1965 w/ disc brakes and fender skirts / wheel fitment

[BLH]

Good morning! I have had problems finding a fit for mag wheels on my 1965 Thunderbird. I have skirts on the rear with drum brakes and disc brakes on the front. I ordered a set of wheels in that were supposed to fit but they fit on the rear and hit the disc caliper on the front. Can anyone advise on the wheel offset needed for my application on the front and the back? Would prefer to keep 15" wheels but open to change if I find something that looks nice and fits in a different size. Thanks for your help!

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[iwinyouwin]

I put 15"x6" wheels on my 64 and a 3.375" backspace and -3.00mm Offset. This was the only spacing I could use unless I wanted different backspace for the rear wheels versus the front wheels. The rear has room for more backspace for more clearance on fender skirts but the front wheels cannot go with more. I know you have disc brakes in front while I have drum but hopefully this gets you a starting point to measure from. FYI, I was able to order stock Centerline wheels from Summit Racing and saved $ by not having to order a custom size. If you go to their site and put in wheel diameter, width, backspace, and offset you will come up with current choices, Or click on this link: https://www.summitracing.com/search...5-in+offset:minus-3-00mm+wheel-diameter:15-in
Good Luck!

 

[ak7an]

I have a 1964 with 1965 front disc brakes.. This was the only thing I could find that would fit both front and rear the same.. I didn't want different wheels between the front and rear.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LQY6X6/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20
They look awesome on my Tbird.
Take care
Ed

 

[BLH]

I have a 1964 with 1965 front disc brakes.. This was the only thing I could find that would fit both front and rear the same.. I didn't want different wheels between the front and rear.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009LQY6X6/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20
They look awesome on my Tbird.
Take care
Ed

Thank Ed! They do look nice Do you have skirts on the rear?

 

[BLH]

I put 15"x6" wheels on my 64 and a 3.375" backspace and -3.00mm Offset. This was the only spacing I could use unless I wanted different backspace for the rear wheels versus the front wheels. The rear has room for more backspace for more clearance on fender skirts but the front wheels cannot go with more. I know you have disc brakes in front while I have drum but hopefully this gets you a starting point to measure from. FYI, I was able to order stock Centerline wheels from Summit Racing and saved $ by not having to order a custom size. If you go to their site and put in wheel diameter, width, backspace, and offset you will come up with current choices, Or click on this link: https://www.summitracing.com/search/department/wheels-tires/section/wheels?N=section:wheels+part-type:wheels+wheel-bolt-pattern-app:5-x-4-1-2-in+backspacing-in:3-375-in+offset:minus-3-00mm+wheel-diameter:15-in
Good Luck!

Thank you! good info

 

[ak7an]

Thank Ed! They do look nice Do you have skirts on the rear?

Yes, my Tbird has skirts. Tire size is 225/60R17, they are a little close in the rear but do fit.
Check out some pics of Bonafyd, latest ones with the new wheels
Take care
Ed

+2

1964 Tbird restomod

• ak7an
• Nov 1, 2019
• 11
• 7

64Z-code and I exchanged some pleasant remarks regarding restomoding a Flairbird. Not wanting to...

 

[Bond007]

Beautiful car, Ed.

 

[iwinyouwin]

Here a couple of pictures to help show the difference between 15" and 17". I think both sizes look good though the 17" should improve handling a bit but also be a rougher ride due to less actual sidewall tire. I wanted the whitewall to be more 60's correct but did have trouble finding it until I went to a Farm&Fleet store.

 

[BLH]

Thank you! good info

That is a cool ride! looks great with those wheels too! thanks

 

[Dilbone]

Yes, my Tbird has skirts. Tire size is 225/60R17, they are a little close in the rear but do fit.
Check out some pics of Bonafyd, latest ones with the new wheels
Take care
Ed

+2

1964 Tbird restomod

• ak7an
• Nov 1, 2019
• 11
• 7

64Z-code and I exchanged some pleasant remarks regarding restomoding a Flairbird. Not wanting to...

I just picked up a '65 and have been scowering the internet to see what I can do for wheels and I saw your post. No spacer is needed on the front with these ridler 695s? Right now the PO put a pair of grand marquis wheels on it and they're killing me!!!