new Del Rio project

billd5string · 2017-07-20 08:34

Thanks for those pics Jeff - I knew it was probably going to be tight but I didn't realize it was THAT tight.

billd5string · 2017-07-22 12:16

I modified my motor mount plates this morning, and it works great. The 460 is now bolted to the crossmember. I am going to hold off finishing off the steering column shaft until the transmission is in and it's on the ground, like Gary suggested. Now that the motor is in place, I am going to start on the electrical... I have been looking forward to this, I love wiring cars from scratch. Fixing old nasty wiring? Hate that. Starting from scratch? That is the best!

billd5string · 2017-10-02 21:55

I haven't posted for a while, but I have been getting some stuff done. I finally bought 2 more 15x7 Torque Thrust wheels for the rear, and had 235/75R15 rollers on them to see how they fit... and they do, almost. They would rub a little on the fender lip. It was great to see the car with four matching wheels and close to proper sized tires on theold girl.

I also ordered a fresh top loader 4 speed that supposedly was from a 428 CJ. I had been thinking to go with the TKO 600 but ultimately decided old school would be better.

lalessi1 · 2017-10-03 08:56

Do you know what the back spacing is on the Torque Thrusts? I think the 235/70 tires at 28" OD are a match diameter wise for a 750 x14?
They clear on my car with 4.25" BS.

billd5string · 2017-10-03 09:23

Quote from: lalessi1 on 2017-10-03 08:56
Do you know what the back spacing is on the Torque Thrusts? I think the 235/70 tires at 28" OD are a match diameter wise for a 750 x14?
They clear on my car with 4.25" BS.

The 15x7 Torque Thrusts have a backspacing of 3.750. Which if your wheels are also 7 inch wide, I believe that means my wheels are kicked out 1/2 inch farther, thus why they are just barely touching lip on my fenders.

gasman826 · 2017-10-03 13:16

...gonna rub...hard

billd5string · 2017-10-03 14:14

Quote from: gasman826 on 2017-10-03 13:16
...gonna rub...hard

Do you think it will still rub after rolling the fender lip? Is there that much side to side play? I am doing this as a test, I was figuring I could get 225 70s if there still isn't much clearance.

gasman826 · 2017-10-03 17:28

All bodies differ a little, but 1/2" is not enough. The taller the tire the more the tire will flex in curves. The frame and suspension twist when entering a driveway. Leaf springs also flex sideways. I'm a sucker for the old nostalgia wheels...the slotted and the Torque Thrust wheels. But unfortunately those wheels had 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 inches of back space. Raunch Wagon has slots with 225-75-15 tires and I have cut the rear lips as much as I dare. Still rub when entering driveways. I have to let the nostalgia wheels go and buy new wheels with a custom back space that will allow a larger tire.

billd5string · 2017-10-03 19:26

I love the nostalgia wheels too, so I will have to find a way to make it work. Hopefully it won't involve narrowing the rearend.

billd5string · 2017-10-03 19:34

I finally got time to put the new intake on. When I mocked up the carb and air cleaner, it won't fit. I am pretty sure a 2 1/2 inch element will clear just fine though.

I also put the stock air cleaner on there because early on I thought I might use it... but just Looks funny.

suede57ford · 2017-10-03 21:28

The ideal backspace to center a wheel in the '57 rear fender well with stock width rear end is. 7" wide 4.75" back space or 8" wide with 5.25". If you want to use common off the shelf wheels which are often 4.5" back space on an 8" you would need to narrow the rear end housing by .75" per side which centers the wheels and aid in ease of removal. A 255 tire is an easy fit with the wheel centered in the fender well. It always good to fold/roll the rear edge of the fender well(verses trimming) where the tire is tire gets the closest.

KYBlueOval · 2017-10-04 06:49

Quote from: suede57ford on 2017-10-03 21:28
The ideal backspace to center a wheel in the '57 rear fender well with stock width rear end is. 7" wide 4.75" back space or 8" wide with 5.25". If you want to use common off the shelf wheels which are often 4.5" back space on an 8" you would need to narrow the rear end housing by .75" per side which centers the wheels and aid in ease of removal. A 255 tire is an easy fit with the wheel centered in the fender well. It always good to fold/roll the rear edge of the fender well(verses trimming) where the tire is tire gets the closest.

Can you give me the rest of the dimensions on the 255 tire. I assume we are talking 15 inch wheels.......is that correct? 255 /______/15?
I've narrowed the rear end .75" on each side and plan on 15 X 8 wheels. Your backspacing information is very helpful
As well, I've changed the wheel well opening,by eliminating the reverse curve, as the forward portion of the wheel well opening meets the rocker. I read here on the Forum that change would allow for a larger wheel/tire combination, or maybe it was allow easier on and off of a large tire/wheel combination.
The aspect ratio on the 255 tire you refer to would be very helpful.
Thanks
John

lalessi1 · 2017-10-04 08:21

Quote from: gasman826 on 2017-10-03 13:16
...gonna rub...hard

That has been my experience as well. Expect at LEAST 1/4" lateral movement in gentle turns. I am planning on 15 x 8s with 5" backspace on the rear at some point. (Unless I have the axle narrowed.)

rmk57 · 2017-10-04 09:36

Quote from: billd5string on 2017-10-03 19:34
I finally got time to put the new intake on. When I mocked up the carb and air cleaner, it won't fit. I am pretty sure a 2 1/2 inch element will clear just fine though.

I also put the stock air cleaner on there because early on I thought I might use it... but just Looks funny.

Drop base air cleaner would work also. Iv'e got a 4" K&N on mine with around 1/2 or a bit more clearance. Your Performer intake is lower than my Stealth so you would clear easily.

djfordmanjack · 2017-10-04 16:25

Bill, the Torque thrust look great on your Del Rio. keep in mind that it's not only tires rubbing against the fender lip but also inside the wheel wells. if your car is lowered in the rear, the actual wheel wells need just a little hammering in the rear area as well. I found that 225s or 235 will just work with 15x7 and 3.75 BS. which is exactly what I had on the DR with cut fender well lips and slightly hammered wheel wells.
I found that I didn't like the 235s thinband nor the 225 WWWs in looks and I am back to 8.00 Goodrich WWW bias plies on the CS, they look so much more natural than wide radial IMHO.
Of course your FE will fry them off the wheels though...

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new Del Rio project