Here are a couple of pics of my setup. I forget the actual width of the tires but they are the widest available in the Nitto 555 series...I believe that they are about 13 inches wide. I used the tubs that I cut out of the sides of a 53 F250 bed which gave me about 2.5 inches of clearance. Since these pics were taken I switched from leaf springs to a TCI 4-link and from the 9 inch to an 8.8...curiously the tires and wheels still fit.

 

Charlie, it looks like your leaf springs were left in the stock location when you took those photos? Did you get that look by just adding tubs and reverse wheels? No shortening the axel? I can get the wheel tubs pre made in different widths starting at 2.75, 4", and 9". Im wondering if the 2.75" would work with the stock location of the leaf springs, no axel modification, and just using a reverse wheel configuration? I do not have a bed together but if I remember correctly, the distance between bed sides is 49". From outside to oustide of frame rail is 34.25". Outisde of spring shackle and shock brakets adds another 6" on each side, or a total of 44.25". Im good with 13" wide tires if I can make them work, especially if I do not have to move leaf springs or shorten axel.

 

The spring configuration is stock in these pics. I am not sure what "reverse wheel" means...I calculated my hub mounting flange to bed distance and ordered my wheels based on the dimension. I believe that I have about 1/2 inch clearance on each side of the tire. The rear end is a stock small bearing 9 inch Mustang (I believe) housing with a flange to flange width of around 61.5 inches if memory serves me correctly.

 

Reverse wheel is where the inside center of the wheel (the piece with the bolt pattern) is reversed from its normal position and moves the position of the rim closer to the outside of the car instead of the inside of the car like a normal wheel.

 

I bought the 3" wider rear fiberglass fenders for my '53. From the best that I can tell, it severely limits the amount of wheel choices due to the extra offset needed. I hope to buy wheels/tires after I figure out my taxes if there's any $ left over. I currently have my Explorer rollers on it that I bought so I could move the truck around the garage. The rears are running wheel spacers and the fronts rub on the fenders on maximum turning, Besides that, the diameters are too steep for the AOD & 3.25 gearing I have. I'll start with a smaller diameter tire and then worry about gear ratio.

 

Tough to do with alloys...

 

carnut, you lost me. Wider fenders severely limit of wheel choices do to the extra offset needed? Offset for winder fenders? What am I missing?

 

Oh yeah Charlie, LOL, what was I thinkin.

 

I stopped by Les Schwab today and ask them if I was going to have a hard time finding 15" wheels and tires for that "meats on the rear look" of the 50's and 60's. He responded near impossible. 16" is easier to find, but getting less and less easy.

I really dont want the 24" wheels with the super thin rubber on my trucks. Ok for anyone who is into that, but I want my 60's look.

 

They are still readily available from places like Summit and Jegs, to name just a few. They both carry the Hoosier and Mickey Thompson tires and and all kinds of wheels.

Places like Les Schwab cater to the replacement market and large diameter wheel market more than the hot rod market.

 

 

Thanks Dave, what you said about Les Schwab makes sense.

 

Thanks, the photos helped. I notice you have a race deck floor. How do you like it?

 

I love it..... BUT its not Race Deck.


I went with ModuTile - Garage Floor Tiles - Coin Top
with free shipping.

It doesnt stand up to we to heavy welding splatter.


for the price it cant be beat.


ModuTile - Garage Floor Tiles - Coin Top is before the lift and truck....
and yes the lift is on the tile.

 

Thats good to know. I kinda figured it would not stand up to weld spatter, but one day when I get all the heavy lifting done, I might consider it.