Front Tire/Wheel Combo

I finally got my front disc brakes sorted out. Because I went with a 60's van axle, I had a devil of a time getting something to work, and that with major machine work on the caliper brackets. (Should of gone with a Speedway axle tube, spindle and rotor setup. Oh, well!) So, the latest problem is clearance between the inner steel wheel and the calipers. They rub slightly, and that can be fixed with spacers, but I'd rather not do that.

I'm thinking of going with Cragar S/S chrome mags on front. With an extra 1/2 inch of backspacing, they should clear the calipers nicely and retain the 60's nostalgia gasser look I want. The current Chrome Steelies are 15x5 with BFG Silvertown standard 85P which I believe are rated to 85mph.

I am thinking of going to a 14 inch front wheel for the Big/Little look which would mean new front tires.

Sorry for the long post, but I would love to get your comments and thoughts on this setup. This 55 Chevy is being built with the idea of modern parts in a 60's looking car. But I think it will see speeds of at least 100mph and more, so, safety comes first.

Cragar SS wheels are one of the all time favorites that have never gone out of style. They should look great on the front of your gasser. You will have to be careful though going down an inch in size in light of the clearance issue you already had.

Post some pictures for us, we'd love to see them.


Don

My camera broke! And I'm spending money on parts right now. But the project is coming along slowly - two steps forward, one step back. I took a little material off the calipers and they fit now. So I'll stick with the chrome steelies. But, in the future, I do plan to go with Cragars. With the tight fit, I will have to stay with 15 inch.

Still interested in a tire that is rated for 120mph and suitable for a heavy door slammer 55 chevy. I guess I'll call BFG about those Silvertown tires. They may be ok anyway.

Go to Tire Rack and do a search on tire sizes and speed ratings. My Yoko's are Z rated - that is at least a minimum of 149MPH.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=35

Mickey Thompson makes a nice looking front street tire. It's fairly new and made for the heavier street cars.
Ken