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  •  » 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

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    4/24/2013 11:03 AM  #1

    dwalker2
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    From: Northern NJ
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 44

    16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    Anybody out there still a fan of smaller wheels (<17") and meatier tires with a raked profile? This is nothing against those out there with big wheels, low profile tires and dropping the car at all. I understand they look better to some and the lower profile tires handle better, just stating my opinion and wanted to see how many agree out there. Everyone's ride on this site that I've seen is beautiful, both lowered and at stock height but there sure are some gaudy looking classics out there. I have a restomod and love updating my stang with newer, fresher hardware and accents but I'm keeping my big BF Goodrich's and going with some 15", maybe 16" Torq Thrust II's!

    Last edited by dwalker2 (4/24/2013 11:05 AM)

    All throttle no bottle
     

    4/24/2013 12:04 PM  #2

    Michael H.
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    From: Laurel, MS
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I am.  Here is a pic of my '67 with 16"x8" Torq Thrust II's and 225/50R16 BF Goodrich G-force sport tires... and Shelby/Arning Drop.

    Her name is Kate.  She is Miss August on one of the two Mustang Steve calendars this year.


    Last edited by Michael H. (4/24/2013 12:09 PM)

     

    4/24/2013 12:29 PM  #3

    GPatrick
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    Certain sizes in both 15" and 16" are getting a little harder to find but I agree, the bigger sidewall on the smaller diameter wheels tends to look better on the early cars.  For me, brake selection dictates that I will be running 17" wheels.  As was just mentioned in another thread, the smaller the diameter, the bigger the "buldge" which may cause rub issues in some applications.

     

    4/24/2013 3:18 PM  #4

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I also would prefer to run 16" wheels.  I used to have some 16" alloys on my car with 225x55R16 tires and it rode really great .  The 17's do degrade the ride, but I had to do it in order to run the bigger brakes.

    Nowadays, the 17" wheels are usually the base size even on small economy cars, so they do not look as BIG as they did when the 17" was the biggest thing out there.  But I do agree the 16" has the best proportions for the car.  You have to set the car really low to get a 17" to look at home.

    Last edited by MustangSteve (4/24/2013 3:20 PM)

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

    4/24/2013 3:24 PM  #5

    jollem
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    From: New Zealand
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    Like the 15" with drop

     

    4/24/2013 4:11 PM  #6

    FFR3247
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I'm partial to 17". 

     

    4/24/2013 5:31 PM  #7

    dwalker2
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    Michael H. wrote:

    I am.  Here is a pic of my '67 with 16"x8" Torq Thrust II's and 225/50R16 BF Goodrich G-force sport tires... and Shelby/Arning Drop.

    Her name is Kate.  She is Miss August on one of the two Mustang Steve calendars this year.

     
    Very nice Michael H!

    All throttle no bottle
       •Thread Starter
     

    4/24/2013 6:00 PM  #8

    Xargon321
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires



    my 65 mustang with 16x7 konig rewinds running 215/55/16 have Mustangsteves 2008 brake brackets modded so i can run v6 rotors and calipers so i can keep my 16"

     

    4/24/2013 6:52 PM  #9

    lowercasesteve
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    From: Auburn, Ca
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I've Had both 15" & 16" Wheels ( currently 16").  I like them both a lot.  I prefer OEM steel wheels, but you can't  get them in 16" size (only 5 on 5 bolt pattern).  You can tet them in 17" though.

    Here is the 15 inch version with dog dish hubcaps.  225x60-15

    Here is the 16: version withthe smooth wheels and baby moons.  Fr 215-55x16  R 25-55-16



    I now have MkVII aluminum wheels just for a change of pace.


     

    Last edited by lowercasesteve (4/24/2013 7:03 PM)

    Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
     

    4/24/2013 6:53 PM  #10

    JamesW
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    From: Greenville, Tx
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    16x7 TTIIs on 215/55-16s

     

    4/24/2013 6:53 PM  #11

    6sally6
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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I too like the 15" maybe 16" rumz.
    A pal on here once stated his theroy why the 17s and larger rims were making such a hit. Most younger guys had the "hot wheels" when they grew up,and to them...the big rims looks like the car they usta fantasize about
    Us more seasoned guys(who usta BUY the hot wheels for our little kids) ...not so much.
    They make me think about a conastoga wagon when I see the big rim/skinny tire. Butt-hay...that's just me!!
    There's enough guys with the 17's that it is almost a given now when guys "mod-their-rod'!
    "OLD-SKOOL" AIN'T the only way to do it.......I just happen to prefer it.
    OK now..........SHOOT!!!!
    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
     

    4/25/2013 10:27 PM  #12

    Q66
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I am trying to convince myself to make the transition from my old Meaty BFgoodrich tires on 14s (I know don't laugh) that are completely worn out  to 17s.  I actually prefer the look of more tire I think 16 would be a good compromise, but I keep hearing that the 17 fits better because of the ball joint and that finding tires is more difficult.  

     

     

    4/26/2013 6:35 AM  #13

    DC
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    From: Marshall, MI
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I went from 14's to 17's to clear the Cobra brakes. Not only did the ride go south, driver feel did too. I mean the feel for the edge when you are pushing the car. On the track that is not too bad because you are ready for it, but on the street, especially in marginal conditions, the short sidewall tires suck! It is like a sudden cliff has come up, no warning that the edge is here, you just fall off. I have tried different tires, with similar results. I think the only fix is taller tires and a new gear set and new fender flairs and more horsepower and new interior and new paint and new .......................

     

    4/26/2013 12:21 PM  #14

    RonNL
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    From: The Netherlands
    Registered: 4/26/2013
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    My Dorothy has Magnum 500 wheels 14x7 and Cooper Cobra 235/60xR14
    The clearance is minimal at the upper control arm.
     

     

    4/26/2013 11:49 PM  #15

    Muzz 66
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    From: Madera, California
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    6sally6 wrote:

    I too like the 15" maybe 16" rumz.
    A pal on here once stated his theroy why the 17s and larger rims were making such a hit. Most younger guys had the "hot wheels" when they grew up,and to them...the big rims looks like the car they usta fantasize about
    6sal6

    This would explain the newest Camaro. 

    '66 Fastback since July 27, 1981. Springtime Yellow, originally a 200 cu in, 4 speed. Also a '92 LX Coupe, 5.0, 5 speed.
     

    4/27/2013 5:13 AM  #16

    RonNL
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires


    Dorothy

     

    5/11/2015 2:22 PM  #17

    mathewwarner
    Unregistered

    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    Hi Mike,
    I like the way your car sits. I am still figuring out what wheels for my 67 coupe. Did you go larger tire wise on the back or does the photo just look that way?


    Matt

    Last edited by mathewwarner (5/11/2015 2:22 PM)

     

    5/11/2015 8:14 PM  #18

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    My only advice, since I like all the tire diameters, is to just make sure they fit the car.  If they can rub...EVER... they are dangerous and just waiting to rub really bad one day and cut a tire and wreck the car. 

    If the tire won't fit... It'll eventually split...

    Hey, Ron NL, was that your car on the cover of the 2014 calendar?

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

    5/11/2015 8:56 PM  #19

    McStang
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    From: Benicia, CA
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    lowercasesteve wrote:

    I've Had both 15" & 16" Wheels ( currently 16").  I like them both a lot.  I prefer OEM steel wheels, but you can't  get them in 16" size (only 5 on 5 bolt pattern).  You can tet them in 17" though.

    Here is the 15 inch version with dog dish hubcaps.  225x60-15

    Here is the 16: version withthe smooth wheels and baby moons.  Fr 215-55x16  R 25-55-16



    I now have MkVII aluminum wheels just for a change of pace.


     

    We need a bigger pic of the MKVII alus - love the 16" steelies butt (TAYA) they'd be even more 'rad' if they were 17"s

    (Pinto!)
     

    5/12/2015 2:50 PM  #20

    Rsmach1
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    From: Downey, CA.
    Registered: 4/05/2014
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    15s for me with a slight rake on my Mach, like the old school look.

     

    5/12/2015 4:50 PM  #21

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires


    225-60-15

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    5/12/2015 5:10 PM  #22

    Bullet Bob
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    From: Montrose, Colorado
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    Is that the "punt" Barry.  I don't think I ever saw a pic of it.  If thats it, it's gonna be tough to go back to Sautern (?) Gold, ain't it?

    You know if you brought if over as a "Bash Cruiser" and stored it here, I'd be happy to check on it and make sure the seals didn't dry out.

    BB

    "you get what you pay for, good work isn't cheap, and there are NO free lunches...PERIOD!"
     

    5/12/2015 6:27 PM  #23

    lowercasesteve
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    From: Auburn, Ca
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    McStang wrote:

    lowercasesteve wrote:

    I've Had both 15" & 16" Wheels ( currently 16").  I like them both a lot.  I prefer OEM steel wheels, but you can't  get them in 16" size (only 5 on 5 bolt pattern).  You can tet them in 17" though.

    I now have MkVII aluminum wheels just for a change of pace.


     

    We need a bigger pic of the MKVII alus - love the 16" steelies butt (TAYA) they'd be even more 'rad' if they were 17"s

    How's this?

     

    Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
     

    5/12/2015 7:41 PM  #24

    Steve69
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    Thanks for posting those nice rides!

     

    5/12/2015 8:02 PM  #25

    DC
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    From: Marshall, MI
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    Re: 16"+ wheels & low profile tires

    I am running 17s on my 65 and just to clear the MS's Cobra brake package I have. I think they are awesome looking and also have a lot of tire choices. Smaller rims now days have fewer and fewer good tire choices every year. With a 17 inch rim you still have a nicely visible and usable side wall. If you live in "Pot hole" country like I do, a tire with some side wall is mandatory unless you carry several spare wheels in your trunk.

     

     

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