I have a '65 Shelby clone with Global West suspension, lowered 1". I am currently running American 15 x 6 with 216/60-15 in front and 15 x 7 with 225/60-15 in the rear. I'd like to run the Vintage 15 x 7's all the way around with BFG's KD 225/50 -15's. Anybody running 50 series and any problems with clearance???

 

my AmRacing Torq-thrusts would not fit the front of my 66FB in 15x7 , 225-60. But it is only just hitting up the top of the wheel arch. I am pulling the fenders to create the extra room

Have you tried to swap the 225's off the rear onto the front. If they fit ok, then there will be no issue with the 50 series profile.

 

Thanks for the reply. I did try the swap. Due to the lowered ride heigth, the 225/60's are about even with the front fender lip and very close. The vintage wheels have a 3 7/8 back space compared to the Americans of 3 3/4. It's not much, but I was hoping the small difference as well as the lower/smaller tire radius would work. I'm looking for a larger or wider tire patch as well as getting a little lower. Just wanted to know if anyone has the same set up. I'll get accurate measurements. It appears I may have to go to a custom offset, like 4 or 4 1/4 offset. Any thoughts?

 

so doesnt that mean the Vintage wheels stick out further?
when you say it is about even with the front fender lip do you mean on top or at the front?

if you mean at the front, you may need adjustable strut rods to adjust the caster in the wheel alignment (pull the front wheels back)
if you mean on top, can you get your fingers between the fender and the tire? if yes, it should be ok. even more so if the offset on the Vintages is to your advantage. the 50 series will help.

i tried it by driving very slowly to check for freedom of movement. soon learnt it was hitting on the front of the fender. adjusted and it was all ok but then hitting right on the top of the lip when i got going fast but only needs the fender pulled out about 1/4 inch to clear.

if the rear is raised higher than the front it will exacerbate the problem.

hope this helps

I will be offline for a few days but will look for your response when i get back

cheers

 

I ran 225 50 15 on 15x7 wheels with 3.75 on my 65 for a very short period of time.
With a proper alignment the front will not rub, but the stock specs will not do it for you.

I thought it looked dumb because the tires where not tall enough (very visible that they were smaller OD than standard tire size). I ultimately ditched the whole setup with less than 50 miles on it and chose to go to a 17 with a right sized OD tire and wider too