Max Wheel & Tire Widths for '57?

[Bob B.]

Hi all,

When my '57 raced, it used the American Torque Thrust wheels, but they only come in 5- or 7-inch widths. A tire I'm looking at for the 7-inch rim has 7-inch tread width, 10.2-inch section width, and overall diameter of 26.3 inches.

My concern is whether this combination would have clearance issues with the fenders, which are stock. If this might cause clearance issues, should I go with the 5-inch rim and narrower tire, the 7-inch rim and narrower tire or??

Thanks,

Bob

[Bruce B.]

Re: Max Wheel & Tire Widths for '57?

I have a set of 7 " wide American Racing Torq Thrust D wheels which have 205 75 15 tires on them and they fit my 57 without any problems. The wheel backspacing is 3 3/4" and the old part number is 105-5761. I believe American also makes a 6" wide rim. Of course they are all made in China which is why I will not buy any more.
The Tires are equivalent to 670 15 tires except they are radials and have a wider contact patch.
Check with Phil Schmidt at www.psvintagewheels.com he can put together a great set of wheels that will fit properly.

[Loren L.]

Re: Max Wheel & Tire Widths for '57?

5.50 X 15 Goodyear Blue Streak Sports Car Specials mounted on 15 X 7 American in the rear and 15 X 6 Americans in front.
Top to bottom measurement (on the car & the concrete) o/a 25" tall. Looking straight down from the top, the bulge of the sidewall is partially beyond the wheel well lip, but not objectionly so; fronts are inside the wheel well lip.

[William C.]

Re: Max Wheel & Tire Widths for '57?

Fronts are not too much of a problem if you are carefull, but the wheel lip on the rear is very close unless the wheel offset/tire size is perfect. 7 inch tread and 10 inch section width is something I would measure very carefully. I think you will have a provlem in the rear, epecially on cornering.

[Loren L.]

Re: Max Wheel & Tire Widths for '57?

Bill:
My car has a cheater 5th leaf in the rear spring, creating about a 1 1/2" gap at the top; I haven't raced it, but with the Konis set at "stiff", I wouldn't be worried........except that the inner lip HAD been removed when I found the "pieces".

[William C.]

Re: Max Wheel & Tire Widths for '57?

Normal springs don't include the "gap", makes a world of difference as well as the change in spring rate the added leaf provides. The lack of rear lip is another indication of the typical problem area. Been there with my '58 back in the college days...