What size rims for Corvair?
In short, Corvair models originally wore 13-inch rims, typically around 13x4.5 inches. Many restorations and upgrades move to 14- or 15-inch wheels, but the exact size depends on year, trim, and brake configuration.
To determine the correct rim size for your specific car, you’ll need to identify the model year, confirm whether you’re sticking with the original brakes or upgrading them, and check clearance around the fenders and suspension. This guide outlines typical stock sizes and practical upgrade considerations to help you plan accordingly.
Stock wheel sizes by era
The following outlines common stock rim sizes used on Corvair models over the years to guide restorers toward period-accurate wheels.
- 1960–1963: most Corvairs used 13x4.5-inch steel wheels as standard equipment.
- 1964–1969: continued use of 13x4.5-inch wheels as standard; some markets or dealer-installed options occasionally referenced 14-inch alternatives, but 13 inches remained the baseline for most cars.
- Notes: There were occasional variations for special editions or export models; always verify your exact build by checking wheel stamping, door plate data, or the original factory literature for your car.
Practically speaking, the baseline for most Corvairs is a 13-inch diameter wheel around 4.5 inches wide, with tire sizes commonly in the 165/80R13 to 185/80R13 range depending on year and trim.
Upgrading and fitment considerations
If you’re pursuing a modernization or a different look, larger rims are common, but they require careful attention to fitting and safety. The following considerations apply to most upgrade paths.
- Rim diameter and width: 14-inch or 15-inch wheels are common upgrades; starting points are roughly 14x5.0–14x5.5 inches or 15x6.0 inches, but exact width/offset depends on brakes and fenders.
- Brake clearance and hub setup: upgrading from drum to disc brakes or changing caliper sizes often necessitates larger wheels or different offsets; verify that the chosen rims clear calipers and rotors without rubbing.
- Offset and width: ensure the wheel’s offset keeps tires centered in the fender well and avoids interference with suspension components; mismatched offset can cause rubbing or tracking issues.
- Tire sizing: for 14x5 wheels, common tire choices include 185/75R14 or 195/75R14; for 15x6 wheels, options around 195/60R15 to 205/65R15 are typical. Always confirm with the tire vendor for your vehicle height and alignment conditions.
- Bolt pattern and center bore: Corvair wheel bolt patterns vary by year/model; confirm whether your car is 4-lug or 5-lug and check center bore compatibility; hub-centric rings may be needed for precise fit.
In practice, many Corvair enthusiasts successfully upgrade to 14" or 15" rims by selecting wheels with appropriate offset and width, and by planning for potential brake or suspension adjustments. Working with a shop experienced in vintage GM cars can help ensure a safe, reliable fit.
How to verify the correct size for your car
Start with the wheel itself: check the size stamped on the wheel’s face or inner lip (diameter x width). If you’re unsure, consult the owner's manual or production data for your exact year and model. For aftermarket wheels, confirm bolt pattern, center bore, offset, and brake clearance with the vendor, and, when possible, perform a test fit before purchasing tires. A Corvair-specialist shop can provide precise guidance based on your car’s brakes, suspension, and ride height.
Summary
Bottom line: most classic Corvairs rolled off the showroom floor with 13-inch wheels (about 4.5 inches wide). If you’re restoring to original spec, that is your baseline. For a modern look or improved handling, 14- or 15-inch rims are common upgrades, but they require careful attention to brake clearance, hub compatibility, offset, and tire size. Always verify your exact year, model, and braking setup, and test-fit with a qualified shop before committing to new wheels.
What size rims are on a Corvair?
14”, 15”, or even 16” diameter wheels will fit on all Corvairs, but the width on earlies can't exceed about 6” because of two points of interference. On the front, the end of the steering arm comes close to the sidewall, and on the rear, the upper shock mounting point is close to the sidewall.
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What is the rarest Corvair model?
The Loadside is the rarest Corvair—just 2,844 were produced in 1961, and a minuscule 369 in 1962. The Rampside was 80 percent of sales, so the Loadside was discontinued after 1962.
What size are my factory rims?
To find out the width of your stock wheel, you must look at the back side of the rim itself. Imprinted on a spoke of the OEM wheel is a number, such as 16x7. The “16” refers to the diameter, another way to discover this element, and the “7” refers to the rim's width.
What is the bolt pattern on a 1965 Chevy Corvair?
The 1965 Corvair has a bolt pattern of 5x120.65mm, which is also commonly known as 5x4.75 inches. This applies to the second generation of Corvairs produced from 1965-1969, while the first generation (1960-1964) used a different 4-lug pattern.
- Bolt Pattern: 5x120.65mm5 x 120.65 m m5𝑥120.65𝑚𝑚 or 5x4.75"5 x 4.75 "5𝑥4.75"
- Center Bore: 71.4mm71.4 m m71.4𝑚𝑚
- Thread: 7/16"−20UNF7 / 16 " minus 20 cap U cap N cap F7/16"−20𝑈𝑁𝐹
