I was wondering if anyone could offer some help on a wheels and tires setup for my '53 F-100. It currently sits on 31x10.5-15 tires, which may be a little big for it. Here's my idea and I'll welcome any pros, cons or suggestions about it. Being a long-time NASCAR fan, I'm thinking of getting these Bassett DOT-approved wheels that look just like the wheels on NASCAR race cars. The tire size I have in mind is a 235/70R15, which closely matches the overall height of the original tires. I think a 15"x7" wheel is the best width for this tire size. My only question is what is the best backspacing for this setup. The choices are 2", 3" or 3.625". Any ideas?...
Don't agree with your choice of wheels, but here is a 15X7 with 3" w/ that tire on the back of my truck:
Would the 3" backspacing also be good for the front? The current wheels with wider tires don't seem to cause any fender or suspension rub. The NASCAR-style wheels might not be a popular choice with fans of this body style, but my 20+ year passion for NASCAR drove me to choose them. Something I forgot to mention is that I would go with the chrome wheels in that style, not the black ones as pictured.
Pan-dragger is correct. Use what you have as a reference. Look at tire size charts for installed dimensions and you should be able to figure what will work for you. BTW, that looks like a 54.
You're right, it looks like one, but the serial number says otherwise. The letter "Q" as the 8th digit of the serial number says the model year is 1953. I don't know what the letter would be if it was a 1954 as I don't have a decoding chart for that year. The chart I have for 1953 is from a Ford Motor Co. of Canada Parts Catalogue. Another hint that the grille was swapped is that the gravel pan below the grille is painted black and not red like the rest of the truck. In 1953, the gravel pan wouldn't have these two holes that the grille "struts" go through. The serial number also says it's not a Mercury, so the badges and tailgate must have come from a different truck. (Actually, probably two different trucks as the tailgate is the '51-'52 style.)
You may be right, I haven't measured the current wheels, but I had a feeling they would be 15x8s since the current tires are quite a bit wider than the ones I want to get. Thanks!
Put on what makes you happy. If it was me I'd find some stock wheels and reverse them myself with beauty rings and baldy caps. But that's just me. Gary
I would be carefully on size of front wheels, unless ya have a clip or good power steering. I run about a 3/4" offset with Toyota Power Steering, 235/ tires, do look a little anemic at times, but handles well.
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