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Projects 32 roadster - front wheel backspacing

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Crotty 32, Jan 20, 2026.

  1. Crotty 32
    Joined: Apr 20, 2020
    Posts: 80

    Crotty 32
    Member

    I am about to order my wheels and tires for my roadster project. I am pretty confident with my rear wheel dimension decisions, but I am not sure what backspacing to go with for the front wheels. An online search left me empty. Any recommendations?

    Rear
    Wheel mounting surface to WMS = 57”
    Tires = Diamond Back Auburn Deluxe 750R16
    Wheels = Wheel Smith vintage 16x6 with 3.75” backspacing (5 x 5.5 bolt pattern)

    Front
    WMS to WMS = 56”
    Tires = Diamond Back Auburn Deluxe 550R16
    Wheels = Wheels Smith Vintage 16x4.5 with ???? backspacing (maybe 2”?) (5x5.5 bolt pattern)

    Getting sick of looking at these plywood mockup wheels.

    IMG_0064.jpeg
     
  2. 60 Special
    Joined: Sep 8, 2007
    Posts: 305

    60 Special
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Omaha Ne.

  3. HOTRODPRIMER
    Joined: Jan 3, 2003
    Posts: 65,044

    HOTRODPRIMER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Gary can probably help you, he has built more '32 Fords than most people.HRP
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  4. hotrodA
    Joined: Sep 12, 2002
    Posts: 7,450

    hotrodA
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Front brakes? How much do you want exposed?

    @krylon32 to the white courtesy phone please.
     
    Just Gary and lothiandon1940 like this.
  5. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,830

    alchemy
    Member

    I think steelie style wheels look best with a neutral offset. Centered.
     
    Crotty 32 likes this.
  6. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 38,206

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    I think you need to consider the scrub radius and the fact that radial tires age out after 6 years. How long until the car is ready for the road?
     
    Nailhead Jason and twenty8 like this.
  7. Crotty 32
    Joined: Apr 20, 2020
    Posts: 80

    Crotty 32
    Member

    I’m running the Lincoln front drums from Boling Brothers, so leaving a little exposed is good with me, but not all of the drum.
     
  8. Crotty 32
    Joined: Apr 20, 2020
    Posts: 80

    Crotty 32
    Member

    Very good and safe thought. I am in year 5 of the build and it is nearly ready to be blown apart and painted/engine rebuilt. I am hopeful to get it on the road in 3 years, giving me some time/miles with these tires before replacement.
     
  9. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 38,206

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    so in three years your tire life will be half over with no miles on them....
     
    19Eddy30 likes this.
  10. RockyMtnWay
    Joined: Jan 6, 2015
    Posts: 704

    RockyMtnWay
    Member

    This element often gets overlooked and I’ve seen some wonky offsets pushing the wheel out way too far.
    I’ve used a few sets of the auburn deluxe 550r16s and found 2.75” (on a 4.5” wide rim) to 3” (on a 5” wide rim) a decent fit with that height tire.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2026
    Crotty 32, Moriarity and twenty8 like this.
  11. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 4,122

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    I use a 50/50 on front of A's & 32's
    3-1/2 4s
    The wides 5 , maybe one time 6
    All narrow tire tho,
    Back about 15 yrs ago I was complaining that the front tire's & rear
    Where $150-200 each I put around 30k on rears with black tracking many many times , rear still had 1/4 tread Bridgestone 406 -427 sbc
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2026
    Crotty 32 likes this.
  12. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 11,019

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska

    4.5 or 5 inches wide I usually order them with a neutral back set if possible. Done a number of 32's this way.
     
    Crotty 32, Just Gary and HemiDeuce like this.
  13. Crotty 32
    Joined: Apr 20, 2020
    Posts: 80

    Crotty 32
    Member

    Thank you all for the advice!
     

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