15 in rims are going by the wayside in the aftermarket, and choices are slim. Has anyone used a 17 in rim on a 55 Fairlane with a smaller side wall tire?? My opinion the rims make the car. Ideally I'd like to go with a 17x7 rim
You can use the Mustang 17" Bullit style wheels,are 17" X 8" and use a 245/45R/17 tire the rear wheels they will clear on the rear using the factory offset you will need a spacer on the front for A-arm clearance or maybe a 17" X 7" wheel will help. You should call the tech line here: https://www.americanmuscle.com/99-04-mustang-wheels-rims.html
I found this thread on HAMB from 2011 https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...ack-lip-to-mount-surface.567481/#post-6302910
I actually test fit several wheels off of friends Mustangs to get an idea of what would fit as I wanted as much tire under the back as I could get. I ended up buying American Racing Torq Thrusts, 17 x 8 for the rear and 16 x 7 for the front. The rear tires are 10 inches wide and both front and rear fit great and no rubbing issues even with it lowered down. I don't think I could fit 17" on the front as it is very close now. Here are the wheel sizes with back spacing that I ended up with: (I could actually fit another inch of tire under the rear and may do so in the future.) American Racing Hot Rod Torq Thrust II VN515 Polished Wheel (17x8"/5x114.3mm) American Racing Hot Rod Torq Thrust II VN515 Polished Wheel (16x7"/5x114.3mm) Tire sizes are BF Goodrich: Front - 215-55AR16 Rear - 255-45ZR17
A few more pics of the look. However, I have since raise the front and rear up 1 inch. I felt it was too low before. I now have just a one inch block in the rear.
I really appreciate all the information. By the way, your car looks incredible Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Do you remember what backspace you used for fronts and rears? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Love that car !! Really like that body side trim, small and simple. Sometimes I think the large check mark trim on the 55 is too much Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I had to put a jack stand under the frame, loosen the shocks and then let it drop down. Could possibly use shock extensions, just never tried.
Also, without going back thru cka7's build thread.............there are other factors possibly included on cka's car not mentioned that would affect tire removal. Narrowed/narrower than oem differential housing?, disc brakes?
Here is my 56 with 2005-14 Mustang wheels 17x7 dark stars. The 7" wheels clear the upper ball joint and does not require a spacer. My car has Aerostar springs which dropped it about 2 1/2". Wheels: Racestar Darkstar 17x7, 4.25 backspace, -6.4 offset Tires: Firestone 215/55-17 https://racestarindustries.com/product/17x7-92-drag-star-ford-black-chrome-92-770147dsd/
You are correct; however, in my case I installed the 8.8 Ford to the exact length as the original. I originally had the wheels fit with the factory rear end and factory drums brakes then switched to 8.8 and discs and the fitment is the same. I could squeeze almost another inch of rim back space to the inside and possibly have easier access to tire removal but I dont have a problem with jacking the frame and dropping the shocks and I like where the tires sit in the wheel well. I know people are concerned if they have a flat on the road but if that happens I would have the car towed as I don't carry a spare anyways. I haven't had a flat in 30 years on any car that I drive so I feel pretty comfortable. lol
Yes it's tubbed. They are 15x10 Mustang wheels as well. 6.25" BS, 19mm offset with 325/50-15 Mickey Thompson drag radials. https://racestarindustries.com/product/15x10-92-drag-star-ford-black-chrome-92-510152dsd/
Would luv to see pics of the tub work inside your trunk. Been pondering the idea of tubbing my '54 along with narrowing and installing the 8.8 outta my mustang donor.
The Jalopy Journal
