Tire recommendations

I have run a search on this topic, and have gleamed alot of information, but I can't seem to find a solid response to this question. I have a 1991 FiberFab/CMC Speedster project that I am currently completing. I just purchased a set of wheels from Glenn for the car. It's time for tires. The chassis is a 1959 (according to vin#), and the transmission is a 67/68 swingaxle (has a reverese switch in the tranny). Glenn told me he was running 165's on the car he has. However, several posts have stated that 185/65's provide a better selection. My question: Will the 185/65's fit my car/tranny/chassis combo?
Thanks in advance.
Jeff

Jeff, you could get one tire mounted and try it on both sides of the back. I say both sides, because many speedsters have less clearance on one side. On mine it's the passenger side. Don't do what I did. I mounted one 195 by 60 on the back (6" Fuch replicas) and they looked like they would just clear the fenders (had the car on jack stands). Bought the tires and went for a drive. The damn tire rubbed on the passenger side. Someone had already cut away part of the inner fender, for more clearance, but I neede 1/4" more clearance. Ended up taking a loss on the tires and trading them in on 185 x 65s, which just fit.
On another note, I noticed that Continental makes a 175 x 55. I think this would make a great front tire and lower the front a bit, which would be a bonus.
Ron

Ron, great suggestions. Thanks. However...always seems to be a "however" lately....
The body is off the chassis right now undergoing some significant reconstruction. I need to get the wheels onto the pan so I can roll it around. I guess I really need a conservative suggestion as to what "should" fit. First time for me on this so I need alot of guidance.
Thanks again.
Jeff

Ron, O

I wish had known earlier about the difference in clearance at the rear wheels. I found about 3/8" less clearance on the drivers side rear, and couldn't figure any creative way to remedy the situation. My solution finally was to take my chrome wide fives to stockton wheel Co. and they cut the center out changed the Back spacing 1/2 inch , and re welded the rim and center back together. The wheels and rims look perfect, and fit now,,,,,,,but I had to paint the inner side of the rim "RED" just so I would never forget that I can rotate my tires,,,,just not my rims. At least I feel comfortable that I'm not the lone ranger with that clearance issue.


GClarke "The Vacaville Guy"

I am just curious about the fitment issues your discussing. How wide of a rim do you think could be fitted under a speedster. Say given it had perfect back spacing or rather the back spacing was fully utilized. I am getting ready to build one of these and rim size is a big deal to me.

If yours is a non flared model then you can fit a 7" rim in the back. Henry, at Intermeccanica, sells a 7" rim. It has quite a bit of negative offset and can usually clear a 205/15 x 60 tire. Note, that is for an IM. I don't know how the clearance would be another maker's car. I have seen a 215/15 x 50 wide tire mounted on this rim, but the clearance was almost zero on one side.
Ron

I am shooting for a 7" rim with 4.5 back spacing. Any idea what the back spacing is on a 7" rim that fits the speester.

Your best bet is to contact Henry at IM. 1-604-872-4747, or fax him at 1-604-877-1533
Ron

Henry at IM can also make a 6" rim for your car If it is as close as mine was. That was a mess he helped me out of. 195/60s on the rear are still better than the 165s .
I bought three 5.5 Beck spyder rims for the front to match the off set of Henry's 6"rims. They look alike all around 185/60s front and on the spare

I'm facing the problem of fitting 165r15s on a 5.5 chrome stoch 4 bolt on the rear. They were sticking out 1/2 inch on drivers side. I was hoping a 4.5 chrome stock rim will fit in with 165r15. This is on a 78 IM with a 68 trans.