Rim / Wheel Sizes - Eibach Pro Kit Springs

[Big Kahuna]

Anyone out there with Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs on their Cruiser? If so, what size rims / wheels are recommended to fit without bottoming out inside the wheel wells?

I'm looking at buying 16 x 6 or 16 x 7 custom rims. Will a 16 x 7 fit okay or should I stick with the 16 x 6? Keep in mind that the front is dropped 1.5 inches and the rear 2 inches...

Suggestions?

[CREWZIN]

Big Kahuna,
I put the Eibach Pro-kit lowering springs on as the first item on my list of personalizing my cruiser. I left the original chrome wheels in place because I thought they looked perfect for the design of the cruiser. I think it looks great lowered but I have to admit, it does bottom out on major bumps and dips in the road. The original wheels are 16X6 so even if you went to the 16X7 you'll experience the same hard bang as I do on larger bumps. The ride quality did not vary that much from the original springs as the Eibach's are progressive and almost keep the same spring rate as the original except that they are lower. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

CREWZIN

[Larry Pearson]

I also kept the stock 16" wheels on my car after installing the Eibachs. They look just right on the car. I am however, thinking about putting on a set of painted "smoothies" with caps and beauty rings this Spring. The 16's have just recently become available through Pete Paulsen and Wheel Vintiques. I'm considering putting 16x6 in the front and 16x7 in the rear (something street rodders have been doing for years). It will eliminate the ability to rotate them, but asthetics are awesome. (there's always a tradeoff when customizing, ha) People seem to be putting on 18-20" wheels on these cars without modifying. They're just going with 35 or 40 series tires to help compensate. Personally I think the 16's or 17's look better, and the ride is much softer with 65 series tires.

[Big Kahuna]

How Ironic!!!

Would you believe the entire reason I was asking is because I had the same thought!

I've been calling Wheel Vintique for weeks waiting for the PT Smoothie in a 16in rims to be complete. I am planning on the solid Chrome PT Smoothies for my baby... I was concerned that I may not have enough room for 16x7 with the lowering from the Eibach Springs. Looks like they will fit... What's your thought?

[Larry Pearson]

I believe the 16x7's will fit..and the smoothies will look great. I color-matched and double pinstriped a set of 15x6" smoothies on a friends Cranberry-colored Cruiser last year (it was un-lowered though) and there was tons of room. I have no doubt that the 16x6 or 16x7's will have plenty of room, too. I mistakenly said 65 series tires on the last posting..55 series tires are what I meant to say, and with the lower profile, I'm betting the 16x7's will work just fine. I think the 7's will look too wide on the front, though. I would go with 6's all around or 6's in front and 7's on the back for that "bigs and littles" look. I can't wait to get a set myself. I wanna paint em orange to contrast with the two-toned silver and taupe paint on mine. It'll be perfect with the whole "retro theme" I'm going with. on mine. They're a bit pricey, though. Just over $500 for the set including beauty rims and caps.

[Craig]

I'm running 16x7's 225 rubber all round. Lowered 1 and 3/4's in the front 2 and 1/4 in the rear. I have no problems with tyres rubbing on the inside of the gaurds. Cut the bumps stops a bit and I haven't had any problem with it hitting hard yet. Even with full loads over bumpy roads.

[Big Kahuna]

Thanks for the info Craig!

I just ordered my 16 x 7 chrome Smoothie rims and should receive them next week or so.

Sounds like you used Eibach Lowering Springs just like I did since the drop in your Cruiser is the same as mine. I also cut off a bit of the bump stops. Rides like a dream!

Would love to see some pictures of your cruiser with the rims and tires? Do you have any?

Take care...

[Craig]

No probelms. I actually had to get mine custom made up over here as the price to import them to Australia with shipping etc was too much. The only pre made ones I could get were 1 and a half inch lowered all round which wasn't low enough for my liking and would of still kept the rake look. You probably dont want to know how much I paid but it was only $300 Aus($150US) to supply and fit. It's great but you will have to watch the bottom of the front grill on steep driveways. I'd say that mine aren't as good as Eibach's but they look the part for sure. The shop tried to get me to go another half inch. When I picked it up I wished I had but now that I've been driving it around everyday I'm glad I didn't. It would of been just too low.
My digital camera is broken at the moment but I got some on a normal camera pics a week ago. I'll scan them and post soon.



Edited by - Craig on 10/11/2001 22:39:48