1956 Fender Skirt Tire Clearance Issue

[tovigba]

My recently acquired 1956 came with 14-inch Kelsey-Hayes reproduction wire wheels and very old, must be replaced. Coker Classic 205/75R14 tires. There is almost no clearance between the left rear fender skirt and the existing tire - so little that the latch has to be pushed up against the tire when installing the skirt (the right side has approx. 1/4 inch more clearance).

I am about to order a set of American Classic Bias Ply Looking Radial Tires 750R14 with 2.25 whitewalls by Coker instead of ordering a replacement set of 205/75R14 radials, specifically the less costly Diamond Back I Radial Tires w/ 2.5-inch whitewalls. I am hoping that the American Classic being a little "taller" than the existing Coker's (approx. 27" vs. 26" diameter) and a little thinner (7.65" wide vs. the likely 8.1" width of the existing Cokers) would somewhat alleviate the rear fender skirt/tire shoulder clearance issue.

I would appreciate any and all thoughts on whether the extra expense of going with the American Classic Bias Ply Look Radial 750R14 over the cheaper Diamond Back I Radial 205/75R14 would be worthwhile towards providing more space between the shoulder of the tire and the rear fender skirts. To that end, it is interesting to note that the Diamond Back I spec sheet shows a 7.80-inch width which is less than a typical 205/75R14 tire. And as an aside, I'd also appreciate opinions on which tire would have the better appearance (and drivability) with the 14-inch wire wheels on a 1956 peacock blue baby bird.

Thanks all, Barry

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[DynoDan55]

IMHO: Sell those leak-prone/aftermarket/non-orig. 14” wire wheels, and buy some ‘correct’ 15” ones. My DiamondBack Auburn Premiums on orig. 15” KH steel wheels clear the skirts nicely. If you must have the ‘wire spoke’ look, at least the spoked hubcaps (though a pain) were an orig. 1956 option.IMHO: Sell those leak-prone/aftermarket/non-orig. 14” wire wheels, and buy some ‘correct’ 15” ones. My DiamondBack Auburn Premiums on orig. 15” KH steel wheels clear the skirts nicely. If you must have the ‘wire spoke’ look, at least the spoked hubcaps (though a pain) were an orig. 1956 option.

 

[tovigba]

Thanks Dyno.I received similar advice from baby bird owners that I am fight a losing battle with 14-inch wheels. Another frustrated enthusiast just ditched the skirts even with 15-inch wheels. I think I'll just replace the tires with the Diamond Back I Radial 205/75R14, put the skirts in the trunk, and just enjoy the ride.

 

[doug7740]

My recently acquired 1956 came with 14-inch Kelsey-Hayes reproduction wire wheels and very old, must be replaced. Coker Classic 205/75R14 tires. There is almost no clearance between the left rear fender skirt and the existing tire - so little that the latch has to be pushed up against the tire when installing the skirt (the right side has approx. 1/4 inch more clearance).

Radials should be 205/75R15 for 1955/56 models and 205/75R14 for 1957 models, radials are also slightly wider. It's also possible that you have the wrong fender skirts. The 1957 skirts will work on 1955/56 models. The 1955/56 skirts have a shorter locking arm.

Spring pads to axle perches worn and U bolts loose allow the body to shift when making turns. All models have approximately 1″ clearance between the tire and the inner skirt edge at the bottom rear with radial tires.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[tovigba]

Radials should be 205/75R15 for 1955/56 models and 205/75R14 for 1957 models, radials are also slightly wider. It's also possible that you have the wrong fender skirts. The 1957 skirts will work on 1955/56 models. The 1955/56 skirts have a shorter locking arm.

Spring pads to axle perches worn and U bolts loose allow the body to shift when making turns. All models have approximately 1″ clearance between the tire and the inner skirt edge at the bottom rear with radial tires.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

Thanks Doug, I will be having the suspension checked out after I put on the 205/75R14 radials since I am stuck for now with 14-inch wire wheels.

 

[pltmgr]

I would prefer losing the wire wheels as opposed to losing the skirts

 

[83ragtop50]

Glad that you got good recommendations for sticking with 14" wire wheels.

 

[Old school gear head]

My recently acquired 1956 came with 14-inch Kelsey-Hayes reproduction wire wheels and very old, must be replaced. Coker Classic 205/75R14 tires. There is almost no clearance between the left rear fender skirt and the existing tire - so little that the latch has to be pushed up against the tire when installing the skirt (the right side has approx. 1/4 inch more clearance).

I am about to order a set of American Classic Bias Ply Looking Radial Tires 750R14 with 2.25 whitewalls by Coker instead of ordering a replacement set of 205/75R14 radials, specifically the less costly Diamond Back I Radial Tires w/ 2.5-inch whitewalls. I am hoping that the American Classic being a little "taller" than the existing Coker's (approx. 27" vs. 26" diameter) and a little thinner (7.65" wide vs. the likely 8.1" width of the existing Cokers) would somewhat alleviate the rear fender skirt/tire shoulder clearance issue.

I would appreciate any and all thoughts on whether the extra expense of going with the American Classic Bias Ply Look Radial 750R14 over the cheaper Diamond Back I Radial 205/75R14 would be worthwhile towards providing more space between the shoulder of the tire and the rear fender skirts. To that end, it is interesting to note that the Diamond Back I spec sheet shows a 7.80-inch width which is less than a typical 205/75R14 tire. And as an aside, I'd also appreciate opinions on which tire would have the better appearance (and drivability) with the 14-inch wire wheels on a 1956 peacock blue baby bird.

Thanks all, Barry

​

Before you start switching out and buying tires look at your leaf springs especially the front eyelet bushings if worn they can move the whole rear end over a bit if anyone before you hit a curb hard while sliding! Measure it out first! Trust me how I know I went through the same thing with my 57 had to put on two new leaf springs now the tires sit perfectly inside the skirts and don’t rub on the L/R skirt lever!!