I'm going "Old School" with my lowered (with Goldlines) '06. I have 16" x 6.5" painted center smoothies ordered and want wide whitewalls to complete the look.
I want to go with the largest tire (and whitewall) that I can reasonably fit without clearance problems. I'm sure several of you have been down this wheel/tire size road before and could help me avoid the potholes. Please help?

 

Mitzkity ought to be able to give some advice, here is a pic of her ride.........

 

Mike! Wow, you're an old timer here & this is your first post! How could you avoid the temptation for so long? It's fun, keep posting!

 

Mike, did you find anything out with this request? Im interested too 16" wheels, looking for the widest and tallest tire possible all the way around????. Mark

 

i've been thinking about doing the same thing. i believe that if you could get a rim that is not so wide you could go a little larger. i read that tires will hit the struts on the front , that the tallest you can go is 26in on front and 27in on back. this is what i have read here , about the max size. i would think with a more narrow rim you could go to at least 27in on front allso. or you could get some quality spacers on the front to cause the tires to miss the strut on the front.

 

I finally went with 215/60/16/100 Yokohama AVID H4S 2" whitewalls from Diamondback Classics mounted on Wheel Vintiques 16x6.5 HHR Smoothies with 5" back spacing. I also installed Goldline lowering springs all around. The only problem I have is if I load down the back end/or hit a big dip the rear tires rub (no damage yet) on the side of the tread when they come in contact with the plastic inner fender surface.

As for the finished look see Hharry in the Gallery. Good Luck!

 

Mike thank you very much for the reply. Would you mind if I asked how much you paid for the Vintiques and whites all said and done? I'd love a chance to chat with you about it in person if you wouldn't mind a phone call. My number is 541-292-3349 (anytime after 10am PST) or if you like I could call you. I've done much homework on this and would really like to get your opinion (my brain is spinnin!). Looks like you have done what I am looking to do. thanks for any help in advance. Mark Kidd

 

Tat, I spent most of my life in the area code. What part of the state do you live in?

 

These guys are right up the road from me and do an awesome job. Check out their website http://diamondbacktires.com/index.htm and download a catalog. He's got some great technical info on there. Or, you can call up Diamondback at 888-922-1642 and a real person will be glad to talk about your application.

I don't have anything to do with them, but I checked 'em out thoroughly when I was thinking about going old skool on my HHR.

I can't wait to see some pics when you get it done!

 

i like the diamondback site. i wonder how wide whitewalls would look on oem pollished 17s ??? i plan on putting the tallest size i can fit.does anyone know how this will look??? have pix???