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01-31-2021, 08:12 AM | #21 | |
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Re: Brake Frustration
Quote:
I have a full set of 1957 Thunderbird wheel covers.I like the way they look. I also like the Kelsey Hayes wire wheel,however a set of those run well over $2500.00, with out the wide white tires.. Since I have the wheel covers I thought that was the better way to go. I have been hesitant about the reproduction wheels since I have not heard anything about them. One gets a little gun shy when you ask Thunderbird part venders about them and get a "we wouldn't sell brand x" or "if it don't have fomoco on it we will not buy it,and neither should you". That said, is there a reproduction company that sells a decent wheel,and if so where are they located. |
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01-31-2021, 09:33 AM | #22 | |
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Re: Brake Frustration
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You might try Wheel Smith in Corona, CA https://thewheelsmith.net/ The Wheelsmith wheel line includes custom and standard sized Wire, Rallye, Billet Aluminum, Smoothie Steel, Artillery, Vintage and OEM wheels.
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01-31-2021, 10:07 AM | #23 |
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Re: Brake Frustration
This subject is really starting to get interesting and since I continue to be trapped in a steep learning curve ...
You say the DISC KIT came from Hill. Did they say the kit would work with OEM wheels or did you have to change wheels (spacer kit) or you did not have the correct wheel (or same size wheel) to begin with? While I like the look of the later BIRD KH WIRES, to me they do not look appropriate on an early BIRD (IMO). Maybe if an appropriate center cap was available instead of the spinner. Are you familiar with the wire wheel covers of that era? Are you thinking of using the 57 skirts? OTHERS - All of this discussion pertains to 57 BIRD only as the wheel sizing was unique to 57 BIRD only.
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01-31-2021, 11:35 AM | #24 | |
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Re: Brake Frustration
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I have never had the correct wheels. When I obtained the car it had a set of wheels off of ,I was told , a 1969 Mach 1. Both the front wheels had a half inch spacer behind them to keep them from rubbing. When I purchased the disc setup from Hill's, they made no mention of having to change wheels, or for that matter use a spacer with the disc brakes. I did inquire at Hill's about wheels for a 1957 Thunderbird.They informed me that they had a list.That quote gave me little hope. I am planning on using the fender skirts. |
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01-31-2021, 01:46 PM | #25 | |
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Re: Brake Frustration
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https://hillsresto.com/contact/ I believe the oem style wheels should have FoMoCo and KH markings on them between the lugnut holes. Last edited by dmsfrr; 01-31-2021 at 08:06 PM. Reason: add photos |
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01-31-2021, 02:33 PM | #26 | |
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Re: Brake Frustration
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No, they should make that known in their cataloging description before someone buys the kit and finds out the OEM wheel will not fit. I see no such warning in Hill's cataloging. If someone has the correct wheels and then finds out he needs a wheel swap isn't the way to go about it.
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01-31-2021, 02:46 PM | #27 | |||
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Re: Brake Frustration
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Quote:
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One thing though, their kit uses the KH 4-Piston Caliper and if the correct sized caliper was chosen (65/66 MUST) you have a greater chance of finding a workable wheel. You are going to use the 57 deluxe full wheel cover and not the wire wheel cover?
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01-31-2021, 03:44 PM | #28 | |
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Re: Brake Frustration
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01-31-2021, 03:50 PM | #29 | |
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Location: Alabama
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Re: Brake Frustration
Quote:
Without the spacer, the tire rubs on the ball joint. The full Deluxe wheel cover with the white paint, not the wire wheel cover. |
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01-31-2021, 04:48 PM | #30 | ||
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Re: Brake Frustration
Quote:
Quote:
'55 & '56 T-Birds with their standard 15' wheels did have an optional 2 piece wire style wheelcover. Red centers in '55 and white centers in '56, provided by the dog-dish center caps for those years. Last edited by dmsfrr; 02-01-2021 at 12:04 AM. |
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01-31-2021, 05:24 PM | #31 | |
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Re: Brake Frustration
Quote:
If not, they likely assumed it had original wheels. |
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01-31-2021, 07:11 PM | #32 |
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Re: Brake Frustration
I stand corrected.
TURBINE WHEEL COVER
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01-31-2021, 07:30 PM | #33 |
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Re: Brake Frustration
I only know about the 15" wheels on my 55 bird, but some dimensions are going to be similar.
The early Ford rims had a smaller hub opening than the later wheels. On disc brake conversions using Granada rotors, the center hub is turned down to allow the wheel to fit. Later wheels that center on the lug nuts go on. I've read, but don't know that the early wheels should not have the center hole opened up. It's a safety/cracking issue as regards the wheel construction. If the spacer is to clear the upper ball joint, the problem is probably the back spacing. Since it's a tire side wall problem it's partially dependent on the tire. My bird has 15x 7" front wheels with 3 1/2 in backspace. With 225/60 tires, I have under 1/2" to the upper ball joint from the sidewall. Some have said a 4" backspace will work, in my case that would require very little sidewall bulge. If the tire was dismounted would the wheel go on without the spacers? Because if it won't it's likely hitting the caliper. I've been involved with several 14" disc brake conversions for OT cars where you must fit later model "disc brake" wheels to make the conversions. These were all GM products. But you do need to know caliper clearance. Some years back Wheelsmith made me a set of 15x7 rims, custom backspace, to put 10" cheater slicks on the back of the bird. That allowed me to run the same small Ford center cap (dog dish) front and rear on stock fronts. But that was the more common 15" wheel. They're worth a phone call. Given Hill's reputation, I'd bet stock 14" wheels fit fine. But before you spend a bunch on either modified or stock wheels double check that. Knowing the dimension of the current wheels, per dmsfrr post above would provide some clues. |
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