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stock rims for radials

Started by mort1928, 2010-07-08 15:25

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mort1928

I would like to put radial tires on my 57 Fairlane 500 but I have been told that the stock rims are not strong enough.
what newer stock rim could I use?

mort 1928

Frankenstein57

Mort, don't know what kind of look you are going for-stock rim, mags, cast aluminum. But a cheap option for a 15" wheel are explorer wheels. They will bolt right on, and alot of these suvs are being parted out on craigslist. I got a free set from my brother, and bought a set for 100$ with the caps and lugs. You will want to tame down the tire to a 215-65 -15 or so. If you are really on a budget, that size is a popular minivan tire. They also will clear any disc brake option you go to. Maybe after my son finishes college , I can afford a real set. Make sure they are the 4 1/2 bolt pattern, not the 5", also on ranger pickups. Mark

RICH MUISE

Mark...got a pic of these? They must be mag type wheels being on an explorer? any particular year range ?  thanks..Rich
I can do this, I can do this, I, well, maybe

mort1928

Hi guy's,
The car is all stock and want to keep that look.
Wheels are 14"

Thanks for any and all suggestions.
mort1928

shopratwoody

There's nothing wrong with the OEM original wheels. Used them
forever, even on trailers. Look at 70 or 75 series tires for a stock
appearance. :deadhorse:
I hate blocksanding!

Frankenstein57

Rich, I'm real close to having my 58 on the road, I'll post some pictures then. I would guess southern wheels would be alot better than midwest stuff exposed to salt. I had my 58 wheels powder coated due to salt rash. Mark

Ford_Crazy

I'm running 225x70x15 BFG Radial TAs all around on stock 6" wide 15" steel wheels and look and work great.  My 15" wheels have about a 4" backspacing and I think they came off of an older Galaxie or station wagon.  My car is bone stock with 6 cylinder springs in the front. They don't come close to rubbing.

canadian_ranchero

i used granada 14 inch steel wheels,fits my lincoln brakes and i am using the stock full disc hubcaps 

Lucky'57

Quote from: canadian_ranchero on 2010-10-10 09:31
i used granada 14 inch steel wheels,fits my lincoln brakes and i am using the stock full disc hubcaps

Hi Gary. Quick question for you. Will the Granada 14" wheel fit over my stock drum brakes?

My Coker whitewalls came in and I'm thinking instead of my stock hubcaps I would dress them with as small a dog dish and beauty rings. I would use my "original" wheels but come to find out they are two different types. Two of them have bumps for a dog dish and the other three have no bumps. Worse comes to worse I'll stick with the original hubcaps.
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got - Henry Ford (1863-1947)

canadian_ranchero

granada rims will fit.center hole is bigger

lalessi1

I have never heard nor seen nor read anything about radial tires requiring stronger wheels.

Quote from: mort1928 on 2010-07-08 15:25
I would like to put radial tires on my 57 Fairlane 500 but I have been told that the stock rims are not strong enough.
what newer stock rim could I use?

mort 1928
Lynn

SkylinerRon

The stock later model steel wheels are a heaver guage steel.
I didn't believe this at first either but, a stock 14x5.5" Escort ZX-2 wheel is quite a bit heavier
than a 57-59 14x5.5" solid (no slots) wgn,retrac,ranchero wheel.
Who knew....?

Ron.

hiball3985

Very strange to me. There are tons of early Fords running around with stock wheels and radials and I have never heard of any problem..
JIM:
HAPPY HOUR FOR ME IS A GOOD NAP
The universe is made up of electrons, protons, neutrons and morons.
1957 Ranchero
1960 F100 Panel
1966 Mustang

lalessi1

If all newer rims are thicker, which I have trouble believing is the case, it would have to do with design parameters perhaps mandated, front wheel drive designs, material spec changes, or some other consideration. Radial tires in and of themselves do not require stronger wheels.
Lynn

Lucky'57

#14
This sticker came on my new Coker Wide White Radials. Since I'm not running a race car I think I'm going to be OK with the stock rims.
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got - Henry Ford (1863-1947)