the wheel lip has approximately 1/2 to the strut, then the tire better be no more than 1/4 wider than the rim or it will rub the strut bolt and bracket. It might also rub while cornering.
Be careful when you get the tires mounted, mount just one and try it at all four corners ! spacers maybe required here.

 

Getting 235/45/17s continental dws tires mounted tomorrow. Gonna see if I have to trim that bolt back or not. Hopefully won't need any spacers. I'll post pics when it's done.

 

I have my fingers crossed for you !!!

 

well wheels and tires fit great, plenty of room between strut and wheel, no spacers or trimming needed, so they are good to go for all who want, im sure the 245/45s would have fit too. was thinking about lowering front and back but maybe just an inch or so out of rear to level it. what do you guys think?

 

Awesome...
The 245/45 might've been a hair too wide, according to this chart, but more importantly, you really would, need
at least 8" wide rims, to handle tire roll over, when cornering.
Continental even states that you need at least a 7.5" rim for those 235/45s.
I think that you've got the best combination...
All GM vehicles need lowered 1" in the rear, if you don't carry heavy loads in the back.

http://www.continentaltire.com/www/d...tasheet_en.pdf

 

Very cool, nice look, I'd lower it front and rear .

 

zapshd- Cool, bet it's kinda close to the strut bolt tho ? Can you fit your fingers between tire & bolt ?

Also how much clearance between rim & caliper ?

They look Killer..

PS: On my Panel, I swapped my rear springs to Cobalt SS/TC springs, dropped the rear 1-1/4" (after settling in). Looks level & handles much better as well..

Thanks for the updates, I'm sure many others will appreciate it as well..

 

I like your wheels. Are they stock steelies? I have a gray HHR (between silver and black) and would like to put black painted wheels with baby moons like you have, just black instead of red. In the stock size. I have also considered having the wheels painted body color, with baby moons. I want the "dog dish" look that was so common in the '40s and '50s.

 

lots of room, these wheels will clear brembos, so says manufacturer, absolutely no problems near caliper. more than a finger between strut and strut bolt. im very happy with them. very surprised though how much firmer ride is going to 17's. very noticeable. now of course I have to paint calipers and upgrade to slotted rotors cause you see so much.

I know its not the proper forum, but a quick question is the quick strut any lower for the LT than the LS? I know the LT's are gas. gonna probably do new KYB struts, was hoping to do a quick strut, but wanted to drop a 1/2 to an inch. no more than that. What about a cobalt quick strut?

 

That's Great, your pics sure made it look like it was gonna be tight between strut bolt & tire..

Yes, I'm assuming you had 16"s, quite a diff in sidewall height, (lot less) especially going to as 45 series tire that is 25.4" tall.. That will take away some cushion..

Painted calipers & drums really would make her Pop.. I painted mine with Eastwood's Ceramic Hi Heat Engine paint. Excellent Paint.

Someone may be able to help ya on the strut conversion, I'm not sure..