Wheels and Tires

Jwawhite

Jwawhite

Well-known member
Would like to convert the wheels and tires back to stock.

Coker sells the 710-15 tire with whitewall which costs, hold on, over $300, ea!
The 710-6 /15 is OEM for the 56 Station Wagon.

The Coker is of special design and ingredients, appear to be a Bias tire but is a Radial and looks original style.

I read the stock rims may not support the Radial and come apart.

Anyone with experience in buying a more reasonable tire along with wheels?

Also I've read some wheels may not be tenable for a Full Size Wheel Cover..
 
I run Diamondback radials on the Merc with the original rims and haven't had one come apart, however I can't seem to keep full disc caps or trim rings on 'em possibly due to the rims flexing with the radials. I'm considering getting new rims that are more radial friendly. Coker sells rims, too.
 
I’ve got the Coker bias look radials on my roadster, 8.20 15 rear and 5.60 15 front. They drive much better than the original bias plies, balanced fine and are round. Some complain about Coker, but they’ve been fine for me. I’ve also got a couple sets of Diamond Backs, modern radial carcasses, and they’re fine.

I haven’t run full hubcaps is years, but with the narrow width of the “bias look alike” I’d be surprised if they “load” the wheels that heavy in a turn unless you’re really hot footing it.
 
JWA, My '55 Courier wagon has had Coker bias ply 710X15 wide whites on it but they wear out real quick. I replaced two of them with American Classic 710x15 bias-look radials a couple years ago. I have had no problem with them, but they have the same narrow tread with as the original 710x15's and the Coker bias ply tires. No reason to have a problem with installation on the wheel. The price might make you swallow your tongue though!
 
Unless you really want the wide whitewalls, you can get regular whitewall radials for about $75 each at most any local tire store.
The look of the narrower whitewall doesn't bug me $900 worth, esp when they age-out after 8-ish years.
 

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5851a said:
Wow that color in the light. is it Vermillion? Sorry OT. ...
Click to expand...
I think what you may be seeing is a reflection of the sky on the hood and trunk lid. It's actually a fairly generic looking red. Repainted way before I got it, very slightly darker than the original Torch Red.

Now back to the originally scheduled program.... :o
.
 
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470669


470670

1955-1956 Accessory 15" Wire Wheel Covers.
They fitted on the stock 15" Steel Wheels together with the Dog Dish Hubcap, and were a popular Accessory for the 1955-1956 Ford Fairlanes and 1955-1956 Ford Thunderbirds.
 
Hello Kultulz!

No, haven't yet started to look for Steel Wheels.

Interesting about Coker vs Diamond Back Tires. The less expensive model of DB may not have the original upper sidewall appearance as old school but the more expensive DB does.

I second on the T Bird!!
 
Heck I have stock wheels and stock turbine hubcaps on my 1957 Skyliner, and I'd like to convert it over to Craggars, or Keystones some day, but everyone has me scared that they won't work/fit.
 

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Any good wheel/tire shop should have no trouble fitting the wheels you want if you’re looking for stock size replacements. Simple measurements on the stock wheel. Might wait a bit if they’re 14x5 or 5.5, but they should be available.
 
Gene F said:
Heck I have stock wheels and stock turbine hubcaps on my 1957 Skyliner, and I'd like to convert it over to Craggars, or Keystones some day, but everyone has me scared that they won't work/fit.
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Image 1. Measure the width, offset and backspace of the stock wheels you have. Look for aftermarket wheels close to those measurements and you should be fine, also the dia of the center hole for the hub and lug bolt circle. 5 on 4 & 1/2, (image 4)
The backspace of your wheels may be approx 3 & 1/2 to 3 & 5/8 inches.

"1957 Passenger Cars except Station Wagons, Retracts and Ranchero.
14″ X 5″ with slot openings and riveted centers, used with 14″ X 7.50 tires."

Image 2. On the front of the car too much backspace places the inner sidewall against the upper suspension. Damage to the tire can easily happen.
Unless you prefer all 4 wheels to fit the same you should be able to use a slightly wider wheel on the rear, with a bit more backspace. There is usually more clearance to the suspension.

Image 3. I have a set of these Torq Thrust wheels 1 inch wider than the stock wheels but a very similar offset / backspace, and I expect them to fit just fine... although without the fender skirts.
 

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I ran the 14X6 70 Torino magnum 500 type on my 58 for years. A little tight at the rear and required the use of bumper jack to allow axel to drop a little, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I always thought they looked pretty good and bolted on with no problem.
 
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