1962 Galaxie 500XL 15" wheels, tires and wheel covers

[SoCalCoupe]

Really down in the weeds with this topic. The Galaxie 500XL trim was a mid-year 1962 introduction as was the 406 FE V8. Unless I'm wrong, the 406 option always came with 15" wheels. The 15" High Performance "cat-eye" wheels are pretty rare. The 406 Galaxie came with 15" "cat-eye" wheels and dog dish hub caps; the higher trim level 406 Galaxie XL came with 15" "cat eye" wheels and 15" wheel covers that are identical to the 1956 15" wheel covers. The wheel cover information is from the 1962 Galaxie registry website. Can't find this in the 1960-1964 parts books.



I believe the 406 standard tires were 6.70x 15 and the optional tires were 7.10x15. Pie crust tires may be period correct.



Any opinions on the accuracy of tire and wheel cover aspects of these statements? I know, what a geek. Who cares? In the big picture, this is really unimportant.

[mercman from oz]

Correct 15 Inch Wheel Cover for the 1963 and 1964 Fords.
Notice that Ford used the 1956 Mercury Hubcap to create the Hi-Po 15" Wheel Covers for 1963 and 1964 Fords, by adding a Spinner.
I have never seen a 15" Wheel Cover for the 1962 Fords?

[mercman from oz]

1963 & 1964 Hi-Po 15" Mercury Wheel Cover
Notice that for these Hi-Po Wheel Covers Mercury added a Spinner to the 1952/1953 Mercury Hubcaps.

[mercman from oz]

1962 Fords
Tires: 4-ply black, tubeless with Tyrex Rayon cord and Soft-Tread design. Safety-type rims. Wagons-8.00 x 14 on 6" rims. Other models - 7.50 x 14 on 5 1/2" rims, except 8.00 x 14 tires on 5 1/2 rims with combination of Special V-8's and air conditioning. Optional 6.70 x 15 or 7.10 x 15 nylon tires required with 406 V-8's. White narrow band sidewall tires optional. For wagons optional 8.00 x 14 6-ply tires recommended with heavy-duty suspension and axle options for greater cargo-carrying capacity.

[5851a]

My late friends 62 XL soft top came with 406, had 55/56-wheel covers.

[KULTULZ]

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Originally Posted by SoCalCoupe

Really down in the weeds with this topic.

The Galaxie 500XL trim was a mid-year 1962 introduction as was the 406 FE V8. Unless I'm wrong, the 406 option always came with 15" wheels. The 15" High Performance "cat-eye" wheels are pretty rare. The 406 Galaxie came with 15" "cat-eye" wheels and dog dish hub caps; the higher trim level 406 Galaxie XL came with 15" "cat eye" wheels and 15" wheel covers that are identical to the 1956 15" wheel covers.

The wheel cover information is from the 1962 Galaxie registry website.

Can't find this in the 1960-1964 parts books.

I believe the 406 standard tires were 6.70x 15 and the optional tires were 7.10x15. Pie crust tires may be period correct.

Any opinions on the accuracy of tire and wheel cover aspects of these statements?

I know, what a geek. Who cares? In the big picture, this is really unimportant.

No, your post is very interesting and educational. I for one enjoy these strolls down memory lane.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by 5851a

My late friends 62 XL soft top came with 406, had 55/56-wheel covers.

Did they have spinners?

[KULTULZ]

HERE 'YA GO -

https://over-drive-magazine.com/2023...rs-fact-sheet/

https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-c...e-AMA-1-33.pdf

https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-c...e-AMA-1-21.pdf

https://classiccardb.com/ford/251230...l-4-speed.html

[Ford Freak]

Interesting thread. I never knew about the Mercury '52/'53 wheel cover for the 63/64 406/427 Mercs. Just goes to show how rare those hi-po Mercury's are.

[5851a]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Did they have spinners?

No spinners, just the red centers.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by 5851a

No spinners, just the red centers.

Thanx!

[SoCalCoupe]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

HERE 'YA GO -

https://over-drive-magazine.com/2023...rs-fact-sheet/

https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-c...e-AMA-1-33.pdf

https://over-drive-magazine.com/wp-c...e-AMA-1-21.pdf

https://classiccardb.com/ford/251230...l-4-speed.html

Great info; thanks for posting!

[KULTULZ]

You are more than welcome.

I had no idea you could get the engines in high trim levels. I thought it was only CUSTOM SEDANS.

Keep us posted as to what you come across.

[KULTULZ]

- 1962 FORD GALAXIE -

For 1962, the GALAXIE name was applied to all of the FORD full size models, as the FAIRLANE name was moved to a new intermediate model and the CUSTOM name was temporarily retired.

The new top-line GALAXIE 500 (2-DR, 4-DR SDN and HDTP, and SUNLINER (CONV) models offered plusher interiors, more chrome trim outside, and a few additional luxury items over and above what was standard on the plainer GALAXIE models. Base GALAXIE models were available in 2DR and 4DR SEDANS as well as the plain RANCH WAGON.

In an effort to stimulate mid-season sales, FORD introduced a group of sporty cars along it's "Lively Ones" marketing campaign.

These models featured bucket seats and console that were popularized by the CHEVROLET CORVAIR MONZA. Also included were the FAIRLANE SPORTS COUPE and FALCON FUTURA.

The "LIVELY ONES" GALAXIE 500 XL (2-DR HDT and CONV) also received the new bucket-seats and console.

FORD stated in its sales literature that XL stood for "Xtra LIVELY."

SOURCE - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Galaxie

[KULTULZ]

delete

OK, let me try to post this again, I had this on OPEN OFFICE, but when tried to copy & paste, for some unknown (to me) reason, my browser (FIREFOX) will not show capitalization and/or ILL's correctly only on this forum.

I may still be on restriction ...

- TO WIT -

1962 FORD GALAXIE BODY TYPE CODES

54A - 1962 GALAXIE 500 - 4DR SEDAN
54B - 1962 GALAXIE - 4DR SEDAN

62A - 1962 GALAXIE 500 - 2DR SEDAN
62B - 1962 GALAXIE - 2DR SEDAN

65A - 1962 GALAXIE 500 - 2DR HDTP
65B - 1962 GALAXIE 500XL - 2DR HDTP

76A - 1962 GALAXIE 500 - CONV
76B - 1962 GALAXIE 500XL - CONV

[mercman from oz]

Fake 1963-1964 Ford 15" Hi-Po Wheel Cover
Notice that the valve Hole is not in the correct position?
Compare this photo of this fake wheel cover with an Original - Post #2
In this case, a Ford Spinner has been added to a 1956 Mercury Hubcap.
Buyer beware.

[KULTULZ]

Remember this discussion Trevor?

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=339654

[mercman from oz]

Inside of fake 1963/1964 Ford Hi-Po 15" Wheel Cover.
Made from a regular 56 Mercury Wheel Cover.
They never placed the Valve Hole in the correct position?

[mercman from oz]

Inside of genuine 1963/1964 Ford Hi-Po 15" Wheel Cover.
Note that the centre is blank on the genuine Hi-Po wheel covers.
Also note where the Valve Hole is located.

[mercman from oz]

Rear of genuine 1956 Mercury Spinner Wheel Cover
Note that the Mercury has 4 Bolts to hold the Spinner while the Hi-Po Ford has 3