HELP! I need wheels that fit my T-Bird.

I was hoping I didn't have to resolve to this but I really need some help here.
I have a '65 T-bird with front disc brakes. We've made 2 attempts at putting American Racing Torque Thrust wheels on it but so far nothing fits. I think the guys at Discount Tire are losing their patience. The second set the factory told him what to order and they still didn't fit.
I was hoping to use something other than Supremes or chrome reverse (just wanted something different than the "standard" custom wheel) and I've always liked mags, but I'm open to suggestions.
I'm looking for some advice, ideas, suggestions....HELP...anything, before I drive myself all the way nuts.
I have 15" narrow white walls on it now. I can reverse them to blackwalls (which is what I was going to do with the mags) and I have a budget of about $700.

 

The problem with those '65's are the large calipers for the disc brakes. You can try spacers. I was going to do that on my '65 but I blew up the motor the day I got the spacers. now the car sits in my back yard. the spacers are pretty cheap and can be found at the local Auto Zone or Advanced Auto parts.

Spike

 

yup Those dang calipers, I had some cool looking steel wheels on mine and I had to "Shave" Down some of the material on them with a grinder so they wouldn't hit. Dunno know what custom wheels would fit them though.

 

Yea, I'm glad it has discs but they're a pain in the ass when it comes to custom wheels. There's a "rib" on the face of the caliper, didn't know if I could grind that down. That might make a difference.
I'm not sure about spacers...are they safe?

 

A set of stock steelies with 68-9 , 5 spoke hub caps are pretty slick.
I've got some pics of mine somewhere I'll try to find for ya later.

 

just did a 65 t-bird like that for a guy, he had to have torq-thrust II's on the car. So I installed longer wheel studs, built a 1/2" spacer out of 6061t6 and it work out perfect. no need to grind on the caliper.

 

Thanks YB. I appreciate any suggestions.
Pictures always help.
I wasn't sure about hubcaps, didn't know if they were too '50s looking. It seems by the 60's most everyone was going to custom wheels.
I'd love to have a set of wires (like Skylarks) but they're just not in my budget.

 

I'm not having any luck finding a pic of my 65 with those caps,but I'm still looking.

 

You mean the caps like this T bird? They were the base wheel/cap on 1967 Shelby's too.

 

Yeah,those are they.LOL
Pretty Spiffy,Huh?
Those are what I'm typing about Donzie.
Good job Virgil.
Do you bleed blue when you get cut?

 

those repop kidney bean wheels would look RAD on there. other than that just grind on the damn caliper. as long as you don't need to remove too much material it'll be fine.

 

I ran into the same problem and almost gave the car away! thank god I found a shop that made me custom spacers with 3/4 clearance that works perfect. Now all I need is a paint job any Ideas ?

Call performance Motorsports (909)844-0942 or (909)514-0091

 

i put fake moon hub caps on my 66 tbird doesnt look to bad. ive thought of trying front wheel drive wheel like my wifes 300m chrysler the have a huge offset like we need

 

Donzie- You're going to have to use spacers- 3/4" and then order your rims to compensate for the offset. Been there., done that...

 

I don't know. I'm thinking of putting a fresh coat of black on the rims and adding spider caps. Should I use stainless trim rings?

 

Geez, I'm glad my 63 has drums

 

Some of those Moon wheelcovers would set it off...

 

spacers work just fine bro im happy with mine. Ive been driving the car around picking up parts and no problems yet.

 

I'll second that. We have to do that on some wheels in our shop. Thanks, BOBBY FORD

 

Any chance a different caliper would fit your brackets?
Or the brackets could be modified a touch to fit the new calipers?

I'm running 68-70 Mustang disc 11" brakes on my 32 and 14" slot mags fit with no grinding.
Three different sets and a couple brands of slot wheels fit this setup.
5 1/2", 6" & 7" widths with 3" backspacing.
All 14" wheels.

If some moderate, non-strength compromising grinding would do it, I'd do that before I'd run a spacer.

A spacer increases the weight on the wheel bearings and will make the car harder to steer.
With power steering, perhaps not a problem.

 

I went through the same thing a few years back. Ditto on the spacers. Don't use the cheapy autozone ones on the front of a big ol tbird though. They eventually crack and break from the sideforces. I know from experience. Get a nice set of machined eek:billet) spacers and then compensate for your offset with the wheels you order. You may have to install longer wheel studs too.

C9, Those Tbird calipers are the only thing that will bolt to those spindles, big 4 piston jobbers...

 

Did you look at the Torquethrust "d". Supposedly curved spokes to help clear calipers on later cars. Had em on my F-1, but it has Volare disc's. Just a thought.

 

Look into wheels made for late-model Mustangs,same bolt-pattern,and made to clear large calipers.

 

I have a set of 2001 Bullitt wheels on my '62.

 

Yup add some trim rings.

 

do not grind the outside of the caliper!! that tube shaped casting is filled with brake fluid.
Spacers are the only way unless you run chrome reversed or stock steel wheels.
Sold my 65. The front end is such a pain, have you tried to buy tie rod ends yet? Pretty pricey compared to other models.

 

Donzie...Whats the status on the t-bird wheels? I want a set for my father in laws 65 t-bird and would like to know what to look for.

 

I have torque thrust 2s on my 65 bird. They are 16x8 with 4.75 BS. I believe the AR p/n is 505-6867. As mentioned you will need spacers and longer studs. The spacer needs to be at least 7/16"...3/8" might work but it would be cutting the clearance with the caliper really close. I have cast Mr. Gastket spacers, but I looking to get something machined. The studs I found that fit are the ARP 100-7707...they are not cheap...'bout $12 a piece. If your interested, I can post pictures.

regards,