I have searched some but couldn't find a definitive answer. I am getting ready to order a custom width 9". I am thinking 56" (wms to wms) I am wondering how wide of a rear tire will fit in the rear fender. Has anybody got a 30 x 10 pie crust slick to fit in there? And if so what widths rear end and wheel spacing did you use? Thanks in advance Mike.
Mike, I measured the stock width of my 1940 Ford rear and it is 59 1/2 inches from WMS to WMS. The early 90's Explorer rears with disc brakes are also 59 1/2 in. but the pinion offset is about 2 in. so drive shaft might hit the tunnel. Due to wheel/fender clearance I think it would be difficult to get a 30 x 10 tire to fit. Wider fiberglass fenders are available.
Since the price ain't cheap, I'd mock it up with the tires and wheels you will use then measure between the two wheel faces to get the rear length, just did this on a 33 vicky and was able to get the correct dim's the first time, and dont forget about the offset. We also set it up with 3/4 of an inch between the outter fender lip and the bulge of the tires, good luck. I just looked at my 40 and I don't think you can put that big of tire under the rear w/o cutting the inner fender back.
Wheel width and axle width "aren't" exclusive. Slow down and take it step by step. The wheel and tire that will fit the fender opening (diameter and width). Wheel and tire size will require measuring the wheel/fender opening of said car. Now that you have the wheel and tire width in hand, you need to look at your wheel choises. Many to choose from...BUT, they all MAY NOT have the mounting surface offset you want, need. I just went thru this myself. The wheel I wanted did not go with the opening I have AND the offset I wanted. I had to change wheel ideas (glad I did..!). So.......now that you have the tire size, and the wheel size, and the wheel offset.... and the tires/wheels under the car......NOW....you can measure for the axle width...! That is if you want the biggest tire/wheel or the best "fitting" tire and wheel you can fit under the car. Remember, measure twice...buy once..! Mike
Stock 57-59 Ford will fit with no problem. Bronco has 5 1/2 bp will fit (9"). Granada,Monarch 8" are a little lighter. But like Mike VV said do some measuring before spending your money. I think you are going to have a problem putting 10 slicks under 40 fenders.
Thanks for the replies so far. I wish I had the wheels and tires already that would make it easier but the wheels are special order and pretty expensive. I have doubts about the 10 fitting also but was hoping somebody has tried it already. The car is completely apart. (frame off) and the fenders at off getting the body work done. So it gonna be hard to just measure it. I think the 57 9" measures at 57 1/2" wms so I thought I might go with 56 or 56 1/2 I've heard of guys using maverick rears in 40's I think. While searching I've found reference to guys running 235's and 255's but that's about it I wasn't planning on running radials either unless I go with the Hurst pie crusts.
I built my '39 with a 15x8,235/75/15 tire(or the same as a 255/70/15 in height) and a '62 Ford 9" cut down to 54" wms to wms. The rims are the same as Real Rodders sell, the only difference is that I had Eric Vaughn cut my old 15x10 (4" BS) Halibrands down to 15x8 creating a 15x8 with 2" of BS. Roll the wheels and tires under the car with the fenders fitted and see what you have. You'll either like it enough to make it work and do the extra work, or you won't Hope this helps! Steve
Purchased some rear fenders and the front bottom wheel openings were cut out to accomodate bigger rear tires.
My coupe has a '59 Ford rear end (about 57.5 inches across the wheel mounting surfaces) with 15 x 8 wheels, 4.5 backspacing. The inner fender wells have a small tub, so they go straight up from the frame rail, and the fender opening has had a little work, as well. Ran P285/70R15 tires for a long time, but they were really ten pounds in a five pound bag; they always had minor rubs here and there on the sidewalls. Section width of these tires is a touch over eleven inches with an 8.6 inch tread. Currently have P265/75R15; they are just about the same height (a little over 30 inches), and just enough narrower (section width just a little less than eleven inches; about eight inch tread) that they fit perfectly. Besides that, they are a lot cheaper than the old size. In concurrence with Larry W, I think a no-kidding ten-inch-tread tire will be either past the edge of the fender, or really close to the frame rail.
Order a Percy's wheel offset tool from Autozone or online for about 70 bucks. Bolts to the mounting surface and is fully adjustable for rim and tire size, off set in or out, and can turn 360 while you run though the steering lock to lock. Save's a lot of money and guess work. http://www.jegs.com/i/Percys/760/01201/10002/-1
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