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By moose19sk - 14 Years Ago
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Will some later wheels fit on a 55 ford customline like a 15x7 or what else will that may fit from a mustang or ranger or thunderbird looking to use like a 215x75x15 tire. Thanks Steve
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By junkyardjeff - 14 Years Ago
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I had a pair of 71 country squire 7 inch rims on the back of my 55 but I have a maverick rear end in it which might be a little narrower.
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By moose19sk - 14 Years Ago
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Is there any wider wheels i can use? Thanks Steve
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By crenwelge - 14 Years Ago
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I have used various 15" wheels on a 56 Ford which has the same dimensions as a 55 without a problem. However, I don't remember where the 15" came from. Some of them have too much back set and the tire hit the upper ball joint in front.
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By YukonCor55 - 14 Years Ago
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Steve, I'm running 15X6 Cragar chrome smoothies with BFG 215/70/15's on my 55 Ranch Wagon. The tires are the perfect width for the rims. All suspension geometry is stock and I have no clearance problems at all.
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By Jerome - 14 Years Ago
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Steve, Factory wheels for my 56 Fairlane were 15x5.5 rims on 7:10x15" 27.5" diameter tires. I went with custom 15x7 Cragar rims on 3.75" back space in front with 215/60R-15 H speed rated 25.5" diameter tires. The smaller diameter was required to clear my fenderwell exit headers. For the rear, I went with custom 15x8 Cragar rims on 5" back space with P255/60R-15 T speed rated Dunlop G/T 27" diameter tires. I had to replace all rear leaf spring bushings, fab a panhard rod and still had to trim some projecting surfaces to keep the rear tires from rubbing during turns and acceleration. There just isn't much room in them rear fenderwells. Jerome
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By moose19sk - 14 Years Ago
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Thanks for the info that helps out a lot now i can shop around and have an idea what i can use. I just sold a 59 studebaker lark and had the same problem they just didn't have much room back in the day. Thanks Steve
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 14 Years Ago
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Yes they will fit. I am running 16" x 7" 2000 Ford Explorer wheels on my 56 along with 215 R 60's up front and 225 R 60's out back. The only thing that was tight was when I still had my front drum brackes. I had to use a 1/4 wheel spacer to keep the tire from rubbing on the upper ball joint. When I switched to Granada disc brakes I no longer needed the spacer. In the rear I have about 3/4" clearance on each side of the tire, which fills up the rear wheel well nicely. I believe the 55 wheel wells are the same and also the Ranger wheels are the same offset as the Explorer, even the 15" sizes.
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By rick55 - 14 Years Ago
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The only problem with using late model wheels whether the backspacing is correct or not is that the wheels are designed to fit on the larger late model stub axle. This means that the bolts take all the forces that are applied to the wheels when travelling.
I would suggest getting a machine shop to make a collar to fit over the hub and properly locate the wheel on the hub.
I have actually seen a wheel cracked all the way round the bolt holes of an late model aftermarket steel wheel that was fitted to an earlier hub. The guy did used to drive like there was no tomorrow though - may have contributed.
What are all your thoughts?
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 14 Years Ago
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Rick, That may be possible but I can attest that I have had no problems what so ever with my wheels and I have been running them for at least 6 years. Also anyone who knows me will attest that I drive mine like I stole it! I think I am on my 4th set of rear tires and 3rd trnasmission rebuild!!! 
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By PF Arcand - 14 Years Ago
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Rick makes an interesting point from the view of safety. Also, many of the aftermarket wheels are made "overseas"! Do they all meet an accepted standard?..
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By GREENBIRD56 - 14 Years Ago
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There is an SAE J-2530 spec for aftermarket wheels........ http://wheelprofessor.com/ You might have look at this site.
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By moose19sk - 14 Years Ago
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Hello everyone that's been helping out with the wheel deal. I can buy 4 keystone classic rims they are unilug they are 14x7 for disc brakes will they fit over the 15 inch ford drums? Thanks Steve.
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By rick55 - 14 Years Ago
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Hello everyone that's been helping out with the wheel deal. I can buy 4 keystone classic rims they are unilug they are 14x7 for disc brakes will they fit over the 15 inch ford drums? Thanks Steve.
They should go over the drums with no problem but the backspacing will need to be checked (with tyres fitted).
I have seen 14" wheels put on the 55-56 cars where the tyre will rub on the top ball joint.
Regards
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 14 Years Ago
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Rick, I had that problem with my wheels (16" x 7") when I was running drums. Quick fix was a 1/4" wheel spacer on the front. Once I went to the disc brakes, I no longer needed the spacers. 
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By rick55 - 14 Years Ago
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I had that problem with my wheels (16" x 7") when I was running drums. Quick fix was a 1/4" wheel spacer on the front. Once I went to the disc brakes, I no longer needed the spacers
That falls in with my experience too. Disc brakes on late model stub axles and spindles give more offset outwards which will clear the ball joints.
There is a kit available here in Oz which modifies the standard brake backing plate to mount disc brakes, but it involves sourcing parts from all sorts of cars (including a GM product calipers). I don't think this method would provide more offset but am unsure how it works out. I think it uses late model spindles on the original stub axles.
The good thing about it is that it almost looks like you are running drum brakes so does not upset the purists too much.
The gent selling the kit works out of Queensland.
Regards
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By Frankenstein57 - 13 Years Ago
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I have some explorer wheels on my 58 ranchero, at first they were very close to the upper balljoints. But I went to a set of disc break torino spindles, and have plenty of room.When I measure the wheel its about 7 5/8 x 15
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