New Wheels


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By Jim Rowe - 18 Years Ago
Guys,



I'm planning on replacing my "smoothies" 15" wheels with possibly 17" or 18" wheels.

Has anyone done this and what wheel offset will work?

My Car is lowered 3" in the front and 2" in the rear now.

Also what tire size did you use on your respective wheel, Along with the wheel width?

Any help you can give will be appreciated.



Jim
By paul2748 - 18 Years Ago
I know its your car to do what you want, but 18 inch wheels on any mid 50-s Ford looks terrible, as they do on most any car. Throws the proportions out the window.
By Jim Rowe - 18 Years Ago
Guys,



I know where you are coming from. I have a new mustang with 17" wheels. I was motivated by seeing several 56 Fords with other than 15" wheels.

One really great looking Parklane with Torque Thrust 16" wheels and another Victoria with chrome SS Cragers.

I just lowered the car and after putting some miles on it this weekend, I don't want any low profile tires. It rides firm now and a bit choppy.

Probably won't go any larger than 16".



Just looking for some answers on fit.
By Canadian Hot Rodder - 18 Years Ago
Jim,

I not running 18" wheels, but I am running 16" x 7". My wheels are acutally 2002 Ford Explorer truck wheels. I believe the back spacing is 4". These rims with 225/60/R16 tires on the back and 205/60/R16's on the front fit perfect. My 56 Victoria is lowered 4 1/2" in front and 2 1/2" in back. I have no problem with clearance I can fit a flat hand between the quarter panel and the sidewall. I can do the same on the inside of the wheel well. You can see pictures of the wheels in my profile or in pic's taken at previous year Expos. As far as large wheels go, it's all in your perception. I don't like "rubber band" tires myself and prefer some sidewall. But I have seen several 50's cars with 18's that look great. 20"s on the other hand is a different story!

Rob BigGrin

By Jim Rowe - 18 Years Ago
Rob,



Thanks for the reply. The smoothies with the offset are real close in the rear. I can't get the tire on or off without taking the valve core out of the tire and compressing it.

I tried to see your pic's in your profile and they aren't opening.



How did you lower your front 4 1/2 "?? Spring? Spacer?



I put a 1 1/2 " spacer between the A arm and the coil pan. Did not appear to change the caster or camber.



Jim
By Canadian Hot Rodder - 18 Years Ago
Jim,

don't know why the pic's in the profile won't open, might be an issue with the site? There are some goo pic's in the events section under Expo 2006,5 and 4. I lowered the car by using 1" blocks to lower the sping cup like you and also Granada front spindles. The combination dropped the front that much.

Rob