Wheel question... please
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 9
From: Salinas Ca.
Wheel question... please
I have found a set of 6 week old Cragar SS wheels on the net. 17x8 W/3.5 back spacing & 17x9 W/4.5 back spacing. Will these rims work on a no mod 72 T-top? Thanks for the help! Don 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
They will fit, but it depends on what look you like.
I believe you need a slight spacer on the Cragar's for the spokes to clear the calipers....say 1/4".
So that effectively will make the fronts 3-1/4" backspace and the rears 4-1/4" backspace.
As the stock wheel is 4" backspace the above wheels will push the front and rears 3/4" further out.
My rears are 1/2" further out and I have no additional room, tire very close to the fender lip.
You would have to be careful with the tires you buy to avoid rubbing.
Nick
I believe you need a slight spacer on the Cragar's for the spokes to clear the calipers....say 1/4".
So that effectively will make the fronts 3-1/4" backspace and the rears 4-1/4" backspace.
As the stock wheel is 4" backspace the above wheels will push the front and rears 3/4" further out.
My rears are 1/2" further out and I have no additional room, tire very close to the fender lip.
You would have to be careful with the tires you buy to avoid rubbing.
Nick
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Forty Fort PA
I just put a set of 15 x 8 Crager s/s wheels on my '75. I had to put 1/2 inch spacers on to clear the calipers. Even at that I had to add .050 spacers to the back for clearance (supplier suggested grinding caliper casting-ugh!) . The new rear rotors must be slightly thinner than factory originals.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
thanx Pat...wanted something other than a Torq Thrust based wheel.........very happy with them....may change the front tires to a 245/45 to get th rake I want...but other than that, I think this is the last set of wheels I'll buy for some time (wife will kill me if i dont keep these!!)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 9
From: Salinas Ca.
Yea, Nick...they look great!!! 
Doses't sound like the Cragar 9's on the back will clear. Ummm, good deal thought, oh well. I'm wondering why most guys prefer the TT 2's over the Cragar? Seems Cragar started the look at the beginning... Again Thanks! Don
Doses't sound like the Cragar 9's on the back will clear. Ummm, good deal thought, oh well. I'm wondering why most guys prefer the TT 2's over the Cragar? Seems Cragar started the look at the beginning... Again Thanks! Don
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Hey Muddy... just pick some tires and find out the installed width the determine how much further they will stick out than stock. You'll probably need to stay with a 265 tire but you will stick out further than stock either way - one more inch wouldn't look bad I don't think?