Custom Wheels

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

Now THAT I like.... What year ford are these from??

maybe 55 TBird?

1955 model year (FORD & BIRD) with red center caps. 1956 used white center caps.

More than one style was available.

[50fordcoupeman]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Remember these-

- CRAGAR SMOOTHIE CHROME REVERSE -

My favorite!!!

[emf]

Well, I went to dinner with my bride and took the 54, of course. Next to the restaurant was an ice creme shop and there was a 56 TBird with those same wire covers. Sorry to be blunt, but they felt tinny and I did not like them at all. I'm glad I saw them up close and personal.. To be continued...


Frank

[BruceMc]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Remember these-

- CRAGAR SMOOTHIE CHROME REVERSE -

Smoothies are definitely the cleanest look and also seem to work with the widest variety of tires, big and small, blackwall or whitewall.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

Well, I went to dinner with my bride and took the 54, of course. Next to the restaurant was an ice creme shop and there was a 56 TBird with those same wire covers. Sorry to be blunt, but they felt tinny and I did not like them at all. I'm glad I saw them up close and personal.. To be continued...

Frank

...hmmph ...

Sorry to hear that. At least you saw them before buying...

That only leaves one choice-

[emf]

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Maybe a smoothie without all the chrome... like this

[tjaybo]

emf, that is the exact set-up I want for my 55 fairlane club sedan. can you tell me what components those are? or where to look Thanks

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by tjaybo

...can you tell me what components those are? or where to look Thanks

Start Here- https://www.wheelvintiques.com/gennie-bare-finish.html

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

Maybe a smoothie without all the chrome... like this

If that looks nice to you, maybe consider a set of wider/reversed steel wheels color-keyed to the car with 54 hub caps and trim rings?

Can you see the widened wheel offset on this 55?

[Daddio]

Here's a thought. Recent trend is to go for larger diameter wheels / low profile tires ... filling those wheel wells. Maybe even an offset set like 18" fronts and 20" rears.

If you go for a smoothie, all sizes are readily available.

[KULTULZ]

Here's a thought. Recent trend is to go for larger diameter wheels / low profile tires ... filling those wheel wells. Maybe even an offset set like 18" fronts and 20" rears.

! PIMP MY RIDE !

[emf]

Originally Posted by Daddio

Here's a thought. Recent trend is to go for larger diameter wheels / low profile tires ... filling those wheel wells. Maybe even an offset set like 18" fronts and 20" rears.

If you go for a smoothie, all sizes are readily available.

I'm not sure I want to hot rod my ride. I like to have my cars look basically stock, but I also like the mild custom look. I guess the mild custom look is in the eye of the beholder. I'll be buying the tires in Hershey this year, so I have some time to consider all possibilities. Most likely the red smoothie above with a beauty ring...


Frank

[parklane]

Do yourself a favor, and get the Diamondbacks

[emf]

Originally Posted by parklane

Do yourself a favor, and get the Diamondbacks

Your change in the direction of this thread is welcomed. I have been considering Coker Classics radials up til now, but maybe the Diamondbacks need another look. I called them and their Auburn white wall is on sale for $234. That's not much different from the Cokers. The only problem is that I can't touch and feel them like I can the Cokers. Diamondbacks are only sold on the web. Pros and cons???


Frank

[Automotive Stud]

As classic as the caps and rings are, I feel like they would make that car look "cheap" compared to the full caps it has now. But you know what they say about opinions...

[miker98038]

I’ve run two sets of Coker’s, and two sets of Diamonds Backs. The first was a set of original size ww’s on my 55 bird, on Kelsey Hayes wires. Ran tubes, came with the car, and gave good service. They just got too old. I’m currently running Coker bias ply look likes, 5.60-15 and 8.20-15 on my 32. I had no problems with either, not with out of round or balance.

I’m running a set of Diamond Backs based on BFG T/A’s and a set of Nitto’s. The Nitto’s are on more of a pro touring car with wheel tubs and a full on suspension. Both these sets have been fine.

I wouldn’t run either set of DB’s in the sizes I’ve got on your car, they’d be too hot rod. But if you pick the appropriate size and white wall width, they’d be fine. The difference I see is DB is using a modern tire, so there’s some improved technology in carcass and tread design. That might or might not suit your “eye of the beholder”.

I really do like the bias look radial on my roadster. Way better than the bias Firestone’s (Coker) that they replaced. But I’ve had good luck with both brands.

[parklane]

After checking with friends, and members of different clubs, I have heard many more complaints from the Cokers, than the Diamondbacks, but the final decision is yours, of course.