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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Rear tire width advice needed.

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    10/02/2018 10:34 AM  #1

    Brents65
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Upstate NY
    Registered: 7/22/2013
    Posts: 522

    Rear tire width advice needed.

    My car is almost done being painted as I type.  I’m to the point of buying tires. My car is a 65 coupe that I modified by installing a Crites leaf spring relocating kit and I mini tubbed it.  Measuring my rear wheel wells, I have about 13” of clearance side to side. I measured a 295-50-15 and it has a 12” section width and 10” tread and is 26” tall. This is the tire I’m leaning toward but am wondering if it would be too tight.  What would be the widest tire I should use?

    65 mustang coupe, 351W, C6-  2800 stall, B&M blower, 9inch- trac-loc 3.70 gears
     

    10/02/2018 9:55 PM  #2

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,302

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    Experiment by jacking the rear end up by one wheel only. Bolt on an old wheel and measure how much room you have between the sidewall and the side of the tub. Do the math, taking backspacing of both wheels in consideration, and then leave about 1/2 to  3/4”  clearance.
    Then do same on opposite side with the wheel hanging down while the other side is still jacked up. Measure to quarter panel. Then you can do math there to determine clearance.

    From my experience, about an inch clearance on the inside and 1/2 to 3/4” at the quarter panel will allow for extreme angles when the rear end moves around.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    10/03/2018 3:54 AM  #3

    Brents65
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Upstate NY
    Registered: 7/22/2013
    Posts: 522

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    Thanks, I’ll post more pics as it comes together.

    65 mustang coupe, 351W, C6-  2800 stall, B&M blower, 9inch- trac-loc 3.70 gears
       •Thread Starter
     

    10/03/2018 7:28 AM  #4

    Rudi
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,983

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    This might help.
    '65-'66 MUSTANGSWheelBackspaceTire Size
    15x6 4.000P215/70R15
    15x7 4.250P225/60R15
    15x8 4.500P235/60R15
    16x7 4.250P225/60R16
    16x8 4.500P225/50R16
    17x7 4.250P205/50R17
    17x8 4.500P235/45R17
    '67-'70 MUSTANGSWheelBackspaceTire Size
    15x6 4.000P215/70R15
    15x7 4.250P225/60R15
    15x8 4.500P225/60R15
    15x9 5.500P235/60R15('69-'70 only)
    16x7 4.250P205/55R16
    16x8 4.500P255/50R16
    17x7 4.250P205/50R17
    17x 4.500P235/45R17
    17x9 5.500P245/40R17 (P275/40R17rear axle)
    18x10 6.500P225/40R18
    20x1 05.000/customP225/35R20 (rear axle only)

    Last edited by Rudi (10/03/2018 11:15 AM)

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    10/03/2018 11:04 AM  #5

    Brents65
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Upstate NY
    Registered: 7/22/2013
    Posts: 522

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    Thanks Rudy but my set up will be a very wide rear tire. I am however going to be running a 15” wheel.  I’ll probably start with a 275 width tire.

    65 mustang coupe, 351W, C6-  2800 stall, B&M blower, 9inch- trac-loc 3.70 gears
       •Thread Starter
     

    10/03/2018 6:49 PM  #6

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,302

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    I used to run 275x50/15 tires on 15x7 with 4” backspacing on a lowered 70 convertible. Really needed an 8” wheel, but this was back before wider Magnums were available. It cleared fine on that car, but on a customized early model, trial and error or careful measuring will get it dialed in.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    10/25/2018 2:09 PM  #7

    Wag8142
    FYI FORD Member

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    From: Laurel Ms
    Registered: 9/01/2015
    Posts: 33

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    I'm currently running 215/60/15 on my 65 and this is how they fit .

     

    10/25/2018 6:16 PM  #8

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,877

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    anxious to "getta look" at  you trick rear end!!
    Tubbed rear end has always been on my bucket list
    6sal6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    10/27/2018 9:12 AM  #9

    BobE
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,674

    Re: Rear tire width advice needed.

    I'm interested to know if you eliminated the back seat or narrow it?

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

     

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