That's what I figured - Just trying to understand all these.  Little knowledge, no experience with tires.

I know in high school my '91 Ford F-250 had 16x6 stock w/ 235/85R16 - I then went and put 265/75R16's on the stock rims (not knowing that the minimum rim size for the tire was 7.5"), and never had a problem (even with some off roading).  They were just a little taller, from being pinched, than they should have been.  I guess I was never concered about safety - I am now and wanted some feedback.

Looking at coker tire, the recommended radial is 215/75R14 - I looked at goodyear, firestone, and mastercraft tires and they all wanted a minimum between 5.1" and 5.5" rim... So what gives?  Are sizes not consistent across different brands?  Do I need to go down one more size to 205/75R14? 

If you're wondering why I just don't get the classic radial they recommend: 1) they are unnecessarily expensive and 2) I'd like a tire with a speed rating of T or better.  I've had the car up over 110 MPH (and I believe my speedo is correct).  I'd think the stock wheels would be fine at the speed as long as they aren't damaged, but maybe I'm kidding myself and should just get new wheels and be done?  Sorry for the long posts.  Thanks for all the info!

- John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

John: the tire specs say "minimum" 6 inch rims, so your 2 widths wider than recommended for your stock 5 in rims. It's your call, but I'd say questionable at best!

Paul

A bit off the subject, but I used Wheel Smith a few years ago to build me a set of Ford centers with 7 inch rims. It let me put a set of 9" cheaters on the back of my 'bird. I think the offset was 5.5. Just clears with the skirts off (inside and out). The price was reasonable, the original dog dish centers fit, and they'll do anything you want. Probably could do the right center on 17's and be really sneaky. I used an old set of 5" for the fronts, so I can't help with that.

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

Stock wheels are 14" x 5" correct???  The tires I'm looking at (shown below) want a minimum of 6" width.  Is this possible to do safely?  Plus these are radials on bi-ply wheels.  Otherwise the next size down (width wise) is a 215/70/14 - and it still shows a minimum of 5.5".  I'd rather not spend money on wheels right now, and I'm desperately in need of tires.  I know I could look at a different brand, but I was hoping these would work.  Thoughts? -John

Brand:	Cooper Tire
Product Line:	Cooper Cobra G/T Tires
Part Type:	Tires
Part Number:	COO-39634
Tire Size:	225/70-14
Rim Diameter (in):	14 in.
Sidewall Style:	Solid white letters
Tire Construction:	Radial
Directional:	No
Tire Diameter (in):	26.27 in.
Section Width (in):	8.92 in.
Tread Width (in):	7.20 in.
Speed Rating:	T
Minimum Recommended Rim Width (in):	6.00 in.

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

Lon,

I'm pretty sure they are a 4.25" back spacing, but I can measure to be sure. (I wouldn't trust my memory either). I have seen guys with 8" rims on the back, but I am pretty sure you would have to go with a custom offset. I can maaaybe go one tire size bigger without rubbing, but I am content and feel safe with what I have. Right now I have to jack one side of the car up at a time to get the wheels in by tilting the axel. If I lift the entire back end level, the tires won't get past my wheel wells. It also may be caused by the 1 1/2" lowering blocks I have in the rear?  Someday I would like to do a mini tub on the car,something like John did on the Hoosier ( don't worry John, I won't tell your secret) and get a 9 or 10" rim in the rear, but I think I will build my motor first.

Rob

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!

Thanks all. I do have the article and its pretty simple. I think I might be able to do it! Thanks for the responses. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

John, that article you recall was in an issue of legendary fords from a couple of months ago. They were trying to see what would fit on a falcon.

Chuck, if you dont have that article and would like a copy. I could copy it & send it to you.

I had a catalog of tools from Summit Racing and they had a gizmo that would bolt to your axle, and you could set a crossbar to replicate the tire diameter, width, and wheel offset you are considering.  Then you rotate the axle to see if the tire would clear all around.  Use it on the front with the wheels straight ahead and also turned to each extreme.  Unfortunately, I chose not to keep that catalog.  It had a lot of the same stuff Eastwood sells.  I also saw an article in a magazine where a guy built one from a couple of yardsticks, probably where the tool maker stole the idea.  Unfortunately, I can't remember where I saw the article.  If I had seen it 40 years ago, I'd remember.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Hey Rob ,

Do your rims have a 4.25 backspace ??? Or is that the meassurement on the outside ??? I'm thinking of putting a set of 17inch Torque Thrust 11 on the Vicky and just checking what backspace I need for the rear ??? Hoping to run 8 inch out back ,but may have to order a custom 5 inch backspace.

Regards Lon

yblocksdownunder

Chuck,

I run 16" x 7" (4.25" offset) Ford Explorer wheels on my 56 with 225/60/16's and I have about 3/4" clearance on inner and outer side walls. You should have no problem.

Rob

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!