My '53 came with modern Crown Vic wheels and tires and I really want to go back to stock style wheels. Not having much luck finding a used set. From what I have read and from measuring my spare the wheels are 15x5 with 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern and 3.75 backspace. So if I am not able to locate a used set what are my options for new or maybe another vehicle with similar style and size wheels? I found these from Speedway that seem close but with 3.00 backspace. Not sure if less backspace would make it more likely to rub or actually help. They don't have the nubs for my factory style caps though. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Spee...uWCJa-NqrPMgUQsOQCatUqEbC4tiQMhYaAh81EALw_wcB Thanks in advance for any advice or info. The tires on the Crown Vic wheels are pretty shot and this is keeping me from any real cruising. I do plan to lower it 2 inches sometime in the future and these modern wheels are already rubbing at stock ride height during deep turns.
I have a nice set of 4 from my 56...w3 good Big O white wall tires (narrow white wall)...other is a toyo spare only. All hold air forever...but I am in Lakewood, ca
I just looked and Coker does have them. Although they also have 3.00 of backspace instead of 3.75 like the stock wheels.
If it was just wheels the shipping might not be too bad. But with the tires mounted i'm afraid they would have to be on a pallet or something. Sadly most of the ones I am finding used are on the other side of the US from me.
I don't know if they make their wheels or buy them but you might call and ask if they can supply with a 3.75" backspace. Worth a try.
The Summit ones would be fine; occasionally you need to put spacers behind them and they are available down to 1/4”. You would need to run full hub caps or beauty rings and maybe sone spiders on them, stock style small caps would not fit. Wheelsmith in Corona Ca. can make what you want but a little costly. They can do them with 40’s style hub caps... they’ve done 2 sets for me. The photo is what’s on my2018 Ford F-150
Are these the ones from Summit you are referring to? https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wvi-20-5512314
The offset of the Crown Vic wheels in most cases lessens the chance of a tire rubbing over a stock wheel given the shallow rear wheel wells of the 52-55 cars the stock wheels do not clear a disc brake caliper in case you have them. You have not mentioned what tire size you are running, the section width of different brands of tires is not always the same even though they carry the same size designation. Before you jump into changing wheels you can use this guide from page 4 of the "Sticky FAQ" https://www.racingjunk.com/news/how-to-get-perfect-rear-wheel-and-tire-fitment/
Found a decent set of factory 15 inch wheels. Sanded them down and painted them. Got new tires mounted and put the factory caps on. I think they look and ride much better than the cop car take offs. New tires by Zax posted Aug 24, 2020 at 8:34 PM
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