8 x 15's & clearance, is this enough????

[Limey57]

I decided to go with chrome steel rims on the Ranchero (often called "smoothies" made by Cragar & others) and bought a pair of 8 x 15's with a 4.25" back spacing.  On fitting the rims, there is just under 1/2" between the rim edge and wheel arch lip (see photo).  As I need to replace the wheel arch edges I can reduce the width of this lip to give me between 3/4" to 1" clearance.

Is this enough?  What size tyre would I be best going for to ensure that the tyre sidewall doesn't stick out much further than the wheel rim?  I guess a 4.5" back space would have been better but they aren't available "off the shelf" over here.

The car is running a stock axle/springs but lowered 2".

[shopratwoody]

I would only trust my own measurement. Too many variables. "smoothie " wheels are limited in off sets. The
cars just don't have much clearance without mods. The tires close to the springs is a plus.

[RICH MUISE]

Limey..this post is probably a little late..you probably already are aware of it, but I just noticed your spring shackles are reversed..if you're planning on returning them to their correct position, it will affect your tire clearance. I'm confused as to why you're car is lowered 2" if the shackles are reversed..which has been done to raise the rear>

[Limey57]

Limey..this post is probably a little late..you probably already are aware of it, but I just noticed your spring shackles are reversed..if you're planning on returning them to their correct position, it will affect your tire clearance. I'm confused as to why you're car is lowered 2" if the shackles are reversed..which has been done to raise the rear>

I never noticed that!  The chassis had been restored before I bought it & the previous owner re-assembled the back end.  I'll re-position them and go from there.

Thanks!

[suede57ford]

A 15x8 with a 5.25 Back space will perfectly center the wheel in the rear wheelwell of a '57.   I have used 275/60/15 tires with just flatting out the fender lip where it is closed to the tire.  A 255/60/15 is an easy fit, as always roll the lip right where it is close.

I narrowed the rearend in my Ranch Wagon 3/4" per side so I could use the off the shelf 8" with 4.5" BackSpace wheels which are standard in most styles.

[Limey57]

Thanks.  Anyone know if steel "smoothies" are available in 15 x 8 with different back spacings (ie. 5")?  The only ones I can find are the usual Cragar/Vintiques which all have the standard 4"/4.25" back spacing. 

[shopratwoody]

I don't think so. Maybe wheelkid over on the HAMB

[Lgcustom]

suede57ford,

Where did you find those 5.25" backspace wheels? I'm looking but not finding!

[suede57ford]

Getting a 5.25" back spce wheel will always be special order, that is why go ahead and cut the housing down 3/4 per side(cost about $250).  You can trim 3/4 off the axles with a cuttoff wheel and reuse if necessary.   Stock axles are really weak,so if budget allows get newer axles made.

If you cut the housing down, then you can buy most any 8" wheel as most are offered with industry standard 4.5" back space.

I had 15x8 steel wheels with 5.25 made from one of the wheel places(wheels of steel)  I also ordered some torq thrust 17x8's with 5" bs a couple times.  5.25 is the best.