I want to fit a set of wheels to my 56, after reading through some posts, i looks like the stud aize is a 5 on 5, for the early Olds, is this correct ?
I'm thinking 17 x 7 all round, does anyone know of the back space i need to check for, also this beast does not have power steering, but don't see an issues there, shouldn't change the effort needed.

 

Bolt pattern is 5 on 5 and I won't even comment on 17 inch wheels

 

Fitment of the wheels will depend on the TIRE size you pick. Unfortunately, most tires for 16" and 17" wheels are only 25-26 inches in overall diameter and look far too small on older cars. The only ones larger are truck tires. If you can find a 17" tire that's at least 27" tall, it will look much better.

Backspacing (or more correctly, offset) will depend on the tire width and diameter. Assuming tires around 8"-9" wide, you'll want as close to zero offset as possible. For a 7" wide wheel, that's about 3.75" backspacing.

 

It is your car but I really hope you don't do this.

 

Thanks,
I know where your coming from with the wheels, it's a thought at the moment, can always put the originals back on, i don't want it to look tacky either.

 

Here's a couple of links to 56's on 17's. Of course they are all out street rods and will not make the purists happy but I like the look. I've put the 17's I usually have on my truck on my '53 to roll it around and it doesn't look bad to me.

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/..._the_new_olds/

http://www.hotrod.com/featuredvehicl...bile_super_88/

 

Needs a different power plant but this car is perfect otherwise.

 

Okay, I will admit that 56 looks cool. It is not something I would do myself (probably because of my age) but for a street rod, it looks great. And the main thing it that it is your car to do as you please.

 

I knew you would see the dark side on day

 

As long as there is some sidewall vs just "rubber bands" .....

I don't find it to be all that bad.

IMHO (which I'm sure not all will agree with) ... a 5-6 inch sidewall is a decent handling vs comfort number.

Problem with that is - for most cars except the very largest ...

It requires stepping up to a slightly taller than stock size tire when up-sizing wheels.

For some reason this tends to make most people go into a chicken little the sky is falling panic.

 

That does look nice, but mine is a 4 door in Tropical Green/Alcan White.
The rubber band thing is what i don't want, i think you can still get 17" tyres with sidewall, once you get to 18's it seems rubber bands only.
Will try and get some photos oloaded over the weekend.

 

After a bit of thinking over the weekend, i think 17's on a 4 door may look a bit not right, so have decided on 15" Cragar s/s polished, i think that should be nice and still be a bit period look for the car

 

Go big!

 

That blue 54 is a wheel / tire swap away from perfect.