1966 Wheel/ Tire sizes

[TBirdMan951]

Need advice on wheel and tire sizes for my 1966 Tbird. Can not decide between 15 and 17 inch. Also need backspacing. I am not running skirts.
Pictures would be a great help.
Thanks

[jtschug]

The complication of finding wheels for a 65-66 is the caliper extends outboard of the wheel mounting face quite a bit, so it requires more caliper clearance than a lot of aftermarket wheels (but there are some).

The next thing to think about is what kind of tires you want to use. The stock tire has about a 24.5" diameter. You might want to look at different rim sizes and confirm the kind of tire you want is available in that OD, with the rim size you want. Certainly if you want bias ply tires like the original, then 15" rims will work fine.

Search this forum and I'm sure you find a ton of information, it has been discussed many times.

This picture shows 18" custom American Racing wheels. 7" wide was about as wide as I could go and keep the backspacing the same front and back.

[TBirdMan951]

Thanks for the info.
Can you tell me what back spacing you used and the tire size.

[jtschug]

I have 3 3/4” backspace, but 4” would probably work.

Tire size: 235/50R18