QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1964 Galaxie 500 2dr hardtop. I'm keeping most of the car original, but I'd like to get wider tires in the rear for better traction. Any advise on wheel size and max tire width would be very helpful, Thanks.
ANSWER: there is a HUGE amount of room back there.
Lets start with what size rims/wheels you want to use.
14" or 15" for that stock look?
16",17" or 18" for a more aggressive look?
Do you want traction... or looks...i mean go or show or both?
I now drive a 63' Fairlane
rear tires 18/235/50 front 18/205/50
there is plenty of room for more.
BUT!!!! You have to have the right offset and backspacing.
also take into consideration whether you have drum or disc brakes.
With disc brakes you will need a larger wheel opening because the disc brakes are wider than the drums.
Give me more info and I will help you more.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks, you're right, I should' given more specs. The wheels are 17x9 torque thrust wheels off a 94 mustang, not factory , obviously. My Galaxie has the factory drum brakes for now.I'm not sure of the exact backspacing or offset, I know it's a slight positive offset and approximately 5" backspacing. I don't have them on the car yet. If for some strang reason the wheels have too much backspacing and hit the leaf springs, what's your opinion on wheel spacers?
AnswerI am pretty sure you will need wheel spacers.
Wheel spacers have been used for years with no problems.
You can go pretty big in back ...the problem is the stock suspension has limitations.
I would say you could safely but up to
REAR: 235/17/50 If you try to go bigger, you will stress the
axles and gears.
FRONT: 205/17/50 Any larger you'll have to deal with suspension geometry issues.
Find out what the back spacing AND the offset of your rims.
Here is link that could help you.
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoWheelOffsets.dos
Good luck, keep me informed...Gus
