Topic: will 2005 bullit wheels fit on my 1972 country squire wagon?

[sk1]

I found these wheels/tires for sale.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching&viewitem=&item=260288381313&_trksid=p3907.m32

Here is a chart I found:

http://www.rimauthority.com/Ford_Bolt_Patterns.htm



It seems to indicate the same bolt pattern as full-size ford from 65-72. Can anyone tell me if I can run these on my wagon?
Thanks in advance.

[Soaring]

It is most likely the same bolt pattern, but your main concern is the back spacing.  I seriously doubt a 2005 wheel will fit on a '72.  But, I don't know for sure.  What you have to do is get the backspacing measurements from both the 05 and the 72.  Now, if the 05 is a little deeper, you can get spacers to make it work if it isn't more than 1/2" or so.  That would be a beautiful wheel on that 72 Country Squire  if it works out.  Good Luck with it. 

[rmodel65]

you can use spacer with the 05-08 wheels on stangs, they require adapters of about 1 1/2 inchs to not rub

[Soaring]

you can use spacer with the 05-08 wheels on stangs, they require adapters of about 1 1/2 inchs to not rub

He doesn't have a Mustang Steve, he has a country squire wagon.  A 1 1/2" spacer is a lot space to fill, and in my estimation a dangerous amount of bolt to add to the existing hub to make it work. 

[rmodel65]

i know i was just giving an example of what a mustang owner has to do. i have 2001 bullit wheels(same back spacing as your mach1) they required a 1inch adapter. adapter are safe, spacers not so much.

[Soaring]

OK, an adapter and a spacer are the same animals to me.  You are extending the factory range of the wheel out further with longer bolts than the engineers intended for safety reasons. 

[sk1]

Thank you for your replies folks.
This is interesting but a bit beyond me...If i bolt the wheel to a solid surface with bolts of the correct length via an adapter which is bolted correctly why is the safety compromised and where does the compromise occur? What am I missing here?

On another tack, anybody know modern (cool and a bit vintage-looking) wheel will work for this?

Here's a pic of the beast.

Thanks again!

[sk1]

picture

[rmodel65]

http://www.vintagewheelsus.com/

[sk1]

Yikes!....BEAUTIFUL Wheels but way more than the car is worth.

I was thinking maybe this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140274223708

[rmodel65]

those 05 wheels will work so 500$ for the rims and tires and about 200$ for the adapter they would look pretty sweet

[Soaring]

OK, forget about what I said.  Steve is correct.  Here is what a longtime friend of mine says about adapters.  He has been using them for years.  However, you need to understand to get the exact correct size adapter.  So, you still need to know the backspacing of your current wheel, and you need to know the back spacing of the 05 wheel.  Let's say the 72 is 4.75 inches, and the 95 is 5.75.  In this case you will need to get exactly a 1" adapter.  Do the math and order the right adapter so you keep the wheel exactly in the center of travel to keep from wearing out your wheel bearings prematurely. 

"I like to use the term "adapter" vs. "spacer" to avoid confusion. A simple spacer, as myth alluded to above, is just that -- it slips over your existing wheel studs and those same studs are still used to fasten the wheel. These are kind of OK for very thin spacing, like 1/4" or less. You will probably need to install longer studs.

I call what you're using adapters. They fasten to your original wheel studs with a set of lug nuts and have a new set of studs for the wheel to fasten to. They are common in 1" thickness and on up. There is nothing at all wrong with this, and it will absolutely be safe for a daily driver. When the right thickness is used it doesn't affect the bearing loading at all.

As a generalization, an arrow pointing up from the center of your contact patch is the load path. That arrow is going to be in exactly the same place on a 17x8 with 4.75 BS as it will on a 17x8 with 5.75 BS and a 1" adapter.

Now, if you were to keep the very same wheel and space it out for some reason, that would change the loading. How much of a problem it may be would depend on how far out you go. But that's not what you're doing here. You're using an adapter to compensate for the different backspacing to keep your tire position, and thus the load path, consistent.

They don't come loose any more than your wheels do. Just like you should retorque your wheels from time to time you should also retorque your adapters from time to time. "

[rmodel65]

yep theres a big difference id never use a spacer but adapters are A ok

[Soaring]

So, there ya go. Steve and I recommend you use an adapter to match the exact width of the new wheel that will keep your tires in the correct track.  Now, adding tires to those wheels is another topic.