I just bought a '67 Econoline pickup with aftermarket wheels on it and I can't find out what the original wheel size was: 14x5?; 14x6?; 15x5?; 15x6?; etc. Anyone know? Any info sources? I want to restore to original size.

 

Welcome to FTE

B8A1015A .. Wheel / Use with tubeless tires / 14" x 5.50" / 5 lug, 4.50" bolt circle / Obsolete

Fits: 1957/59 Ford Passenger Cars, except 1957 Thunderbird / 1960/74 Ford Custom & Galaxie / 1958/64 Thunderbird.

Fits: 1961/67 E100 except Super Van.
-------------------------------------
D2UZ1007A .. Wheel / Use with tubeless tires / 14" x 5.50" / 5 lug, 4.50" bolt circle / Obsolete

Fits: 1965/67 E100 Super Van.

Fits: 1969/74 E100.

Does not fit 1968 E100's, because...there isn't any such thing as a 1968 Econoline.

The new body style Econoline was introduced in February 1968, but Ford called them 1969's.

 

Thank you Bill for the wheel info. I guess I should also know when I'm wheel shopping: the offset? backspace?

Another question: What is the diameter of an original tire on the '67 e-pickup with the 14" x 5.5" wheel? I can use that info when I shop for a modern tire (radial) to duplicate the original tire diameter.

The diameter of the tires on the PU now is 24" but the wheels are 14" x 8" and they are polyester, (E60-14). It's nearly imposable to steer safely with those wide wheels and tires. Also, at highway speeds (55-60) the engine is screaming. Can I go to 25" or 26" tire diameter at the rear to reduce engine revs?

Thanks so much, for the help. I just bought the "67 a month ago and I'm definitely a novice in the dark.

 

1957/63 parts catalog (printed 9/1967) sez 6.95-14 / 1964/72 parts catalog (printed 5/1975) sez E78-14.

I cannot remember exactly when the letter sizes were first used, but it wasn't until the late 1960's or early 1970's.

Since most Ford passenger cars from 1957 thru 1979 have the 4.50" bolt pattern, other wheels will fit.

But which wheels will actually work, I dunno. Parts catalogs do not list backspacing, offset, tire height and etc.

There's a coupla FTE members that are really into 1961/67 Econolines that will know.

I'm a Galaxie and F Series truck nut. Never owned an Econoline...so my knowledge inre to Econolines is pretty much limited to reading what the parts catalogs say.

btw: You can buy a CD of the 1964/72 Ford Truck Parts Catalog from hipoparts.com for $22.00.

Shop and owners manuals, sales brochures and etc: faxonautolit.com.

 

Thank you again. I'll check out that Ford Truck Parts Catalog from hipoparts.com

 

WAsn't the early Econolines also available with 13 inch tires. My shop manuals say they can with them. I been finding a few of these rims to make my truck original.
Aslo a friend doing his 63 Merc van found 13" rims and is buying a set of 13" by 4.5 wide. He plans to put the narrow rims on front and the wide ones on back. The narrower rims came off an early Comet.
Did they not come with 13's ? I thought the 14's were an option thing in later years.?

 

hi, I have a '69 E300 and I need to get new tires - and was thinking of upsizing the tire size. I have original steel wheels - what is the largest tire size the front wheel wells can handle?

 

I'm not too familiar with the 69 vans. I think 15 inch tires are as big as you can go unless you have a 8 bolt rim on your van. then you can go to a 16 inch wheel which is most likely on it if 8 bolt rim.

 

yes, you are right - my 8 lug wheels are using 16.5 inch tires. I'll try to find some 16.5 tires - but I have heard they are pretty hard to find anymore.

 

so, if I want to keep my original 16.5 steel wheels - what is the tire size I should look for? I believe the tires on there now say something like 8.75 x16.5

 

I would find some 8 lug 16 inch rims. The ones you have are probally split rims. Lots of tire shops do not want to work on them for the safety sake.
But if it is stock with 16.5 You can still go with them. They maybe a special order these days.