I am going for a look like this. I am using a speedway kit up front with disk brakes so I know I have 5X4 3/4 but what back spacing do I need how wide 5? 15 or 16" ?? In the rear I have a Dana Spitzer with drums and a 5X4 1/2 pattern again how wide and what size rim??? The next question is radial or bias tires and I think what rim size dictates what tires I can run. Im looking at wheelvintiques stockton wheels (close to me) and corker - any place else I should look??? Thanks!
If you want that look, use what they did, early Ford drum brakes, 5 on 5 1/2 lug pattern, 16" by 4 or 4 1/2 wheels and big little bias tires. Buying oranges and hoping they taste like apples is wishful thinking.. But you did say you are going for a look LIKE the pic. If you are running fenders then the discs may not work as they push the wheel out, unless you have a narrower axle, 15 " wheels and radials...gasp
I really like the picture, but you have to ask yourself how you want the car to handle. I chose to go with 15X5 front and 15X8 in the rear. 5 on 4 1/2 pattern. Where I live it's all country roads that are winding and up and down so I wanted it to handle as good as a dropped axle car can. I'm very happy with the way it drives, and willing to compromise on the look with the radials.
My best guess would be 15x5" fronts and 15x6" rears (like stock '50 Merc wheels in front and the rears would be Merc centers with Buick rims for the extra width, only those won't fit your bolt pattern) and 6.00-15" front and 6.70-15" rear tires. Then you'll have to find some 15" full-moon wheelcovers which were probably made by National or some similar outfit.
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