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Largest Wheels/Tires for '61 Falcon?

12K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  HankyJ 
#1 ·
I'll be putting some steel wheels with really nice bottle cap hubcaps on my '61 Falcon for the super sleeper look. It's got a hopped up 302 and 8" rear end. The rear wheel wells are stock, so I know the width won't be much. Can someone tell me the widest wheels, including backspacing, that I can fit on the rear end? Also, if you could tell me the tire size you're running too, that would be great. This will be my first tire sizing, and I know it can be tricky. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
It depends on what the rear end width is and how much you have hammered the inside of the wheel wells.I have some 15x7 wheels with 4.5 backspacing on my '62, with some 8.5 inch wide 26X10.5X15 MT streets.Not much room for a wider tire or wheel in there.I had to move the springs inboard of the frame to fit the wheels but you might be able to just squeeze the same size tire in there without moving the springs.

_________________
'58 Morris Minor 289 S/S MM
'62 Falcon 351W "Just Falcon Around"

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Just Jim on 4/19/02 9:18am ]</font>
 
#3 ·
Thanks Jim. I appreciate that. I've turned under the lip on the outer side of the rear fenders, but have yet to beat on the inner wheel wells. I'll use your measurements as a starting point. I have a friend with some steel wheels that he'll let me use for mock fitment. By the way, what does moving the springs inboard do for handling? My car is strictly street. (Also, I'd love to see a picture of your Morris Minor. I've always wanted to stuff a Ford smallblock into one of those.) Thanks again.
 
#4 ·
HankyJ,
Moving the springs inboard didn't really affect the handling as far as I can tell. With no front swaybar,90/10 front shocks and a locker rearend it doesn't handle that great to begin with.I drive it on the street like the old guy I am anyway. Ha.

I'd like to see a pic of your car or since you are from the L.A. area maybe I'll see ya at the track one day.I've been going to Irwindale's 1/8 mile track lately.For more pics and info on the Morrie go to: http://members.aol.com/danmas/289minor.htm The info is a few years old but you'll get the idea.

_________________
'58 Morris Minor 289 S/S MM
'62 Falcon 351W "Just Falcon Around"

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Just Jim on 4/25/02 9:20am ]</font>

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Just Jim on 4/25/02 9:21am ]</font>
 
#5 ·
Jim that lil' car is fantastic! I bet it's a load of fun with such a short wheelbase. Thanks for the pictures. I've added the site to my favorites.

Yes, I may see you at Irwindale some day. My car is currently in that horrible "halfway there" phase, but it does get driven. I'm currently replacing the C-4 with a T-5, and have found that I need to hack out the tranny tunnel and get a new one welded in. Then it's a matter of welding in the 3-point seatbelt anchors to the B pillars, and getting some more work done on interior before that gets painted. You know how it goes. Thanks again!
 
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