What size wheels will fit an FC?

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vanwyk4257
Posts: 42
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 11:23 am
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

What size wheels will fit an FC?

Post by vanwyk4257 »

I'm picking up a 1961 corvair 95 panel van tomorrow and should have it on the road by next year, perhaps this fall if all goes well. I'm wondering what size wheels will fit a FC, it seems all the EM's won't take much tire, but since the FC has different wheels/bolt pattern I'm wondering if there's more room in the wheel wells?

I have found 15x6 minilite style wheels with a 4.5" backspacing that I'm pretty sure would fit, but I have a nagging desire to see if I can find 16 or 17" steel wheels ala wheel vintiques that would fit this thing and then lower it about 2-3 inches and do sort of a retro hod-rod theme.

I would appreciate any input as to what others have been successful in fitting on FC's, and how much lowering it will make that more difficult.

I may consider trimming the lips on the fenders/quarters but it would be a shame to do so if I can avoid it because they're completely rust free.

Thanks! :tu:
1961 Corvair 95 van - rust free CA truck, pro touring style resto mod in progress.
2009 Mazdaspeed3, turbocharged D-stock autocross terror/daily driver
autoxer
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Location: Fairfax Station, Va
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Re: What size wheels will fit an FC?

Post by autoxer »

The intereference point on the FCs is the tie rod end. As long as you keep the overall diameter close to stock, yes, they will take a larger wheel/wider tire, a 225 definitely fits. I have not really looked at FCs in detail, but you can get some helpful info from my wheel/tire page - http://autoxer.skiblack.com/tires.html

--Bryan
Bryan Blackwell bryan@skiblack.com
http://autoxer.skiblack.com/
Corvairs: '62 700 Wagon, '64 Greenbrier, '65 Corsa, '66 Corsa
'69 Road Runner, '99 Neon R/T, '09 Ford F-150
"Why do something if you're not going to obsess about it?"
vanwyk4257
Posts: 42
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 11:23 am
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Re: What size wheels will fit an FC?

Post by vanwyk4257 »

Bryan, Thanks for the response. I'm assuming that the tie rod end would be less likely to interfere with a larger diameter wheel, i.e., if I go with a 16-17" wheel I may be able to go a bit wider all else remaining equal?
1961 Corvair 95 van - rust free CA truck, pro touring style resto mod in progress.
2009 Mazdaspeed3, turbocharged D-stock autocross terror/daily driver
larry202br
Posts: 92
Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2010 2:54 pm

Re: What size wheels will fit an FC?

Post by larry202br »

that makes sense. The tie-rod end on the drivers side of my rampy is so close, I couldn't fit wheel weights on the inside! What did you end up with for wheels?
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CorvairKid
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Re: What size wheels will fit an FC?

Post by CorvairKid »

Hey looking at some 15x7 rims with 4" backspacing. Will these work on FC?
Alex Becker
Yankton, South Dakota

61 Greenbrier
61 Loadside
61 Rampside
62 Greenbrier
65 140 monza
65 140 DFI turbo charged monza
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CorvairKid
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Re: What size wheels will fit an FC?

Post by CorvairKid »

What are some sizes people have put on FC s?
Alex Becker
Yankton, South Dakota

61 Greenbrier
61 Loadside
61 Rampside
62 Greenbrier
65 140 monza
65 140 DFI turbo charged monza
larry202br
Posts: 92
Joined: Wed Sep 15, 2010 2:54 pm

Re: What size wheels will fit an FC?

Post by larry202br »

I think with a 15", you can increase backspacing from stock. I haven't tried a wheel with 4" backspacing though
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