1952-59 Ford Question on maximum rear wheel size in a 1955 Ford Sedan...

I went through the sticky and found a decent link concerning how to measure a wheel well opening, and I will probably pull a trigger on this kit here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/254590780090

(Like I need an excuse to buy a new tool )

At any rate - maybe someone out there has been through this and would have some recommendations on maximum wheel width (stock is 5" wide as I recall on a 1955/56 Ford Sedan correct?)

For a 15" diameter wheel, what is the maximum width on the wheel and then of course the tire size?

thanks,
Dan

 

Mid 1980's & early 90s Crown Victorias with 15" wheels used a 70 series tire the offset of those steel wheels will move the tire further into the shallow wheel well. They used a 215/70/15 on a 6" rim, you may be able to use a shorter 60 series with a similar section width.

 

First I am NOT a wide/big tire guy. I’m a rolling resistance guy with everything I’ve ever owned. I have 15” x 6” with a 3-1/4” back space. I have 215-75-15 tires and can get them off with stock rear height. 225 and 235 can fit but I would need to remove the shock for the 235 for sure. As is I need to use 2 jacks for a flat tire. A scissor for under the axle and a bumper to get the body high enough.
Others have different experiences!

 

Mine had a 235/70 15, I swore like a sailor getting them off.

 

With the larger 70 series tire and 7" rims, I was having trouble getting the tires off the axle without removing the shockl on the 54, but after installing 3" extensions to the rear shocks i can now just jack up the frame and the tire drops enough to remove the tire. I have never noticed the shocks bottoming out with the extensions.

 

I took a few photos of these tires here - I do not know the owner of the car and of course he would have been the best to answer my questions. These are a set of M/T drag radials and the size is 235/60R15... the wheel is obviously not stock and looks pretty new - maybe Vintiques or something?

1955 Ford Drag Radials by danman55 posted Feb 11, 2023 at 8:20 AM

1955 Ford Drag Radials Mickey /Thompson by danman55 posted Feb 11, 2023 at 8:20 AM

1955 Ford Drag Radials M/T tread by danman55 posted Feb 11, 2023 at 8:20 AM

I "think" I could run these radials on a set of 7" wide wheels.

 

If you follow the guide I posted in the "Sticky" you can order steel wheels from Summit with your preferred offset, I would however contact their Tech advice staff before puling the trigger.