Looking for some New Wheels. Want to stay as close to stock size. Thinking 15 x 6". What is the Backset I can use. Original is basically Neutral from what the Shop Manual says.

  

I’ve got 15x7’s. 3 1/2” backspace on the front, 4” on the rear. The 3 1/2” are tight to the upper ball joint. 15x6 at 3” would probably be safer. Some of it depends on sidewall bulge, and I’m running 225/60’s. So quite a bit of tire. I think if they clear the front on the bird, they’ll work on a pass car. On the back I’m guessing, but 15x6 and 3” would probably work. I know you’re aware of the possible problem removing the rear tire.

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

I am wanting the Cragar SS. The old Favorite. Last Time I had these was was 1980.  in the 15 inch the narrowest  they sell is 15 x 6,  3 1/4 Backset with 6 mm Offset. There is no other Option.I think they will work. I am just using 205/78/15 Radials. Any Ideas? The Rear Axle drop down Problem can be solved by changing Shocks which I have done. Gabriel G63398 I believe is the #. They are actually used on 1980 F150 4wd if my Memory is correct. The Shocks listed for 1956 Passenger Car are too short to allow Axle to drop far enough. You can also ad Shock Extenders to the Bottom of the Stock  Shock. Anyway the Wheels and Tires I want are not far off Original Sizes as long as the Rims will work.

  

Well, 6mm is just about a 1/4” , so it all adds up. I had a set of those Cragars for another car. I tried them on the bird and as I recall they fit ok. Should be ok, except maybe the rear skirts. Can’t help you there.

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

OK Thanks for the Insight. The Skirts are off right now. Not really worried about them for the time being. 

  

You can measure your present wheels/tires for clearance and then check the backspace/frontspace on your current wheels. The closest place on my '55 is on the outside at the back of the tire. I have a 57 1/2" eight inch rear and have about 3/8" clearance there and they rub occasionally. I'm running 8" wheels with 3 3/8" frontspace and I think 3 1/4" frontspace is about the maximum for me for clearance. 

If You are running 8" Wheels I should be fine with 6" Wheels. I have about 2.5 " of clearance now with original Rims with 205/78/15 tires. Cragar only makes 2 6" Rims in the SS Series. Both same Specs just One is direct Fit which is what I want and one multi-fit.  I am not going with a Wider Tire than what I have now, Thanks for the Info.

  

I just got my new ss cragars on my 56 customline yesterday,they are 15x7 with 215 70 15 cooper cobras and fit really nice with no issues.I was a little worried about them being too wide but they fit with no problems. I will try to figure out how to post pictures of my car,hope this helps.

Very Helpful. Is your Rear Axle original '56? What is the Part # for the Cragars? How close to the wheel opening Lip are the Tires. In other words how much room between tire and Body at the Back. Do your Fronts clear the Ball Joints OK? Your Info is exactly what I am looking for.for.

  

On my 54, I have SS Cragars.  Front is 14 X 6  (195-75 x 14 tires)  The back is 15 X 7 (225-70-15).  You have to deflate the rear tires to get them off and on.  Wheel are Cragar standard offset.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ