Rollers for Lowriders

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The Latest Wheels from Summit Racing

There was a time (and not too long ago, either) when a 16 or 17 inch wheel and tire combination was positively huge. Nowadays, that’s what comes from the factory on even the most modest econobox. Eighteen and 19 inch wheels are as common as brake dust, too. For some folks, if you’re not rolling on 20s or larger anymore, you just ain’t rolling.

Well, Summit Racing isn’t about to let you fall behind in the wheel and tire wars. We have recently added wheels from several major manufacturers including Player, Mega, and Cabo. We have stuff in sizes ranging from 16, and 17 inches to 20s, 22s, and even 24s for you guys that have the need to supersize.

Watch Your Backspacing
Before you run out to get your new big-dog rollers, you have to make sure there is actually room in the wheelwells for them. One of the most critical measurements is wheel backspacing. This is the distance from the back edge or lip of the wheel down to the wheel’s mounting pad. This illustration shows what backspacing looks like and how to measure it.

Backspacing is important because it determines where the wheel sits in the wheelwell. Less backspacing (smaller distance between the mounting pad and back edge) pushes the wheel toward the outside of the vehicle; many front-wheel drive wheels are like this. More backspacing (larger distance between the mounting pad and the back edge) moves the wheel further into the wheelwell; a reverse-style or deep-dish wheel is good example. Nine times out of ten, you will need backspacing that is different from the stock wheel’s backspacing to get larger wheels to fit (especially wider wheels).

But Will They Fit?
Since you’re trying to stuff 18s, 20s, or larger wheels and tires into a space designed for something a lot smaller, you need to consider the overall size of the wheel and tire package. A good starting point is to use one of the many online wheel and tire sizing calculators available on the Internet. Here is one of the most complete calculators we have seen (click here to access it). Just enter the sizes and offsets of your present wheel and tire sizes and the sizes of the ones you wish to use. Click on the page and you will be rewarded with a comparison of ride height, inboard/outboard dimensions, track width, and much more. You can even see the effect the new wheels and tires will have on gearing and speedometer error.

The sizing calculator will get you in the ballpark, but it does not take into account clearances between the tire and suspension components, brake lines, and the inner wheelwells. There are two methods to determine those clearances. The first method requires a tape measure and your existing wheels and tires. Simply take measurements from the tire to various points of the inner wheelwell and any brake or suspension components. Make sure to measure the front wheels both straight and at full lock (turned fully to the left and right). Clearances can get very tight at full lock, especially with the inner fenderwells. Be sure to measure all four wheels to account for differences in sheetmetal tolerances and such.

With measurements in hand—and the dimensions you got from the online sizing calculator—you can determine if the new rims and skins you want will fit. Compare the dimensions of your existing wheel and tire combo to the new wheel/tire dimensions. As a rule of thumb, you want at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch of clearance between the tire and any sheetmetal, line, or suspension component. If the dimensions of the new wheel and tire exceed the old combo dimensions with the clearance factored in, you will need to go to a smaller diameter wheel, a lower profile tire, different wheel backspacing and/or make vehicle modifications (rolling the fender lip, inner fenderwell surgery, etc.), or a combination of the above to create the necessary clearance.

The other method for determining fitment is by using the Percy’s High Performance Wheelrite fitment tool. This affordable tool lets you simulate wheel width, wheel diameter, bolt pattern, backspacing, and tire profile right on your vehicle. Just bolt the Wheelrite to your brake hub, adjust the tool to the dimensions of the wheel and tire you wish to use, then rotate the tool to see if there is adequate clearance. The Wheelrite can simulate four- and five-lug wheels from 15 to 30 inches in diameter. Considering how much a set of custom wheels and tires cost—and that once you mount them, you own ’em—using a tool like the Wheelrite is cheap insurance.

So now that you know what’s involved with fitting new rollers on your ride, let’s take a look at Summit Racing’s latest offerings. Then, choose a style you like, take some measurements, and call a Summit Racing tech rep. They will be happy to walk you through the steps involved in getting wheels and tires that fit right the first time.