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Author Topic: Trying out different wheels...  (Read 1534 times)

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Offline 76hotrodpinto

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Trying out different wheels...
« on: March 27, 2016, 10:31:43 PM »
I'm going for a sleeper look, and thought I'd try these out. Just factory ford 14's with, what I think is, old style Pinto caps. I'll do about this size of tire in back, and some skinnier, but just as tall, in the front(which I don't have mounted yet). It's all coming down 2" as well, so ride height won't be affected that much, just a fuller wheel well. The only other wheels I've any interest in are the smooth staggered centerlines, but they kinda blow the illusion I'm trying to create.



1976 half hatch 2.3 turbo w/t5.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2016, 11:40:03 AM »
I'd assume they a Fairmont/T-Bird 14" wheels?  The hubcaps are Maverick.  Yes, it does have a different, but factory style look that "stealthy flies under the radar."  I've always liked the concept.

  I have considered the SSP steel wheels from the 80's Mustang cop cars. The original 15" wheels are hard to find and not cheap. The center caps are rarer and I hear the front ones melt from overheated wheel bearings.  The later 80's T-Bird had a similar looking wheel but in a 14" size. They were covered with a standard hub cap so they didn't have the police style center cap. I've heard the early Escort center cap is similar.  When I  originally saw them they were on a red Pinto.  The owner told me that he used spacers that set the wheel outward quite a bit.  I had forgotten this when I went about procuring the look a like in a 14" size. I mounted up a 215-60-14" tire and tried them on my Pinto.  At least on a wagon they didn't look right.  Though the T-Bird is a RWD car the the wheel offset was too far inward.  So, while I like the look of the wheel itself, the look on the car was not what I wanted. Thankfully my Sunbeam Tiger shares the same bolt pattern. 

Offline 76hotrodpinto

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2016, 10:22:33 AM »
Maverick eh? Well they look right enough. When I get to the body work, I'll powder coat the wheels too, but for now, they would be too shiny if I did. Nice clean black wheels with double pin stripe around lip... mmm... classic!
1976 half hatch 2.3 turbo w/t5.

Offline 76hotrodpinto

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #3 on: April 12, 2016, 11:02:38 PM »
I finally got the front tires mounted on the steelies and got them on the Pinto. I like it! 235/60/14 out back and 195/70/14 up front.

1976 half hatch 2.3 turbo w/t5.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2016, 12:03:39 PM »
It certainly gets the look you seek.  If I recall correctly you have a FMIC.  Do you need the hood bulge?  A flat hood would really seal the deal on the stealth look.  I love the concept.  In my Studebaker world there are factory built Paxton supercharged Larks.  One goes by the title "Plain Brown Wrapper." It looks like a bone stock Lark, but it FLIES! I believe this car was on "My Classic Car."

 

Offline 76hotrodpinto

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2016, 01:34:23 PM »
I hate that stupid bulge! But till I chop the manifold down, it's a necessary evil. I have a no hole having, un bulged hood on stand by, but brakes and suspension are on the priority list right now. I am doing a 2" drop, front and back, so the wheels will tuck up in a little better, and I still end up at about factory height.
1976 half hatch 2.3 turbo w/t5.

Offline TIGGER

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2016, 11:42:19 PM »
I like it.  However I am partial to dog dish hubcaps.  I have been running them on my 67 Mustang for over 20 years now.  I might have a set of actual Pinto ones somewhere.


Too bad Willamette Wheel isn't around anymore.  You could get those puppies widened a bit and stick a little bigger tire under it.  I miss that place.   




79 4cyl Wagon
73 Turbo HB
78 Cruising Wagon (sold 8/6/11)

Offline Wittsend

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #7 on: April 15, 2016, 10:05:29 AM »
There is just something "Stealthy" about Steelies and Dog Dish Caps. I was greatly disappointed when I tried the Mustang SSP look a like wheels on the back of the Pinto. They were just too far inset to properly fit the wheel opening.  :(   

On my Valiant I have the steel Mopar Cop Car wheels and also a set of the hole drilled Dog Dish caps (not installed).  I have seen a NOS set of those caps going for $300! On my Studebaker I run the Crown Vic Cop Car wheels too.

Love those Steelies!!

Offline entropy

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2016, 12:14:56 AM »
I would *love* to run 15x8 steelies and hubcaps on the rear of mine. The hubcaps would distract from the drag radials.  Maybe someday...
1972 "Hoonabout"
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G-Force 5 Speed
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Single stage NOS Cheater system

275 rwhp 350 lb/ft on motor.....some thing a bit more than that on the spray.

Offline 76hotrodpinto

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Re: Trying out different wheels...
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2016, 09:29:15 AM »
There is just something "Stealthy" about Steelies and Dog Dish Caps. I was greatly disappointed when I tried the Mustang SSP look a like wheels on the back of the Pinto. They were just too far inset to properly fit the wheel opening.  :(   

On my Valiant I have the steel Mopar Cop Car wheels and also a set of the hole drilled Dog Dish caps (not installed).  I have seen a NOS set of those caps going for $300! On my Studebaker I run the Crown Vic Cop Car wheels too.

Love those Steelies!!

I think you and I have very similar taste in ol' cars.
1976 half hatch 2.3 turbo w/t5.