I put the Lincoln Versailles spindles and rear end in my 55. My stock 14 and 15 inch wheels won't fit over the hubs. Anyone else ran into this? I didn't realize this was a problem. I'm definitely not putting the 14 inch aluminum Lincoln wheels on it.
Yes, the hub is a larger diameter. You must change wheels or have the hub turned down by a machine shop. I have not gone the machine shop route but others have.
Ditto. I'm told finding 15" rims that fit over disc brake conversions is getting difficult. The wheels have to come off an oem disc brake car. It's not only the hubs, on most old 14"or 15 oem wheels, it's also the old wheel configuration that won't clear the calipers, so having the hubs altered may still not work for the rims you have.
Here's a tip that worked for me. If you want a stock type wheel look for trailer wheels. Lots of trailers use the Ford lug pattern. Mine came off a horse trailer.
Most of the guys end up going with aftermarket because they want wider tires on their cars that most of the older wheels won't accommodate. I would think that would be particularly the case with trailer wheels?? If you need cheap roller wheels/tires for a build project, I pulled 16" Lincoln Towncar donuts from trunks of cars in salvage yards that were never used, $5 each!
I have disc brakes from Drop & Stop - Dave did machine the hubs - and my stock wheels bolt right on. Apply some of your kids - or grand kids - play dough on the hub and press the wheel up. Have to be 15"s though....see if you just need to machine the hubs. Doesn't take much and anyone with a lathe or mill can do it.
I had two 15 ×5 mopar wheels from the 60's that I have on it for now. They would.work for the front but take a smaller dog dish cap. I've thought about aftermarket. Also thought about the later 17×7 mustang wheels that look like torque thrust. I can get a set for $100. Just not sure I will like the look. I could have had the 15×8 mopar wheels when i got the 5's but didn't think I had a use for them. I guess I have decisions to make. It's always something huh? Thanks for the info guys.
You just have to have the 2.500 inch centers. I just used old Ford wheels from who knows what. I used a Granada styled spindle.
I wonder if the reason for the larger hubs is to prevent wheels that may not clear the calipers from being bolted on.
They increased the spindle size for more strength therefore the bearings and hub diameter increased as well. The larger bearing also lasts longer. I have seen hubs turned down and I always wondered how safe that is.
I have Vintiques steel wheels on my car and the front center hole is on the large side. I was thinking of machining up a ring to get a closer fit on the hub. Same goes for the rears.
Most of the stock spindle front disc conversions the Tbird guys sell use the turned down hub on what I think is a Granada rotor. Doesn’t seem to be a problem, till you need a rotor and have to have it turned. Somebody will know when Ford changed that center dimension, then you should find some stock rims that work. How the caps work will depend on the wheel, obviously.
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