Custom Wheels

[emf]

I've decided to put a set of Coker's new radials on my new to me 54 Sunliner. Along with the radials, I thought I might look at some MILD custom wheels so I could have a set to drive and also keep the Firestone bias tires on the original wheels. Here is my problem, I don't want the car to look hot rodded. I just want a simple wheel to jazz it up a bit. Any suggestions? Photos would be appreciated. I want to put them on this car...

[Daddio]

You'll be real happy with the improved ride and handling on the radials versus bias ply, if my experience on my TBird and Caddy is any indication.

[miker98038]

Nice car. Wheels are really in the eye of the beholder, like wide or pinner whitewalls. You might start over at Wheelsmith for ideas. The vintage and smoothie categories. The old standby in the mid fiftys would probably been different hubcaps. Lancers, flippers, moons or baby moons, trim rings. Up to you. Theres a social group here that might also have some ideas or pictures. Still got the 239?

http://www.thewheelsmith.net

[dmsfrr]

There's a fair amount of debate over who supplies the better tire, Coker or DiamondBack.
Of more than several conversations I've seen, DiamondBack has a fair number of converts from Coker. Whichever you choose an accommodating tire shop near you may be able to have the tires shipped in and save you some shipping cost.
https://dbtires.com/

Just to have pictures to look at...
Here's link to American Racing Wheels website, click the 'Browse by Vehicle' button and enter your year, make & model... select wheel size too.
I like their selection of 'old school' style wheels that don't look out of place on classic vehicles.
http://www.americanracing.com/

They have a 'Configurator' function I actually wanted to share that shows a generic image of your make/model/color vehicle with whichever wheel you select. BUT their image library doesn't seem to include '54 Sunliners.

[Alaska Jim]

to me , a set of chrome reverse wheels with baby moons is the mildest custom wheel, and was very common back in the day. I used to run a set on my '53 ford, and my '52 ford back in the late '60's and early '70's. I always thought they looked good on the '52-'54 body styles. just my opinion, and like has been said the beauty of any wheel is in the eye of the beholder.

[emf]

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Thanks, guys, I went to American Racing and also discovered that their configurator was lacking. I usually get my tires from Universal Vintage Tire. Been doing business with them for over 30 years... I have the Coker radial on my Model A and it does make a difference. I was thinking of maybe a just beauty rings and chrome centers with chrome lugs, but I would like to see my choices before I buy...


Frank

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by emf

... but I would like to see my choices before I buy...
Frank

Try this... Do a google search for "1954 Sunliner images" and you'll get lots of photos. Most seem to have the stock wheel covers but some don't.
You might find a few you like.

https://www.google.com/search?q=imag...w=1366&bih=634

[Automotive Stud]

How about just a different set of hubcaps? If you don't like it or get tired of it, it's easy enough to swap them back or change them around. Any "custom wheel" will probably look more "hot rod." There's no shortage of cool hubcap choices from the '50's.

[5851a]

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud

How about just a different set of hubcaps? If you don't like it or get tired of it, it's easy enough to swap them back or change them around. Any "custom wheel" will probably look more "hot rod." There's no shortage of cool hubcap choices from the '50's.

I like the 55/56 covers on 52 to 54's, similar but different, all polished up the are smooth, flashy and simple.

[Ole Don]

The American five spoke was introduced in 1956, so they are not out of place on a 54. I had them on my 55 and liked the look.
c

[emf]

Originally Posted by Ole Don

The American five spoke was introduced in 1956, so they are not out of place on a 54. I had them on my 55 and liked the look.
c

I wouldn't guess you have a photo of them...

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

I wouldn't guess you have a photo of them...

Here you go-

[emf]

Of all the wheels I looked at, those are the best looking. The price is very reasonable too. I'll have to give them serious consideration...


Frank

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

to me , a set of chrome reverse wheels with baby moons is the mildest custom wheel, and was very common back in the day.

Remember these-

- CRAGAR SMOOTHIE CHROME REVERSE -

[Automotive Stud]

Originally Posted by Ole Don

The American five spoke was introduced in 1956, so they are not out of place on a 54. I had them on my 55 and liked the look.
c

I think they came out closer to '63. Regardless, they are a great looking wheel but I'm not sure they would look good on his convertible.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud

... they are a great looking wheel but I'm not sure they would look good on his convertible.

Several choices but for this car these are needed (IMHO)...

[emf]

Now THAT I like.... What year ford are these from??


maybe 55 TBird?

[emf]

WOW! I just found a full set of 5 with clips on ebay for $425. They have the hubcap to go with them. That's as much as a set of new aluminum wheels....

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by emf

WOW! I just found a full set of 5 with clips on ebay for $425. They have the hubcap to go with them. That's as much as a set of new aluminum wheels....

If you think that price is high don't look at the new/re-pop ones, about $880 to $940 for a set of 5.

Originally Posted by emf

Now THAT I like.... What year ford are these from??
maybe 55 TBird?

Yes, optional wire style wheel covers for a '55 T-Bird. (even if it has a '56/'57 porthole top)
Center caps with a white background for the letters are from '56
Lots of folks don't like the original spring clips that hold the wire portion onto the wheel.
.

[Daddio]

There's also a rubber block that slides onto each of the spring clip, which is intended to prevent the trim rings from rattling and squeaking while under way.
I can tell you these rings are a bit of a PITA when checking air, especially (in the case of my '56 Bird) where the skirts have to be removed.

But it's really just a start-of-the-year PITA.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

Now THAT I like.... What year ford are these from??

maybe 55 TBird?

1955 model year (FORD & BIRD) with red center caps. 1956 used white center caps.

More than one style was available.

[50fordcoupeman]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Remember these-

- CRAGAR SMOOTHIE CHROME REVERSE -

My favorite!!!

[emf]

Well, I went to dinner with my bride and took the 54, of course. Next to the restaurant was an ice creme shop and there was a 56 TBird with those same wire covers. Sorry to be blunt, but they felt tinny and I did not like them at all. I'm glad I saw them up close and personal.. To be continued...


Frank

[BruceMc]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Remember these-

- CRAGAR SMOOTHIE CHROME REVERSE -

Smoothies are definitely the cleanest look and also seem to work with the widest variety of tires, big and small, blackwall or whitewall.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

Well, I went to dinner with my bride and took the 54, of course. Next to the restaurant was an ice creme shop and there was a 56 TBird with those same wire covers. Sorry to be blunt, but they felt tinny and I did not like them at all. I'm glad I saw them up close and personal.. To be continued...

Frank

...hmmph ...

Sorry to hear that. At least you saw them before buying...

That only leaves one choice-

[emf]

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Maybe a smoothie without all the chrome... like this

[tjaybo]

emf, that is the exact set-up I want for my 55 fairlane club sedan. can you tell me what components those are? or where to look Thanks

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by tjaybo

...can you tell me what components those are? or where to look Thanks

Start Here- https://www.wheelvintiques.com/gennie-bare-finish.html

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by emf

Maybe a smoothie without all the chrome... like this

If that looks nice to you, maybe consider a set of wider/reversed steel wheels color-keyed to the car with 54 hub caps and trim rings?

Can you see the widened wheel offset on this 55?

[Daddio]

Here's a thought. Recent trend is to go for larger diameter wheels / low profile tires ... filling those wheel wells. Maybe even an offset set like 18" fronts and 20" rears.

If you go for a smoothie, all sizes are readily available.

[KULTULZ]

Here's a thought. Recent trend is to go for larger diameter wheels / low profile tires ... filling those wheel wells. Maybe even an offset set like 18" fronts and 20" rears.

! PIMP MY RIDE !

[emf]

Originally Posted by Daddio

Here's a thought. Recent trend is to go for larger diameter wheels / low profile tires ... filling those wheel wells. Maybe even an offset set like 18" fronts and 20" rears.

If you go for a smoothie, all sizes are readily available.

I'm not sure I want to hot rod my ride. I like to have my cars look basically stock, but I also like the mild custom look. I guess the mild custom look is in the eye of the beholder. I'll be buying the tires in Hershey this year, so I have some time to consider all possibilities. Most likely the red smoothie above with a beauty ring...


Frank

[parklane]

Do yourself a favor, and get the Diamondbacks

[emf]

Originally Posted by parklane

Do yourself a favor, and get the Diamondbacks

Your change in the direction of this thread is welcomed. I have been considering Coker Classics radials up til now, but maybe the Diamondbacks need another look. I called them and their Auburn white wall is on sale for $234. That's not much different from the Cokers. The only problem is that I can't touch and feel them like I can the Cokers. Diamondbacks are only sold on the web. Pros and cons???


Frank

[Automotive Stud]

As classic as the caps and rings are, I feel like they would make that car look "cheap" compared to the full caps it has now. But you know what they say about opinions...

[miker98038]

I’ve run two sets of Coker’s, and two sets of Diamonds Backs. The first was a set of original size ww’s on my 55 bird, on Kelsey Hayes wires. Ran tubes, came with the car, and gave good service. They just got too old. I’m currently running Coker bias ply look likes, 5.60-15 and 8.20-15 on my 32. I had no problems with either, not with out of round or balance.

I’m running a set of Diamond Backs based on BFG T/A’s and a set of Nitto’s. The Nitto’s are on more of a pro touring car with wheel tubs and a full on suspension. Both these sets have been fine.

I wouldn’t run either set of DB’s in the sizes I’ve got on your car, they’d be too hot rod. But if you pick the appropriate size and white wall width, they’d be fine. The difference I see is DB is using a modern tire, so there’s some improved technology in carcass and tread design. That might or might not suit your “eye of the beholder”.

I really do like the bias look radial on my roadster. Way better than the bias Firestone’s (Coker) that they replaced. But I’ve had good luck with both brands.

[parklane]

After checking with friends, and members of different clubs, I have heard many more complaints from the Cokers, than the Diamondbacks, but the final decision is yours, of course.