes.

I posted a couple of photos under the "My Photos" forum for you to see the fruits of your recommendations.

I went with the repro Rallyes and the 215/75/15's. I realize this was against some of your thoughts, to some degree - but ALL of your thoughts were carefully weighed before the decision. I tried to balance our intentions with the car, what we want it to do and how we want it to look, budget, etc. I looked at the Diamond Back Classics, an awesome product. But I went cheap, I found a set of Uniroyal Tiger Paws that had the right period "look" and were more than a $100 cheaper EACH than the Diamond Backs.

I found an unmolested 69 hood on eBay, I just have to go pick it up. Then we're down to the small stuff.

I sincerely appreciate all of your input.

Thannks,
Don

Looks GREAT....a good choice..

Looks very nice Don.After seeing the photos of the car and it's color combo the whitewall tires were a great choice and set off the interior and top.Good to hear you're losing that race hood....I just love stock Impala's<vbg>! Jim