Wheels / Tires: American Racing Torque Thrust II for 1962 GT Hawk

[Studebaker1962]

Question for the forum.

I have read many older posts on this topic and don't have a clear answer as to rim size.

I have been told, read and measured a 5 lug x 4.5" pattern is correct. We can all agree here...Yes.

Told by a Stude vendor a 15" x 6" rim with 3-3/4 back set is correct. Here is the problem. A/R makes a 15" x 6" rim with a 3.26" back set or a 15" x 7" with a 3-3/4" back set. Then there is the offset which I have read is a different way to measure the same outcome.

What is the correct A/R torque thrust II rim and tire size to not rub tie rods or fenders and have the correct ride height and speedo reading? I am not going racing, just want a good look that drives properly.


Thanks,
Jim

[IMJ]

I've been considering these same wheels. I believe the backset for American Racing 15"x6" Torque Thrust II wheels is 3.625" and not 3.26", which is only an 1/8" difference from what the Stude vendor told you is correct without being 2 1/2" wider than a stock Stude rim. I'm still undecided though!

regards,
Jay

[Studebaker1962]

I think through further research an A/R 15" x 6" rim with a -6mm off set is the correct rim for a factory spec'd 6.7 x 15 rim.

So now the tire size?: 205/75/15 <or> 215/70/15

Jim

[IMJ]

Sorry Jim, I was in error about the backset of the American Racing Torque Thrust II. The 15"x6" A/R wheel I was thinking about is the Torque Thrust D rim that has the 3.625 backset. As for tires I think either would be fine. And depending on which brand tire you might be considering, they might only be available in one or the other size and not both. There is only a little less than 1/2" difference in width between the two and the ride height on the 205 is only 1/8" taller.

regards,
Jay

[StudeRich]

I think through further research an A/R 15" x 6" rim with a -6mm off set is the correct rim for a factory spec'd 6.7 x 15 rim.
So now the tire size?: 205/75/15 <or> 215/70/15Jim

Jim I think you got some bad info somewhere if you think the OEM Stock Wheel was 6.7 Inches measured the correct way, on the INSIDE bead to bead.
The '51 to '57 Wheels are 5 Inches by 15 and '59 to '64 as yours SHOULD be, are 4 1/2 Inches X15.

You told me the that Lug Nut Seats in some of your wheels were wallowed out, that could mean you have Ford or Chrysler Wheels with larger Nut Seats but were installed with the smaller Stude. Nuts instead of the correct Larger Ford Lug Nuts.

So naturally all bets are off on your wheel widths!

UPDATE: Oh yeah, for fly excretion Pickers, Yes there are a few "Exceptions" that are not part of the "Norm" mentioned above.

Avantis, some Jet Thrust Larks & Hawks and some 1966 Models have 5 Inch wide Wheels.

[Studebaker1962]

I have the original, old and yellowed, 1962 Hawk owner's manual. Page 30 lower right: "Tire Size and Pressure" Not sure how it was measured then compared to now, but the manual states 6.7 x 15 for the tire size.

All my fault. 6.7 x 15 is the tire size and not the rim size.

The question still remains, what is the correct rim size? 15" x 5 lug x 4.5 bolt pattern.

Off Set and Back Set?

Sorry,
Jim

Knock me back a member level

[IMJ]

The '51 to '57 Wheels are 5 Inches by 15 and '59 to '64 as yours SHOULD be, are 4 1/2 Inches X15.

UPDATE: Oh yeah, for fly excretion Pickers, Yes there are a few "Exceptions" that are not part of the "Norm" mentioned above.

Avantis, some Jet Thrust Larks & Hawks and some 1966 Models have 5 Inch wide Wheels.

So, do the wheels used on the '51-'57's have the same backset as the 5" wheels used on the Avanti and does anyone know what that is? Thanks!
regards,
Jay

[64Avanti]

Using offset numbers will tell you where your tires actually sit relative to the axle flange. This number is the offset from the center of the rim to the mounting surface. The backset is a measure from the mounting surface to the outside of the inside rim surface. Since the shape of the rim and differences in material and wheel width are different the backspace number is not very useful by itself. to know where your tire will sit you need to know the offset.

This may require a picture and I will try to post one tomorrow. This might help you picture it a steel wheel that is say 5" wide might have an overall width of 6". If the mounting surface was centered the backspace would be 3" and the offset is 0". Now take a similar wheel that is 6" wide with an overall width of 7". The mounting surface is still centered on the rim so the backspace is 3.5" and the offset is 0". So as you can see the backspace number does not tell you where the tire will sit as these two wheels have a backset that is different by 0.5" inch but as the offset is the same the tire sits at the same location relative to the car.

[Studebaker1962]

Hi David,

I understand the offset and backspace numbers. I have seen the wheel cross section details. No need to post one. Thanks

My question is simply: Has anyone put a Toque Thrust II rim on a 1962 Hawk to get proper ride height, speedometer reading, and not rub tie rods or fenders?

What size rim: offset, backspace, bead width and diameter? 5 lug x 4.5" is the stud pattern. What size tire?

Thanks,
Jim

[calntvs]

I have run various aftermarket wheels on my 62 GT for more than 40 years. Wires, Mags, and Steelies. Dimensions are dimensions. Currently have Cragar "Eliminator" mags 15 x 7 with 4" backspace (1/4 spacers in front to clear tie rods at full turn) and 215x75x15 tires. No rubbing. My former wheels were Truspoke wires 15x7 3.75 backspace with same tire size... good clearance all around with no spacers. The 215x75x15 tire makes your speedometer very close to correct (checked it with my GPS). BUT... from my experience, all these cars are fifty years old now and they all "settle" a little different and have been hit and repaired multiple times. So every car seems to be a little different to some extent. Hope this helps.

[TXmark]

http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

I have a 63 gt with A/R ventura wheels 15x7 with -6mm offset 205 70 15 tires everthing clears fine, there is a lot of room on the backside so a wheel with a +6mm offset would fit better.

I am considering some 17x7 with a +6mm offset and 215 60 tires, or a 15x7 with a +6mm offset

the website on the top of the post can be alot of help in choosing tires and wheels that will fit

[TXmark]

BTW I have the A/R Venturas for sale at $200 for the set
I also have some 15x8 chrom smooties for sale $200

[Paul Keller]

Have Ansen "style" 15" Dia. by 6 1/2 " wide w/ 3 3/4" BS - They just barely clear the febders w/ 205-15-70 tires. Suggest getting a trial fit before commiting to purchase.
Paul TK

[Springstreet]

[junior]

I would imagine that sidewall deflection has very little-to-nothing to do with tire to fender well and lip clearance as the tire`s sidewall deflection happens nearest the road surface and not at the top of the tire. Don`t know this for fact, just what I assume. I have never taken this in to account on the 6 vehicles I have lowered, and have never had an issue. What I have learned to pay attention to is the wheels up and down movement, and fore and aft movement through the whole turning arc. On my Stude this meant having to notch the lower frame lip to clear the bleeder valve of the brake caliper because it could have been potentially sheared off if I entered a driveway at full left lock and went to full spring compression. (not that this would ever be likely to happen, but the potential was still there.) I guess point being that static clearances differ from dynamic clearances for all components. cheers, Junior.