14 inch spinner wheel disc

[Tweety]

Back in the 70's I put a set of Ford Mustang 14 inch spinner wheel disc on my 63 Thunderbird. There was no clearance problems with the fender skirts. I have purchased another 63 Thunderbird (old memories) and an almost new set of 63-64 Ford Galaxy XL 14 inch spinner wheel disc. The problem is the fender skirts will not fit without rubbing on the spinners on either side. The car was purchased form California and by all inspections retain its original panels. Does anyone know if the depth of the Mustang spinners and Galaxy spinners are different. To date I have been unable to research my concerns regarding the spinner wheel disc.

Regards

Tweety

Ontario, Canada

[Alan H. Tast]

First off, why not use the '63 deluxe wheel covers, which are the '63 standard wheel covers with the same style spinner in the center that was used on the '63 Galaxie 500/XL covers and the '63-'64 simulated wire wheel covers? I'm very familiar with the 500/XL covers as I owned '63 Galaxies/500XLs for over 15 years. The Galaxie covers stick out further than the T-bird ones because of the profile of the cover - while the T-bird spinner covers have the spinner recessed into the cover, the Galaxie (and Mustang) covers push outboard of the cover beyond the spindle hub, so naturally they'll hit the skirts! The same spinner casting was used for the Kelsey-Hayes wheels, '63 T-bird deluxe wheel covers, '63 Galaxie 500/XL full wheel covers, and '62-'64 simulated wire covers (including the 13" ones used on Falcons/Fairlanes). The Mustang's spinner for '64-'65 was different from the Galaxie-style one with smaller blades, but as for overall height I don't know what the measurement is.

In order for spinners to fit behind skirts on cars with wire wheels (and why in God's name would someone cover up wire wheels with skirts baffles me! ), the aftermarket supplies took the original spinner casting and shortened it at least 1/4" (maybe more-need to compare and measure) at its mounting face to the cover.

[bbogue]

(why in God's name would someone cover up wire wheels with skirts baffles me! )

Alan, with all due respect (and I really mean that), I think the simple answer is because our tastes are different. It seems to me that some cars are just suited better to skirts, regardless of the type wheel, with some exceptions. I belong to a chapter of CTCI (55-57 Birds) because a chapter of VTCI isn't near me. Some members don't have skirts on their cars. I personally don't care for the look in these and other early TBirds. on the other hand, I really like the look of John's (Novanutcase) 61 with mag wheels and no skirts. My 61 came to me with rusty wire wheels and I chose to replace them with Magnum 500's not because of the look (I really liked the look of the wire wheels, with skirts) but because of a friend's input regarding cleaning them and his issues with tire inflation. And, there was the expense. I can't say that my Magnum 500's with skirts looks any better than the wire wheels with skirts but I like the look and even if I had chosen to keep wire wheels on the car the skirts would have remained. I just like the bullet birds with skirts, usually. My 2 cents. FWIW, here's how my 61 looked with skirts and wire wheels a few years before it came to me.




Bill

[ICON 1956]

I for one like to have the option of driving my car with the skirts and on some days with out. I know some members like to have the skirts on their cars for their own preference.

[Tweety]

Thanks for your comments bbouge. To each their own. Personally I prefer the skirts on my Tuscon Yellow coupe. Your Magnums look great.

Regards

Tweety (bird)

[gyoungwolf]

I don't want to debate the skirts/no skirts issue as I like the looks of my '62 both ways. I have considered driving it to cruise-ins and putting the skirts on once I arrive, but would rather have the option to change looks between shows. I have researched a bit and know that the skirts will work with aftermarket wheels, but I have the originals. My question is - can aftermarket centers be used on the original wheels so that the car can be driven over bumps and around curves with the skirts attached???
Thanks berry much,
Grant

[stove]

I don't want to debate the skirts/no skirts issue as I like the looks of my '62 both ways. I have considered driving it to cruise-ins and putting the skirts on once I arrive, but would rather have the option to change looks between shows. I have researched a bit and know that the skirts will work with aftermarket wheels, but I have the originals. My question is - can aftermarket centers be used on the original wheels so that the car can be driven over bumps and around curves with the skirts attached???
Thanks berry much,
Grant

I too, would like to know, as I am in the same "boat"...

[Joe Johnston]

I had original KH wheels and 2 different brands of aftermarket sets. All three centers were different - either in diameter or distance of the spinner out from the pan. At best it would by a try one on and see if it fits type of thing. I'm thinking the original KH has the biggest hole in the hub and the spinner the farthest out.

[Ozzy351]

Bill (bbogue), if you ever want to sell that '61, let me know, she's just beautiful!

[bbogue]

Thanks Ozzy, but I'm not near ready to sell her yet. I've spent the last 2 years bringing this car back to something driveable after being mostly cosmetically restored about 15 years ago but then ignored for several years. I want several years of driving before I'll be ready to sell. I am proud of the way she looks but I'm sure some of the rest-o-mod things that I've done would make some folks cringe. To each his own. G'day.

Bill

[gyoungwolf]

After seeing the picture of the various height inserts, I measured all 4 of mine, and lo and behold, 2 are about 1/2 closer to the wheel when mounted! Put those two on the back - problem solved! Thanks to all.
Grant

[Joe Johnston]

Wish all solutions were that easy!