14" tire size issue ???

Right now I have 235/60/14's on the front and they are to wide. They actually bent the quarter panel on my car while steering. I was pretty pissed, but thats over with now. I had to drive the car that way to get the hood painted. I just would like to make sure 215's will be better.

Another issue is that these rims have a 3" backspace and 7 1/2" inches wide. I can see that the front rims stick out a bit passed the wheel well, and the 235 balloon past that, so that's whats going on there.

Should the 215's do the trick? Would those tire be to skinny for the rim?

Thanks!