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By raybaker1 - Last Week
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I own a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria and occasion have asked you a question. It is time for me to replace tires on my car. 1. Could you please tell me in your opinion what is the best tire brand to put on a Vic?
2. What about .tire size considering for looks and performance.
3.. I am going to be replacing rims also so what are your preference on rim size? 15", 16" or 17 rims. Also on the rims what sort of backplace should I get so I am not
hitting the fender skirts?
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By 55blacktie - 8 days ago
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Although I own a 55 Tbird, the OEM wheel & tire sizes were the same for both vehicles. If you intend to install skirts, I recommend that you stick with the OEM 15 x 5 rims and 205/75R15 tires. More than likely, you'll run into problems with the skirts if you go with anything taller or wider. Also make sure that your springs, bushings, and shocks are up to snuff. It makes no sense to replace wheels & tires and install skirts, if your suspension is worn out.
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By raybaker1 - 8 days ago
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Thank you sir I appreciate your response.
Ray
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By 55blacktie - 8 days ago
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You're welcome Ray.
Even with 205/75R tires on 15 x 5 Coker wire wheels, my dad was having problems with the knock-offs making contact with the skirts. He tried 2 different sets of skirts (OEM & reproduction), but it didn't help. However, the springs were original to the car and worn out. Someone had added an extra leaf to compensate plus Traction Master under-ride traction bars (I assume to control lateral movement of the rear axle assembly). The suspension is all new, now, I got rid of the spoke wheels, don't intend to run skirts, and in addition to the OEM 15 x 5 steel wheels, I have 15 x 7 alloy wheels/w 3.875 backspacing and 215/70R15 tires. Even without skirts, there was Little clearance left between the rear-wheel openings and the 215/70 tires. I ended up having the new rear springs re-arched to provide an additional 1 1/2-inches of clearance. In the front, I have Aerostar springs, 1 1/2-inch Granada drop spindles, and Wilwood Dynalite disc brakes. Unlike the results that installing Aerostar springs on full-size cars, I saw very little change in ride height when installing the Aerostar springs on my 55 Tbird; however, combined with the Drop spindles, I think I've got the stance I want/w no clearance issues.
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By raybaker1 - Last Week
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Sir,
Thank you for your input. I think I am going to try 7" rims with 215/75/15 rims on my 1955 Ford Crown Vic. If it ends up that I can't use my fender skirts it won't be the end of the world. I will keep you posted on how things work out.
Thanks,
Ray
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By 55blacktie - Last Week
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What is the backspacing of those 7-inch rims? Unless you already have the rims, 6-inch-wide rims will work fine for 215/75R15 tires. I temporarily mounted throw-away 215/70R15 tires on my OEM 5-inch steel wheels, just so I would have tires and wheels on the car during restoration, but 5-inch wheels are a bit narrow for 215 tires.
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By raybaker1 - Last Week
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Ok I will look at using 6" rims on the 215's. I have not bought any rims yet. I thought I would buy one rim first and put a used 215 tire on it to see how things work out.. Do you have any recommendations on what backspacing would be best?.
Thanks, Ray
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By 55blacktie - 7 days ago
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I would try 15 x 6 with a 3.625 backspacing. Hopefully, someone with a 55/56 Crown Vic will comment.
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By 55blacktie - 7 days ago
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Two owners of 55 Victorias posted on the Jalopy Journal that they installed 15 x 6 wheels/w 3.625-inch backspacing, and they fit perfectly. However, they did not mention tire size or whether they have skirts.
Nine years ago, DryLakesRacer posted on this forum that he put 215/75R15 tires on his stock rims on his 56 Victoria and had no clearance issues with his skirts. He ran it that way for three years.
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By miker - 7 days ago
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I’m running 225/60 15’s front, 7” with 3.5 backspace. 235/60 15’s rear, 7” with 4” backspacing. It’s on a bird, and really tight. Measure close on the front, (it’s the same suspension). With the sidewall to the upper ball joint can get tight. I think 55blacktie’s info is really good.
I don’t have a clue on the outside edge clearance on a full size car, but if disc are installed or in the future, some move the wheel out a bit. Might consider that. t
The problem is it’s getting increasingly difficult to find really good tires in 15’s and worse in 14’s. On a performed level, we been passed by. The BFG T/A’s on my car when new, were not near the tire they were in years past. But I can get passed the look of a 16/17/18 on a 50’s car. Let alone the 20+ stuff.
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By Litshoot - 3 days ago
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Im looking into adjusting speed with tire size instead of changing gearing, going from a 26" tire to under 30 inch i have a 57 ranchero with a 4" drop blocks (too much), 15x8 4.5bs welds with a 215/65/15 (26") with only contact coming from driveshaft to body when i was picking up a 292 and fmx. mearuing it looks like backspacing of 5.5" is safe and can use a fairly tall tire without any close contact areas. the issue i come across is the fender rolling in, limiting me to sections width around 9 and tread width under 8.
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By 55blacktie - 2 days ago
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A 30-inch tire is a tall tire to put on a 57 Ranchero/w 4-inch drop.
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By Litshoot - 5 hours ago
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Drops is getting cut at least in half, but a skinny 30 would fit even that low until a bug lands in bed then your rubbing. Most likely going to be 2 inch drop and around a 28 inch tire.
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By KULTULZ - 4 hours ago
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- TIRE - WHEEL - FITMENT TOOL - Percy's WheelRite - The 'lip' where the quarter and outer wheelhouse join can be 'rolled' to increase clearance(s). You have to ensure the rear is centered to frame and doesn't move side to side (worn bushing). Also check for any previous collision/rust repair whereas both quarters hang equally on either side.
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