Hi I am looking to change the wheels on my 62 lesabre to some thing like the Torque thrust wheel Can anyone give me the wheel size that would fit best and any places to order from...I will probably have to ship from the states anyway so its importatnt to get the correct size. Thanks Ian
Stock is probably (63 Riviera was built on basically the same frame and used these wheels) a 15x5 with a 3 3/8in backspacing, 5x5in bolt circle. Backspacing will likely be constant regardless of the size. Be aware that the early Buick cars used a larger hub diameter than most of the more common uses of the 5x5in bolt pattern. It is possible that you'd have to have the pilot register opened up to fit (I like hubcentric wheels so not a bad thing) and the rivits holding the brake drums to the hubs might interfere with the wheel mounting flat and require modification to something.
Your going to need a wheel with a 5x5in bolt pattern. Also, depending on which wheel size you decide to go with (15in, 16in, 17in, 18in, etc), that's going to determine to how wide you can go, and thus the backspacing required. Let me know your thoughts on rim diameter, and I can help you choose a width/backspacing. I've done alot of measurements on my '62 to sit what fits and what hits.
Get out you wallet. Most major discounters like JEGS stock 15" Torque Thrust which is now made by American Racing. Perhaps they can get them for you by special request TTO is the origianl staight spoke syle which is my favorite. The TTD wheel had to curve the spokes for use with disc brakes. They look a littlwe odd to me as a result of the modification. http://www.americanracing.com/browse_vintage.asp
Ok, since you want to go with a 17in rim, you can pretty safely get away with an 8in rim in the rear and a 7in rim in the front. For the rear, you'll need about 4.5in of backspacing, and for the front you'll need about 4in. When I measured this on my '62, everything looked like it should clear, plus a couple of other people are running similar wheel combos. Also, you might want to take a look at the American Racing Torqlite. They're an awesome 17in wheel, similar to the TT, but cheaper. I was going to go with the Torqlite, but I'm not sure if I can afford new wheels at this point.
Hi all Thanks for the help on the wheels. nopw I know what I am looking for, just got to work the extra hours to get the cash...lol I realy must get some pics of it up on here but until then its on my website as I am going to use it for weddings cant post up the link(not done enough posts yet) but is ww. daretobedifferentweddingcars. co .uk ( omit the spaces) Have a look comments welcome as awell as any ideas:TU:
well its school holidays here so can badger my wife who is the pc expert to get them online this week till then they r on my website
