Anyone using 17x11 AR500 or VN500 wheels on their charger?

[Lord Warlock]

Just wondering if anyone has installed 17x11 AR500 wheels on their charger or not.  And if so, what backspacking would be required with tsize with our cars?  I want to have wide rears and maybe 17x8" fronts.  Was hoping to find a 17x10, but they evidently jump from 17x9.5 to 11,  would like to duplicate the width of the L50-15s (which have an 11 inch tread width)i've had on the car for 30 years but move up to a 17 inch wheel.  Tires i think i can figure out, as i'll probably get some drag radials for the backs (doubtful it will ever be driven in rain so may as well enjoy fat rubber with good grip. 

The slots i had on it were only 6.5 inches wide and i managed to cram 11 inch wide tires on them, and they never rubbed anywhere under the car, but was always paranoid about sliding it around much, side bulge was a bit pronounced but not that bad overall. 

If not the 17x11, how about 18x11?  Do they make an 18x10? Really prefer the 17 inch over the 18,  there are some advantages to the 17 as i can use them on other cars i have around the house, all of which use the same bolt pattern and spacing.

[Kern Dog]

I run 18s on my car. 9" wide up front and 18x10s out back. The front has 4 3/4" backspacing and the rears have 4 7/8". The car was measured for wheels with a 66 B body axle though, and they are a slight amount narrower than a stock 68-70 B axle.

[pandamarie]

I have the AR500s for my 69 Daytona project, 17x9.5 with 5" BS and 17x8 with 4.5"BS. Could have gone with the 17x11 with a 5.5" BS and it would fit easy and the front I could have gone with the 9.5"with 4.5" BS easy.
I have magnum force tubular coil over suspension though. I will post some pics a little latter. With the wheels I have I could have gone with a 305-40-17 on the rear and 245-40-17 up front.
Hoping to have the car finished by the end of August.

[Lord Warlock]

Thanks, that is helpful, I can't help it, I've been looking at aftermarket wheels for decades and the wheels i like the most are the magnum 500s.  When i first got the charger, I always wanted magnums on it, I eventually got a stock set of 14 inchers in mediocre but restorable condition when i salvaged another 69 charger r/t  for parts, but have always thought 14 inch wheels were just too small for the charger, then again I don't like having huge wheels, just ones that fill the available space without rubbing. 

Now i have to make a decision which wheels i want more, wheels for the daily driver (cragar S/S) (2) or order 17x11's for the charger.  The charger is slowly getting to the point where it may actually feel asphault again after 25+ years of storage.  A few more brake parts to get then It'll go to the shop to have all new brake/trans/fuel lines installed under the car, and re-do the front and rear brakes.  If it is gonna roll, its going to look the way i want it to.  I'll likely wait and get a set of front wheels later.  I think the 17x11 with 5.5bs and 4.5 bolt pattern with a set of Nitto 315/35 x 17 drag radials would look pretty good on the car, the 17x8 fronts will likely appear later once it actually rolls out of storage. 

[pandamarie]

Here is a pic of the 17s on my daytona clone. I will send you some to your email later this week from different angles so you can see the room I have left.
I went with these tires because they are ZR rated and when finished I want to go run the silver state race, plus they were cheap at tire rack, 400 for all four delivered.

[Lord Warlock]

A pair of the 17x11's are on order, no idea when they'll arrive, long enough for the wife to see the bill before the wheels.  have to slow down, too much in a short time.  just got new fuel, brake and tranny cooler lines, as well as a large selection of small items that add up quick.  Gonna have to stop getting new ideas from magazines.   Have to wait and see, when i get the wheels, then i'll have to buy tires for it, then install them.  Then i'll get some pictures up to show what it looks like. 

[Mopar Nut]

My 15 x 10 and 15 x 8 AR500's only took five weeks.

[myk]

A pair of the 17x11's are on order, no idea when they'll arrive, long enough for the wife to see the bill before the wheels.  have to slow down, too much in a short time.  just got new fuel, brake and tranny cooler lines, as well as a large selection of small items that add up quick.  Gonna have to stop getting new ideas from magazines.   Have to wait and see, when i get the wheels, then i'll have to buy tires for it, then install them.  Then i'll get some pictures up to show what it looks like. 

I feel your pain.  That's the reason why I don't read car magazines, go to car shows or even log onto this site too often; because everytime I do, I start racking up Charger related bills.  What did you spend on your wheels?

[Dino]

A pair of the 17x11's are on order, no idea when they'll arrive, long enough for the wife to see the bill before the wheels.  have to slow down, too much in a short time.  just got new fuel, brake and tranny cooler lines, as well as a large selection of small items that add up quick.  Gonna have to stop getting new ideas from magazines.   Have to wait and see, when i get the wheels, then i'll have to buy tires for it, then install them.  Then i'll get some pictures up to show what it looks like. 

I feel your pain.  That's the reason why I don't read car magazines, go to car shows or even log onto this site too often; because everytime I do, I start racking up Charger related bills.  What did you spend on your wheels?

You don't need all that to spend money, I bought so much stuff I barely have room for it in the garage.  Worth it though.   

Can't wait to see those wheels on your car, it's going to look great! 

Pandamarie, do you have any more shots of that car?

[myk]

A pair of the 17x11's are on order, no idea when they'll arrive, long enough for the wife to see the bill before the wheels.  have to slow down, too much in a short time.  just got new fuel, brake and tranny cooler lines, as well as a large selection of small items that add up quick.  Gonna have to stop getting new ideas from magazines.   Have to wait and see, when i get the wheels, then i'll have to buy tires for it, then install them.  Then i'll get some pictures up to show what it looks like. 

I feel your pain.  That's the reason why I don't read car magazines, go to car shows or even log onto this site too often; because everytime I do, I start racking up Charger related bills.  What did you spend on your wheels?

You don't need all that to spend money, I bought so much stuff I barely have room for it in the garage.  Worth it though.   

Lol, I will give you this: the Charger is the only thing in my life where I don't feel the slightest bit of regret after dropping money on it, no matter how much it may be.  So yes, it's totally worth it...

[Dino]

A pair of the 17x11's are on order, no idea when they'll arrive, long enough for the wife to see the bill before the wheels.  have to slow down, too much in a short time.  just got new fuel, brake and tranny cooler lines, as well as a large selection of small items that add up quick.  Gonna have to stop getting new ideas from magazines.   Have to wait and see, when i get the wheels, then i'll have to buy tires for it, then install them.  Then i'll get some pictures up to show what it looks like. 

I feel your pain.  That's the reason why I don't read car magazines, go to car shows or even log onto this site too often; because everytime I do, I start racking up Charger related bills.  What did you spend on your wheels?

You don't need all that to spend money, I bought so much stuff I barely have room for it in the garage.  Worth it though.   

Lol, I will give you this: the Charger is the only thing in my life where I don't feel the slightest bit of regret after dropping money on it, no matter how much it may be.  So yes, it's totally worth it...

It sure is!   

[pandamarie]

Wont be posting any pics of the whole car until I get it finished. But here are a few more of the tires and wheels mounted.
These pics are the 9.5-17" with 275-40s mounted, wheels have a 5.5" BS.

[pandamarie]

first one is space left from tire to inside edge of rear fender.  Other two are 8-17" with 245-40 tire. with the Magnum force suspension there is enough room to mount the rear tire wheel package on the front, I will post those next.

[Lord Warlock]

Looks good, it still amazes me how much room we have in our fenders for fat tires, no tubs needed. 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Nice panda, marie  LOL 

[myk]

No offense to the Panda, but the Charger's body makes that 275 tire look smaller than it actually is...

[Lord Warlock]

Was expecting a 4 to 5 week wait, but got a note from fedex that they arrived (in just 2 weeks), can't sign for them at the house so have to pick them up from the drop off shop.  I'll try to pick them up tomorrow or Friday.  Guess i'll be tire shopping earlier than i expected.  The wheels by the way went for about 760.00 for the pair.  (360 each) could have looked around more for a little cheaper i guess, but prices were all pretty close.  Plan on getting 8 inch fronts, still thinking of getting smaller fronts since its going to be staggered anyway, but will probably end up with 17x8s for the front later this year.  

If i only had the charger to mess with, the wife really wouldn't begrudge me fixing it up to be roadworthy again, she's developed a healthy distaste for the stealth turbo out there with it, back in 2002 i spent about 15k on it, and she turned against it then, ever since she's never lightened up on it, even though i drove it daily for 10 years and it deserved the update at the time.  I'm slowly reaching the point where I have to choose though, I've known for years the stealth would go to make room for other gear, last week i painted part of it with a first color coat of jamaican blue, have to fix a couple spots and sand it smooth for coat 2 this coming weekend.  Once i get it painted, getting it together will be fairly easy, cleaning it up will take some time though before i'll be ready to advertise it for sale.  Come to the conclusion that I'll likely never use it like i did before, and there are other toys that are more important to finish.  Just hope it will bring a fair price when I do sell it. They haven't appreciated much yet.   

[myk]

Goddamn that's a lot of coin.  But....it'll be so worth it once you roll up in your new setup...

[Lord Warlock]

I agree they are more than I wanted to spend on wheels, especially when you can get 15" chrome magnum500s for 160 each, but they are about half what it cost to replace two wheels on my challenger, so its all relative.  Picked them up at fedex today, opened one of them, and the wheel is massive but lighter than expected.  Should look great if it fits, i'll test fit it on the charger this weekend before getting tires. 

[Lord Warlock]

Test fitted the AR500s,  they go on just fine, backspacing is good for the inside edge of wheel and tire, clearing the fenderlip is going to be close, depends on whether it sits over the tire or if there is any wheel gap.  Won't really be able to tell for sure without tires on the wheels, and there is no return once the tires get mounted, so gotta commit.  Got the wheels test fitted, but didn't make it to the tire shop to get the new tires installed.  Plan on getting a set of Nitto 315 35zr17s to go on the rim, always wanted to try those out, may as well put them on a car that gets driven rarely if ever, and when it does is always a sunny day.  Now I have to consider when to order the 17x8s.  

I'll get pics up once i get the tires mounted and installed.  Not sure i want them sliding around my trunk all week though,  they sound like a bell ringing if they touch each other.  

[Lord Warlock]

I did notice that the original wheel centers off of a 14 inch magnum 500 will cover the hole on the new ones, but i'll have to bend the tabs back on the plate that bolts from the inside to let them slide into position, may just order new ones from american racing if they sell them. 

[Mopar Nut]

I did notice that the original wheel centers off of a 14 inch magnum 500 will cover the hole on the new ones, but i'll have to bend the tabs back on the plate that bolts from the inside to let them slide into position, may just order new ones from american racing if they sell them.  

You can buy plastic retainers from YearOne that fit perfectly, also you will need longer screws.
https://www.yearone.com/Product/1966-74-A-B-E-Body/mwr2

[myk]

Test fitted the AR500s,  they go on just fine, backspacing is good for the inside edge of wheel and tire, clearing the fenderlip is going to be close, depends on whether it sits over the tire or if there is any wheel gap.  Won't really be able to tell for sure without tires on the wheels, and there is no return once the tires get mounted, so gotta commit.  Got the wheels test fitted, but didn't make it to the tire shop to get the new tires installed.  Plan on getting a set of Nitto 315 35zr17s to go on the rim, always wanted to try those out, may as well put them on a car that gets driven rarely if ever, and when it does is always a sunny day.  Now I have to consider when to order the 17x8s.  

I'll get pics up once i get the tires mounted and installed.  Not sure i want them sliding around my trunk all week though,  they sound like a bell ringing if they touch each other.  

That sounds pretty tricky, considering the wheels are yours once they're fitted with tires.  This is what's always made me reluctant and wary to take a chance on new wheels: if I buy a set and it doesn't work, a whole new set of problems can open up for you.  However, I'm glad your venture is working out for you...

[Lord Warlock]

Like you mentioned, the risk of making a mistake can be costly, and its probably one of the reasons I have never bought a set of wheels that cost more than 200 before.  I did take a risk on tires once, thought i did it right, went to a tire shop, had them measure the rims, then ordered the widest tire that would fit...when they came in the rims were 2 inches too narrow, they had to work at it, but the tires (L50-15s) found themselves on 15x6.5 inch rims, and wierdly stayed stuck on the slots on the charger now for almost 35 years.  Now here i am trying to avoid the rim problem of yesteryear, pretty positive that if i'd gotten 10 inch rims i'd still be able to put the 315s on those, but i always liked wide tires in the back, and skinnies or near stock widths up front, the 11s are close to being too much, i'll have to see with tires on, if i don't like em, i'll sell them online and get a set of 10s instead.  Several times over the years i've ended up with factory wheels that were as good as aftermarket, case in point the stealth and cobra had factory 17x9 rims, and cobra owners used to put 315s on theirs.  

At least the wheels look very nice, one has a rough spot on the backside, some would complain, I won't, the wheels look great otherwise.  Can't wait to see them mounted.  In preparation, i took the charger off its dollies, the car looks lowered now.   The wheel people really are missing out by not marketing the magnums to the dodge challenger/charger/300 crowd, they'd likely sell a ton of them. 

[Lord Warlock]

Got the tires installed on the rims, and mounted them on the rear hubs.  One of the studs on the drivers side came loose and dropped inside the brake hub, so i'll have to figure out how to get that out and back on the car before i try to move it anywhere, but the remaining studs are enough to hold the wheel in place till i can get to it.  

The Nitto 555R 315 35 x 17 are a lower profile tire than the 50s it had before, shows a bit more wheel gap than i like on the rear, the good news is that the wheels fit great in the wheelwell, and there is clearance of about an Inch to inch and a half on the inside, and maybe a half inch on the outside.  The tires, even if higher sidewalled would have fit inside the outer fender lip,  as they are there is at least a 2 inch clearance right now.  The drag radials look great on the rim, and will serve as new rear tires till I start showing it.  

Don't worry, pics are here too.  first one just shows the tire sitting next to the car

Picture of the wheel and rim off the car

Picture of the wheel from the side with tire mounted

right side installed, plenty of clearance, may have to lower the car a little to lessen the gap, can worry about that later

close up of the gap, wheel is on, car is lowered to floor with weight on it.  

Picture of drivers side so can see they fit inside the wheelwell and don't stick out any, you can see one of the old L50-15 Kelly Super Charger tires on a 15" slotted rim to the right in front of the stealth and on top of the generator.  They'll be dismounted and discarded, they served me well, they lasted 30 years, and still have gobs of tread left on them, just can't trust dry rot or flatspots from long storage.