How can I make '06 GT wheels/tires fit my '69?

oz

Founding Member
Jun 29, 2000
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Plymouth, MI
Just wondering if it's possible to use the wheels/tires in the picture and if so, what size spacers are needed?
My car has the Granada disc brake swap but is otherwise as original. The wheels are 17x8 and have 235/55R17 tires.
 

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You are going to have to put spacers on there before they can fit cuz of the backspacing. I think it is 2" in frond and a 1.5" in back. or the other way around. They say it is better to get some of a 01 or 02 because the backspacing is smaller and you only need a 1" in front and 1.5" in back. They say 2" is to much to be safe. Many people don't like spacers many say they are not safe and many say they are. I was going to put some of a 02 but I never found them and ended up ordering some that didn't need spacers.
 
Thanks for the reply. I kind of figure 1" spacers would be fine but not much more.... Even with that I'd want to install new wheel studs before I did it.

I think most Ford wheels/hubs changed in '03. My '03 Mercury Marauder (along with Crown Vic, Grand Marquis) all got new 'flat' rims with a lot of backspacing. I guess Mustang did the same thing...
 
The 05 and later wheels gained 1/2" more backspacing. The 04 and prior have 5.72" of backspacing, the 05 and up have 6.21". You'll need 1.5" spacers all around or vary the rear a little to get the look you like. I like the 04 and earlier wheels a little more. They don't appear as flat in front and have more of a dished look compared to the 05's. JMHO
 
Thanks tweet66, That is the info I was looking for. The Magnum 500's I have on now have either 4.25 or 4.375 backspacing so I'd need about 1.5" spacers for pre '05's and about 2" for '05 and later.

THANKS!
 
Is that 4.25" on an 7" wide rim? If it's a 7" rim and you go to an 8" you'll need to tuck more of the rim under the fender assuming the same type of rim, so the rim would then require 4.75" of backspacing (1/2" on both sides of the rim for the 1" difference in width). On a 15x8" that won't fit, it'll rub the upper arm. On a 17" and possibly some 16" rims you'll need the 4.75". At most I think you'll only need 1.5" spacers all around for the 05 and newer rims, 1" for the earlier. 2" spacers will most likely put the outer edge of the rim in or past the edge of the fender. Obviously 69 Stangs had a bigger wheel well than my 66 and you may be fine. I have a set of 05 premium GT wheels for my wife's 66 coupe and i'm running 1.5" spacers without issues. That may change when i try to get rid fo the current 4x4 look....