15inch wheels for 57

[Dan Smithwick]

I want to put 15 inch wheels on my 57 in order to be able to put disc brakes
on . Is the bolt hole pattern for 55-56 the same ? Thanks

[birdzilla]

The bolt pattern is the same 4 1/2" pattern for '55-57 and into the '70's. The earlier 15" wheels will fit the bolt pattern but are probably not going to clear the calipers on a disc brake conversion. You will need a '66' or later 15" Ford wheel.

[Dan Smithwick]

Thanks for the information . The 66 , 15 inch wheels are an inch wider , will this be
a problem with the fender skirts ?
Thanks

[Dan Smithwick]

I should have specified these wheels are chrome spoke wheels .

[birdzilla]

The '66-67 reproduction wire wheels are offset differently:
backspacing - front 3 1/2"
- rear 4".

Depending on tire size used, the clearance with the 6" wide rim is the same as with the 5". In theory, the skirts should fit, with a stock size tire. Each car varies a bit, so test fitting is best.

Tire rotation becomes more complicated, requiring dismounting, mounting and re-balancing each time due to the different offsets.

I run 4 15X7" w/3 1/2" backspace steel wheels with 225 60R 15 WSW tires with out skirts on my '57.

[Dan Smithwick]

Thanks again for the information . I was planning on using 225/60R tires .
Thanks

[agshelby]

Originally Posted by birdzilla

The '66-67 reproduction wire wheels are offset differently:
backspacing - front 3 1/2"
- rear 4".

Depending on tire size used, the clearance with the 6" wide rim is the same as with the 5". In theory, the skirts should fit, with a stock size tire. Each car varies a bit, so test fitting is best.

Tire rotation becomes more complicated, requiring dismounting, mounting and re-balancing each time due to the different offsets.

I run 4 15X7" w/3 1/2" backspace steel wheels with 225 60R 15 WSW tires with out skirts on my '57.

The specific question I have is whether or not the '66 wire centers will clear the skirts. I want to install 4 wheel disc brakes - but also want to run wire wheels. My Dad put the KH wires off the T-Bird onto his skyliner - so it is not a big deal if I have to get the later model wires for the TBird, I just want to make sure they fit before purchasing. Running the car without the skirts is not an option for my Dad. (if it were up to me, they would be stored away and never used again....)

[gbhrps]

I found this treasure trove about 10 years ago when I bought my 55. Its old, tried and proven articles on getting your 55-57 to run like a top.

Page Title

Click on "Page Title" to go to the archived articles. You might want to Bookmark the new site when you get there!

Enjoy!

[birdzilla]

Originally Posted by agshelby

The specific question I have is whether or not the '66 wire centers will clear the skirts. I want to install 4 wheel disc brakes - but also want to run wire wheels. My Dad put the KH wires off the T-Bird onto his skyliner - so it is not a big deal if I have to get the later model wires for the TBird, I just want to make sure they fit before purchasing. Running the car without the skirts is not an option for my Dad. (if it were up to me, they would be stored away and never used again....)

I agree. The wheels are too expensive to take a chance. Disc conversions sometimes change the track width depending on how they are mounted. You really need to hear from someone who has done the exact same setup or an arrangement with a vendor who will let you test fit a wheel.

A friend got a good deal on a set of 5 wire wheels he wanted to put on a '55 Mercury convertible. They were too wide for the skirts, so he had the rear axle narrowed enough for them to fit. It added about $500 to the cost.