Wheel preferences?

Howdy all,

After replacing springs, making new spring bushes, replacing king pins & bushes, replacing shock absorbers, brake wheel cylinders & hoses and adjusting the play out of the steering.....my '63 van is starting to drive OK.


It now looks a little unusual on its 195/60/14 wheels - what are the wheel preferences (without modifying body & suspension)?


Thanks & regards,
Rhys

You've got the right style wheels for the van, but in the wrong size... I'd go w/the Cragar SS in 15x6 w/the std. back spacing on the front w/215/65R15 or 215/70R15 BFG's and 15x8 w/the std. back spacing on the rear w/275/60R15 BFG's. Just don't forget to roll your rear quarter-panel lips or you'll have your new pretty tires all cut-up... This way you don't really need to mess w/your suspension, even though I'd personally op for a 2" front Eaton Springs drop...

I have just about the same set up that Cat recommends on my Econo, but had to have the 15 X 8 Cragar SS's for the rear special ordered. They didn't come stock in that width with the correct bolt pattern. Not a big deal, but took a little longer to get.

Cat, can you elaborate on the "Eaton Spring drop"? I want to lower my front a couple of inches.

The correct back spacing for the rear 15x8 Cragar SS's is 4.25'' and the part # is: 61815.

Re: The 2" Eaton Springs drop, Eaton Detroit Spring makes a complete 2" front leaf spring drop kit for our 1st Gen Econos for $399.00... For more info you can contact the folks @ Eaton at: 313.963.3839 , by e-mail at: sales@eatonsprings.com , or check-out their website at: www.eatonsprings.com ...

Not an E but an A



P215/65R15 on 15X7 front
P275/60R15 on 15X10 rear
I'm guessing on the wheel widths, since they are mounted.

I have Cragars on the front (8x15 and rear 10x15) of my 65 Econo and had no trouble with the correct bolt pattern. Summit Racing had them all in stock and I did not need to roll the rear quarter panel lips. I have G60s up front and N50s on the rear.

I may have had a little issue with my 8" rears being in stock because I don't have the traditional all chrome SS model. Mine have shaded spokes, but otherwise the same SS design (and they are called an SS model). Sorry for any confusion.

Where did you buy new springs?

econorat wrote:Where did you buy new springs?

Go to any spring shop. They can make them for you or re-arch your stock springs.

hi all,

15's it is then - thanks everybody for your feedback.

Regards,
Rhys

Hate to chime in so late, but I gotta say, I LOVE the 14's. I think, just add some more meat to 'em. I've got 14 inch Keystones on my G and I HATE that I can't find replacements (mine are less than perfect). I actually think that I may have mine rechromed after I have tackled all of the other issues I have. -John

Personally I like the 14's as long as you put a big tire on them. At least a 205. I run Torque Thrust D's 14x6 with 205/70 B F Goodrich. I'd like a little bigger tire on the rear but this is all the front will handle. They rub the drag link on a hard turn. This is all it needs. 15's are just a little out of proportion in my opinion. Don't tell anybody but I have a set of 15x4's and 15x8's vintage slots set aside for when I get my parts chaser 67 pickup back on the road. LOL.
Duane in Tennessee

econopoor wrote:

Personally I like the 14's as long as you put a big tire on them. At least a 205. I run Torque Thrust D's 14x6 with 205/70 B F Goodrich. I'd like a little bigger tire on the rear but this is all the front will handle. They rub the drag link on a hard turn. This is all it needs. 15's are just a little out of proportion in my opinion. Don't tell anybody but I have a set of 15x4's and 15x8's vintage slots set aside for when I get my parts chaser 67 pickup back on the road. LOL.
Duane in Tennessee

I also have 14's on mine. Apparently factory mustang wheels? With the 205 -70-14's they look pretty good.

Howdy all,

An update on the 14" tyre issue -

Just put some new tyres on the Econoline van, 225 x 14's. Huge diffrence. Looks better, softer ride and improved gearing (like a new diff). Wow.

Before with 195x60R14 (crap)

After with 225x65R14 (nice)


Regards,
Rhys

Wow! Big difference! Much better - and cheaper.

Big improvment. Tires make the difference.
Duane

Here is My new Wheel & tire combo [img][/img]

Nice pickup Hardluck, welcome to the site

Nice pickup indeed. Im in the market for one of those. Could you tell me more about yours or post more pics? Thanks and welcome to the site.