I want to change the wheel tire combination on my street driven 56 fairlane. I am currently using 215 x 75x 15 smoothies.

I want to go to a 17 or 18" wheel tire combo.



Have any of you gone this route? if so what are the combo's you are using?

Wheel Dia ??

Tire Size ??

Wheel rim width??



Thanks for your help!



Jim

  Jim Rowe Elkhorn, NE

Jim - When you look at the clearance between the upper a-arm ball joint - and the rim or tire sidewall, what do you get for a measurement? 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

You kind of asked for an opinion and although its your car to do as you please, personally I think that the 17-18-19-20 inch tires with the skinny sidewall tires look all out of proportion to the car, thus spoiling the looks.

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

As far as fitting, I think the larger tires will work. I ran 14" wheels on a 56 for many years and I had to build spacers and use longer studs to stay away from the upper ball joint. I think a bigger wheel would clear. As far as looks, I guess I'm just plain old fashioned. I think it would ruin the looks of one of the most stylish models Ford ever built.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

American Racing Wheels makes several classic style wheels in the larger sizes that might fit the bill.

http://www.americanracing.com/vintage_hot_rod_wheels.asp

Also Cragar makes a series of larger wheels also in there unique classic styles.

http://www.cragarwheel.com/

These are expensive but the styles would compliment the classic lines of your car. I also ran into the guy at the Sacramento Autorama who has brought this brand back and has some interesting wheels at good prices.

http://www.rocketracingwheels.com/products/hot-rod-classic-muscle-car-wheels/

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

I am going to have to agree with both Steve and Paul, I personally just don't like the look and don't think it goes with the body style. Also, and this is just second hand knowledge, that it is easy to dink a wheel due to the low profile of the tire... biggest I would go is 16's, I believe some wagons came with 16" wheels in '55/56?

BOB

Really didn't ask for an opinion just wanted to know if anyone on this sight has used the larger wheels. If so what are they using.



It is fine if you all want to run stock size wheels that's your choice.





To answer Steve, the fit is tight less than a half inch.



Mark, thanks for the links. I have looked at them and more. I am worried about the back spacing on most larger wheels. The upper A arm is a problem. I may have to stick with a 16" wheel with min back space. Unless someone knows of a larger wheel they have used.



I have noticed in pictures of cars on this sight that several members use larger diameter wheels. Just want an idea what will fit.



Jim

  Jim Rowe Elkhorn, NE

I remember when Jay Leno redid his 55 Roadmaster, he had one-piece billet wheels turned with an integral, original type (Buick?) full wheel cover look, only taller than stock to accept beefier, more modern tires (mucho HP to handle). Car really looked great with a solid wheel, and you hardly noticed any change from OEM size..

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Jim, You are correct, you didn't ask for my opinion... sometimes I guess I take the definition of a Forum too literally... And I most certainly was not trying to change your mind on what size wheels you run on Your Car.

BOB

I'm running 16s on my 56 bird and seem to be better than the original 15s as far as distance from the upper a arm ball joint goes. I am running disc brakes on the front but the 16s still push the buldge of the tire alittle higher and farther away from the upper ball joint.

-Gary Burnette-