Fender clearance?
 

What is the minimum clearance on the front and back side of the fender opening you would recommend on a stocker. Would like to hear answers for both radial and bias 9" slicks.

I currently have a tall bias slick on it, and 1/4" of space... not enough... rubbing on the center of the tread face.

This is a 67 Firebird if it matters. Would like to hear the "been there and done that" stories before I start bending and cutting...

Thanks in advance everyone!

Ken

Re: Fender clearance?
 

The "book" says you can trim the leading and trailing edges a maximum of 2 inches for clearance. Is your 1/4 inch just in the front of the tire or both sides? You might be able to re-drill the spring perch to center the axle in the wheel well. That's what I had to do on the old Nova.

Good luck!

Lew

Re: Fender clearance?
 

Thanks Lew.
The front fender is at 1/4", rear has about 1 1/2" inches, so centering in wheel well is an option, depending on what the overall need is...

The fenders are stock at this point. Have not cut anything at all yet. Would rather not, but need to be able to safely put the tire in there is the top prioriety.

thanks again,

Ken

Re: Fender clearance?
 

DOESN'T THAT ALTER THE WHEELBASE ?(sorry bout the caps)?
and is THAT legal?

Re: Fender clearance?
 

Before you move the axle, you better check your wheelbase. There are specs and limits on wheelbase, and they do measure it.

Re: Fender clearance?
 

I saw some rubbing with 1.25" clearance for Hoosier 30x9 bias, 116 mph, 8" wheels. I hear the tires don't grow as much with 10" wheels.

Re: Fender clearance?
 

We're researching the same to determine if we can run a 30x9.

Steve at Hoosier tire:
The radial does not grow. It is easier to spin if the track is not good.
The Bias tire will grow about 3" in circumference, or about 1" in diameter, on the 8" or 10" wheel at 120MPH. You will get more runs from the bias tire.

They recommend the same burn out for both tires. The 10" wheel will give a slightly flatter footprint meaning a little more rubber on the ground, not a big difference.

Re: Fender clearance?
 

Cad, that info agrees exactly with my experience.

Re: Fender clearance?
 

68 camaro..trimmed quarter panel in front for more clearance. you may need to cut the rear too. i also made steel wedge plates and moved my rear back about 1/4 inch or less..no more rubbing now. or you can make a few runs and watch the smoke fly at the end of the track. tires get smaller with each rub..

Re: Fender clearance?
 

Not a nova, but on my chevelle i have about a 1/4" of clearance on the front side. i run the 92" roll out 30X9 radials. I can also run 27 pounds of air in them if the track is there, to a .92 under. I currently run 22 pounds of pressure for testing during regular bracket racing days at my track. These are on a 8" rim, running 5.13 gears and 2.75 first gear. I wish they made them in a 30 x 7 radial, i'd probabley mph like crazy! (i/cm).