Hi guys: I'm researching tire sizes for my '53. I currently have bias ply 670r 15 tires on my stock wheels that are about 15 years old, and its time for a new set. On my old non-hamb-friendly wheels, which were 15x7 w/ 3.75 backspacing, I ran 215/75r15 tires and had a bad rub on the driver's side rear without any lowering blocks. Now that the car is lowered w/ 2" blocks, and now that I'm looking at radial tires, what should I get to avoid a rub? What do you guys run for tires? Would the 215/75r15 tires rub when mounted on the narrower stock 5" wheel? Thanks.
It is the offset of the wheel that is key and the section width of the tire that you need to address. This has been brought up often here and this link can be found on Page 4 of the "Sticky" https://www.racingjunk.com/news/how-to-get-perfect-rear-wheel-and-tire-fitment/ When shopping for radials in almost every case the cheaper the price the less section width they tend to have,a 205/75/15 would probably be a better fit. The 15" steel wheels from a 90's Crown Victoria have a more positive offset this brings the tire further away from the lip of the wheel well. Here are the specs: https://www.carid.com/1994-ford-crown-victoria-factory-steel-wheels/ to convert the 12mm to inches. https://www.metric-conversions.org/length/millimeters-to-inches.htm
Were talking two distinctly different methods of measurement. Backspacing is different from offset. I haven't looked at the charts, I have enough trouble trying to keep my mind from getting too confused, but I suspect a 1/2" measurement you may have seen on the charts is offset, not backspacing. Most use the backspace method.
52-56 are real close to the same. I have American Vintage Torque Thrusts,15" x 6" with standard 3.66" back space. clears everything including front discs with no spacers. If you've lowered the rear you will probably have trouble getting 7" wide off. Bumper or body jack on rear frame is a must. I use axle and rear frame jacks. For tires I use 205-75 fronts and 215-75 rear. See Avatar.. Good Luck
Thank you for the detailed response! I was thinking about doing this same set up with 205s in front and 215s in the rear. Still have some tread left on the bias plys for now.
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