Need opinions...

Looking at 5 on 4.5", 16" wheels for a roadster p/u project and the 49-53 years are hard to come by. But what I noticed was that the Ford Fusion uses 5 on 4.5 compact spares. Not sure what I think of them for looks though, what do you guys think? Can it work?

Thanks

 

Looks good to me but what does that stamped lettering say on the right bottom quarter of the rim circle?

 

I am no expert, I know that a lot of the fellas have used this type of wheel, but what I have been told it that they don't have good torsional strength.

Maybe one of the other fellas knows different.

 

I wonder about strength also ? What is stamped on hoop about 1/3rd around from valve stem hole?

 

Look really cool but why do u wanna use a 4.5 bolt circle ? Porknbeaner I am sure to torsional strength is ok because they have to meet DOT specs

 

how are you going to attach a hubcap?

One thing that I care about is the cooling slots that were on all the old wheels but they are not found on many of the new wheels and even some repro steel wheels. You may not care but it matters to me.

 

It might say what the emergency tires say? something like "do not exceed 45 MPH"?

Or it might say; "Yea, I know I'm a butt ugly wheel but I'll get you back into town!"

 

But the come with a sticker that says not to go over 30 MPH.

 

Never saw one that said 30MPH is the limit. 50MPH is more like it.

 

I am thinking GM with a 50 mile driving limit.

 

I thought the mileage limit was on the tires?

 

I was under the impression that all limitation of the compact spares was due to the tire as well? Shouldn't the wheel be fine as long as I put "real" tires on them?

 

Some of the donut spares have some good steelies. I've seen guys use the Chevy ones for 200 mph bonneville runs before so they can't be all bad. And how many HAMB dragsters out there run them on the front? A pair of 16" space saver rims and a pair of Harley wide whites and youve got some cool front runners. Ive done it before, I even bolted them on the heaviest car I had at the timne ('74 Lincoln) and went down the road, no problems.

 

That rim looks good to me; not sure about the safety stuff though... you could always give 'em a try...

 

Train,What Train? All I saw was a mirage.

 

I think those could look really cool. Maybe weld on some retainer clips for baby moons or some other "dog dish" style hubcaps?