Wheels and tires

[frank_a]

Looks like with 15 X 8 with a 5.5 backspace and 11 and 1/2 wide tires, I would have close to a half foot to the stake rack and body. Doesn't that seem a bit much?

I wonder how much it would cost to get my half shafts and control arms on the jag cut and re-welded, or maybe I could just buy some XKE ones from ebay?

In a quandary...

[Bruce Pickett]

I wouldn't go through all that for a few inches as a wider rear footprint will make the car corner better at speed.
I used a Lincoln Mark IV rear just for that reason for cornering in the Mtns. Besides, you may want to use wider wheels and tires on later.

[dezolde]

Looks like with 15 X 8 with a 5.5 backspace and 11 and 1/2 wide tires, I would have close to a half foot to the stake rack and body. Doesn't that seem a bit much?

Not sure I understand how you get close to half foot. Are you saying half foot per side or total?

You said your sedan rear end is 61" plus wide from wheel flange to wheel flange. I believe it is actually 61.75" but let's use 61.5".
5.5" BS x 2 = 11.0" so inside of wheel to inside of wheel would be 50.5".
11.5" tire width minus 8.0" wheel width is 3.5" total or 1.75" bulge both outside and inside.
50.5" - 3.5" = 47.0" from the inside of tire to inside of tire.
You said the body was 44.0" wide.

Am I missing something?

I wonder how much it would cost to get my half shafts and control arms on the jag cut and re-welded, or maybe I could just buy some XKE ones from ebay?

In a quandary...

Curt Hamilton, in Van Nuys, CA made new half shafts and shortened lower control arms for $475/pr.

[frank_a]

Thanks Bruce and Dezoide. I'm just going to wait till I get the wheels and tires and get them mounted before doing anything or making any decisions. I'll also get somebody to help me put the body on for a quick check. It will probably be month's end before I know.

I have a welder buddy who would shorten the half shafts and control arms for $200. I'd have to have the half shafts balanced too I think. That's a bridge I'll cross when I need to.

[dezolde]

You're welcome, just remember that free advice is often worth the price.
Having said that, I would likely choose 10.0" wide, 5.0" BS wheel for use with 11.5" tread. IMO, 8.0" is a little narrow.
Regardless, best of luck at whatever you decide to do.

Jerry

[frank_a]

Jerry, my old 18 and 1/2 tires were on 15 inch wide wheels. My tires guy thought 8 inch wide wheels would work fine, so I went with a guy that's been in business 30 years for his advice.

I got the tires today after just ordering them from Amazon yesterday! Wheels are coming from eBay, "estimated delivery February 14-18. We'll see how that goes.

I'm gonna try a paste in a couple pics of these babies, but usually don't have much luck doing two or more in one post. We'll see how this goes...

First a comparison to the junkyard wheels and tires I have on now:

[frank_a]

Hmmm...

[frank_a]

This is what I was looking for. Front wheels are 3.5 inches wide, not sure of the tire size (would have to go downstairs to look, and do not feel that hot today).

[dezolde]

Looks like things coming together well for you. Will be nice if you can share pictures as you get the wheels and body mounted.

[frank_a]

Thanks Jerry! Yes, they are. Will post pics once the rear wheels come in, then get the tires mounted on them, get the right lug nuts (1/2-20, but not sure of shank length just yet), set the body on and take some pics. Will post hopefully by the end of the month.

Still a lot to do with the body, and want to get a different piece of something to do the dash. I don't think I like the 1/4 inch luan.

Frank