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Proper wheel selection is vital when building a performance car. We’re honing in on the exterior look of this 1981 Malibu wagon project with fresh wheels that match the car’s racing influence. However, the combination of UMI Performance lowering springs and 9.5-inch-wide wheels means we need to make room for the rubber. Obviously, we’re going to avoid one of the 13 deadly sins that cause the wrong stance, but that still doesn’t show you the “how,” which we’re going to touch on here.
We’ve already installed a UMI Performance Stage 3.5 suspension kit, which includes tubular control arms, adjustable shocks, and 2-inch lowering springs. Now we’re installing new handling-oriented wheels from GBodyParts.com—a style with an 1980s look and racing influences. The company’s one-piece billet aluminum GNX wheels have a unique backspacing designed to clear the G-body’s suspension geometry without significant modification. Visually, a big car requires a big wheel, so we debated over the diameter and ultimately went with the 18 x 9.5 size for the maximum width with ample tire options. For that, we wrapped the wheels in Continental Extreme Contact 265/40ZR18 tires.
Making your rolling stock clear the bodywork at all steering angles and ranges of suspension travel can be difficult, but thankfully there is one tool out there—Eastwood’s fender roller—that makes other techniques pale by comparison. This tool compresses the inner fender flange and slightly pushes the fender out. This only provides a couple of inches of room, but it’s enough for a snug-fitting wheel and tire. If you have a tire/wheel package too big for your car and don’t roll the fender, you put your tire, body, and paint at risk of damage. Here’s what we tried on our Malibu wagon project, and it worked wonderfully to create the clearance and safety we needed for the street and track.
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