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Correct wheel size for a 67 Ambo |
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mdh157 
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Joined: Dec/19/2007 Location: Pennsylvania Status: Offline Points: 209 |
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 Topic: Correct wheel size for a 67 AmboPosted: Aug/09/2018 at 9:56pm |
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I am changing the wheels on my 67 Ambo and have found a set i like but i do not know if they will fit without rubbing the suspension. They are 15x7 with a 4.25 backspace.
Anyone have experience with this? |
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'67 Ambassador DPL/3 spd/OD
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farna
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Moderator Lost Dealership Project Joined: Jul/08/2007 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 19692 |
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Posted: Aug/13/2018 at 10:16am |
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Most 7" wheels will fit, but you may need spacers with that deep backset. Cars in the 60s generally used near centered wheels -- 3.5"-3.75" for 7" wheels. If you just need a little more space you can space out the spindle instead. That would require longer spindle bolts and washers to space the spindle and brake backing plate (or disc brake bracket) further out. You must use grade 8 bolts and washers, not ungraded. Graded bolts and washers are specific strength and hardness, and washers uniform thickness. You an use 1/8" and maybe 1/4" slip on spacers without requiring new wheel lugs as well. You will have to test fit a wheel with a tire and see if it rubs, then determine how much you need to space it out to prevent rubbing, if any. I'd want at least 1/4" between tire and steering knuckle or upper trunnion. If you need an inch or more bolt on spacers are pretty reasonably priced.
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Frank Swygert
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mdh157
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Posted: Aug/13/2018 at 9:36pm |
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Thanks. Is that Frank Swigert?
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'67 Ambassador DPL/3 spd/OD
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farna
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Posted: Aug/14/2018 at 5:44am |
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That's me... |
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Frank Swygert
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mdh157
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Posted: Jan/17/2019 at 4:46pm |
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apparently there isn't as much space in the wheel wells as we all think. I got 15x7 with 4 25 backspace and installed 1" spacers and it still seems there is gonna be a problem with rubbing on the coil spring lower arm. Going to try my 215/70R14 tomorrow before i go buying a set of tires that won't fit.
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'67 Ambassador DPL/3 spd/OD
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mdh157
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Joined: Dec/19/2007 Location: Pennsylvania Status: Offline Points: 209 |
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Posted: Jan/17/2019 at 4:51pm |
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First is of 185/65R14 that is on it now, second is of 15x7 without a tire on it. Does anyone here have 15x7s on their late 60s car? If so, what size tires are you running and what upper clearance do you have?
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'67 Ambassador DPL/3 spd/OD
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farna
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Posted: Jan/18/2019 at 6:31am |
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15x7 works fine. Largest tire is going to be either a 205 or 215 width, 65-75 series. The 4.25" backspacing might be a problem though. The old wheels were closer to centered, 3-3/4" backset is the most common for the 60s 7" mag wheels. I know those fit. You might need to use a 1" or 3/4" spacer with the 4.25" backset wheels. 3/4" inch is as thin as you can go for the bolt-on spacers.
Edited by farna - Jan/18/2019 at 6:38am |
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Frank Swygert
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mdh157
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Posted: Jan/18/2019 at 8:09am |
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I have 1" spacers. Will test it this morning with a 215/70R14 I have here.
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'67 Ambassador DPL/3 spd/OD
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67 Marlin
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Posted: Jan/20/2019 at 12:25am |
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As farna said, it's not the wheel width but the backspacing. The stock wheel is 14x5.5 and the BS is 3.75 inches. My Marlin has the same front end as your Ambo. I bought 15x7 AMC "rally" wheels and no cigar. No problem on the rear, so I went with 14x6 rally wheels on the front, which have the same 3.75 BS as the factory wheels. The factory wheels don't allow much clearance, I've got about 3/16." I have disc brakes up front, maybe there was more clearance with drums. Assuming the 15x7 has 4.25 BS. I have 215/70 tires on with the 3.75 BS 14-inch wheels. If you go with spacers to push your deep BS wheels farther from the suspension, you're still not out of the woods. Depending on the tire, you could have bulge over the rim. And/or tire height could result in contact.
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