1955 What 15 inch wheel offset will clear the skirts? | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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1955 What 15 inch wheel offset will clear the skirts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter photoguy
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photoguy

photoguy

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Thunderbird Year
1955
Morning all!

Would like to order a new set of 15" wheels, sized as close to factory as possible. It seems the factory offset is ET0, I can't seem to find any of these, I'm seeing -3, -6, etc. Does anyone know where I can find ET0 wheels, or what optional offset will clear the skirts and brakes?

Thank you!

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There is more than the offset to the equation. Rim width and tire size are also something to consider. Remember that the original tires were 6.70 x 15 bias ply tires and they were much thinner than the replacement 205x78x15 so even using the new tire size is going to make the tires run closer to the skirts. Now add the radial effect to the mix. Radial tires tend to roll side to side as a function of their design. Even using radial tires that some companies make to mirror the shape of the OE tire, will cause some fender skirt interference on moderate to hard cornering. The mitigation for this is to re-bush the rear end so that there is less side to side movement of the rear suspension. 60+ years of use causes the rubber parts to become loose and not retain their new rigidity. I would find a wheel of the same width as the OE and look for an offset that brings the wheel in about 1/2" on each side. that, along with standard size tires should solve the problem. I wish you well.
 
cokefirst said:
There is more than the offset to the equation. Rim width and tire size are also something to consider. Remember that the original tires were 6.70 x 15 bias ply tires and they were much thinner than the replacement 205x78x15 so even using the new tire size is going to make the tires run closer to the skirts. Now add the radial effect to the mix. Radial tires tend to roll side to side as a function of their design. Even using radial tires that some companies make to mirror the shape of the OE tire, will cause some fender skirt interference on moderate to hard cornering. The mitigation for this is to re-bush the rear end so that there is less side to side movement of the rear suspension. 60+ years of use causes the rubber parts to become loose and not retain their new rigidity. I would find a wheel of the same width as the OE and look for an offset that brings the wheel in about 1/2" on each side. that, along with standard size tires should solve the problem. I wish you well.
Click to expand...
Sorry, if I didn't communicate well. Yes, I'm trying to keep as close to stock as possible, I'm riding on newer radials 205/75/15's, the ride is night and day over the bias tires. The ride is super smooth at 75mph.

Thank you very much!!
 
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