Want some new rims

[jonecin]

So I think I'm going to put some new rims on my 63Tbird. I like the look of a 17" rim but not sure what will fit a 10" wheel or 8" wheel.
What should I look for other than the 5x4.5 size?
I'm most worried about the rear tires hitting/rubbing. Will I need to take the skirts off?

[novanutcase]

Coys C5 17 x 8
BFG G-Force Sports 225/50/17

Rears will rub slightly on skirts so you may need to grind the edge a little.

John

[jonecin]

thanks! Your car looks bad ass!

[Dirty Birdy]

I posted a pic in another thread but...

I am running a set of boyds as well. Smoothie IIs. 18x8 in front 20x10 rear. Wrapped in Nitto 555s 255/40/18 and 285/30/20 I measured about 15 times and when I called they told me they wouldnt fit. I told them they would. Proof is in the pics. I did have to roll the rear fender lip, and I have no more than a 1/2 inside and outside. No rubbing!

PS I think running the skirt will not be an option with a larger wheel. Plus why cover up something so pretty. LOL
I believe your car has front drums? If so its a bit easier to fit wheels. My car has the factory big front disks which are a pain to clear. Even with my measurements I had to shave the large ridge that runs down the side of the caliper.
I found this.... hope it helps
http://tunertools.com/articles/Wheel-Fitment.asp

[jonecin]

Yeah that helps out a lot. Your bird looks real sweet! Thanks for all the info, the skirts will definitely be coming off. I'll be putting on some wheels this month and posting some pics once I get them on.

[novanutcase]

I replaced the front drums on my '61 with some '65 DB's. Luckily the Coys cleared them.

John

[Dirty Birdy]

Originally Posted by novanutcase

I replaced the front drums on my '61 with some '65 DB's. Luckily the Coys cleared them.

John

I love that year thunderbird. Your car looks awsome. I think the front end on those years look so mean.

[jonecin]

I managed to find some 17x8 coys on craigslist up in Oakland for a good price. I picked them up and put em on. Love the look. Thanks for the info!

[novanutcase]

Originally Posted by jonecin

I managed to find some 17x8 coys on craigslist up in Oakland for a good price. I picked them up and put em on. Love the look. Thanks for the info!

Nice!!! Drop the front end a little and it'll have the perfect stance!

John

[jonecin]

Yeah that is the next step, maybe cut the front spring 2 inches? Also need to get rid of that ugly side mirror.

[novanutcase]

Originally Posted by jonecin

Yeah that is the next step, maybe cut the front spring 2 inches? Also need to get rid of that ugly side mirror.

You probably already know this but each coil you cut off will drop the car around 2".

John

[Dirty Birdy]

Yea the back looks allright, front sits a bit high. The issue I found is that these birds body work tends to make the car "Look" like its sitting low in the rear making the front look high. Just make sure before you do any cutting of the springs, to check your spacing on your inner fenders to the tire. It would suck to cut your springs and then find out that you rub while trying to turn a corner.

Looks awsome! Im really glad to see that Im not the only one that finds these cars really take well to some mild rodding.

Oh and yea, toss the mirror, maybe look into a custom billet style one that would go with your wheel set up. I personally got rid of my mirrors, door handles, emblems, turn singnal idicators on the fenders, LOL I like the shaved, clean look.

[novanutcase]

So how do you see traffic in your blind spot without mirrors?

John

[Dirty Birdy]

Originally Posted by novanutcase

So how do you see traffic in your blind spot without mirrors?

John

Still have the rear view mirror but I do take my time with changing lanes just to be safe. LONG shoulder check! LOL I actually will sometimes hit the throttle a bit and re check just to make sure no one is hiding behind that big blind spot in the side of that landau roof line.

[novanutcase]

Originally Posted by Dirty Birdy

Still have the rear view mirror but I do take my time with changing lanes just to be safe. LONG shoulder check! LOL I actually will sometimes hit the throttle a bit and re check just to make sure no one is hiding behind that big blind spot in the side of that landau roof line.

AHA!!! Motorcycle lane change check!!!

John