16 inch wheels and resto...

[leadfoot95]

I was at a swap meet today and bought a set of 16inch rims from another Tbird TC. I have a "plain" tbird with the hub caps and steal rims. I love the look of the 16's, however the clear coat is comming off. I believe they should fit, since there is plenty of room. Now the two questions....what size of tire can I put under the bird? they have 225-60-16's now and look good, can I go bigger? Next one, what is the best way to deal with the clear coat issue? I would like any help. One thing I was told was to use a scotchbrite pad and some time. Then recoat them with clear, any suggestions? thanks. :confused:

[wally88]

As for the tire issue, you should just stick with the 60 sidewall height, otherwise it will effect your speedo. And for the width, you might be able to go 1 or 2 sizes wider, to a 235 or 245, if you ask the guys at the tire store, they will tell you. With the wheels, what I did with an extra set, was I took what's called Aircraft Stripper(you can get it at Wal-Mart or somewhere like that)and spray it on the wheels WITH THE TIRES OFF, and it will strip all the old clearcoat off. Then you can re-do the clear. Or you can do what I did and polish them. What I did was sand off the machine lines with 800grit sandpaper, then wetsand them with 1000grit sandpaper, and then wetsand them again with 1200grit. After you are satisfied with the job, go get a cloth polishing wheel for a high speed drill and some Mother's Aluminum Wheel Polish, and polish the crap out of them, they will look like chrome. Then,if you want them to look REAL good for a LONG time, get them Powder Coated clear. Hope that helps! Good luck, Jesse. ;)