Disregard last post. I'm new to forum I have 56 fair lane with 2 15 75 15s all way around. Just bought car. The tires rub fenders bad on front when Turning and there is virtually no room in back. Front is lowered. I think previous owner put wrong size wheels on car I don't know what the backspacing is on wheels. What backspacing would be recommended for good clearance if I wanted to keep tire size? Also where can I get original size steel wheels for reasonable price if I want to go that route? How about stock springs for front so I can raise it to stock height?

If by backpacking you mean offset I don't know, but the original wheels are 5.5 inches wide. Ford used the same steel wheels for decades; I just went to a local salvage yard and got one off a '91 Crown Vic to use as a spare for my '55 Mercury. It fits like a glove.

If you google "wheel offset" and "wheel backspace" you'll see how to measure what you've got. Wheelsimth (http://www.thewheelsmith.net) built me a set of 55 ford centers on 7" rims that let me mount 10" cheaters on the back of a 55 bird. They don't show that on their site, but I'm sure they can still do that.

Even lowered, I'm surprised those tires hit, so I'm suspicious of the wheels. IIRC, the early ford rims had a smaller center hub hole, which located the rim on the drum. Later fords used a larger hole, and located on the lugs. Options vary on the safety of interchange in the two.

My bird is lowered, front and rear, and I run 225/15's and 235/15s on 7" rims with custom backspace. No skirts. I'd be surprised if a full size car was tighter. All you need is a tape measure, straight edge, and time. You need the car on ramps to get under there and measure. Can't use jack stands. And you have to guess a bit on suspension movement. Easy on the back, but allow for a 1/2" or so movement in a corner. Fronts a little harder, but look at it at full stearing lock.

Good luck.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

i meant back spacing my damn computer keeps automatically correcting thngs, so a rim from as late as 91 would be identcal to stock width? that shouldnt be too hard, thanks.

Later model wheels are an inch wider than the original 55/56 wheels.If you run the later wheels with 215X75 radials,they will rub the upper ball joint,so you would need a 1/4 inch wheel spacer.205X75s will not rub. Also,most of the later wheels don't
 have the nubs for mounting dog dish hubcaps.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

My Ranch Wagon has 235/70/15 on it with no trouble at all. I am not sure of the back spacing but if your interested I can check it for you.

Durham Missouri