Wheel Questions

Topic: Wheel Questions (Read 1460 times) previous topic - next topic

Wheel Questions

July 06, 2014, 07:31:12 PM

I need to get some wheel advice, before I spend the bucks. I'm working on restoring an 87 Thunderbird LX, with plans of midnight blue (currently medium shadow blue). I have Bullitt springs to lower the car, and convert to 5 lug. I'm planning on getting 2004 Mustang Cobra wheels, 18" with 9 in front and 10.5 in rear. But I am concerned with fitment. Can anyone offer advice, or post photos of their car with 9 and 10.5 wheels? I want the lowered performance look, but I don't want to rub the fenders either.

Wheel Questions

Reply #1 – July 06, 2014, 08:06:49 PM

The SVT cobra rim may be a challenge to get inside the front fender because of the offset. My advice would be to find someone that will let you bolt some on and see where they sit. Which spindles did you use for your 5 lug convert?

Wheel Questions

Reply #2 – July 06, 2014, 09:06:31 PM

Haven't gotten around to converting yet, but they are SN95s, with parts for the Cobra brake upgrade, along with a SN95 rear axle and Bullitt Springs. Stuffing the big Dart in the hole first, then work on suspension.

Wheel Questions

Reply #3 – July 08, 2014, 11:37:10 AM

Might have to scratch the 18" SVT Cobra idea, no one makes them dished in 18", only 17s. Taking a look now at the True Forged Mach or Fikse FM/5 at the moment.

After digging around, I see that Hawk is running 9x10 18" on his Turbo Coupe. Anyone else know of any other Thunderbirds or Cats with 18s?

Wheel Questions

Reply #4 – July 09, 2014, 12:34:58 PM

If I remember correctly Hawk had those wheels special made for him with the right offset...

Wheel Questions

Reply #5 – July 09, 2014, 03:17:25 PM

Thanks, read on one of his posts that he ended up having them custom made. I sent him a PM about his wheels, but has yet to respond.

Wheel Questions

Reply #6 – July 10, 2014, 09:21:35 AM

You are better off waiting until you have the front suspension installed and the entire suspension loaded with the weight of the car. You can do this by putting jack stands under the rear end and by putting jack stands under the front hubs. This is not the safest way to load the suspension up front but you have to get it loaded like it is sitting on the tires. From here you can utilize a straight edge and a tape measure to find the proper back spacing offset. I usually throw a rim up there with a known offset and backspacing and see how it fits. Based on that known rim you can figure out how it needs to move to get it to fit. This is one thing that you want to get right the first time.

Darren