Spacers for Late model rims on a 1965 coupe

jeeporvis97 · 07-05-2008

I want to put some late model Bullit rims on my 1965 Coupe once its all finished, what is the size spacer I will need. I plan on making one out of aluminum and a CNC machine. I just need to know the difference in back spacing of a regular 1965 wheel and a newer wheel.

Bob A · 07-05-2008

Putting spacers on is not recommended. I've read a few post on this site and have personally witness it. A freind of mine had a 70 GTO, lost two wheels on seperate occasions and I happen to be with him both times. The spacers start to crack and break apart after awhile. I have 2 Billet wheels off a 03 GT and thought about using them on my 66 they look good but I'm not using spacers.

Bob A · 07-05-2008

If your still plan on using spacers, check out mustangunlimited item# 1010A LATE MODEL WHEEL ADAPTER SET (Billet wheel adapters). Looks like the front spacer is 1" & the rear spacer is 1/2". Good Luck

jeeporvis97 · 07-06-2008

well, i plan on checking them every like 500 miles or so, making sure the lugs are tight and I'll inspect for cracks. Thanks for the measurements.

dewjac · 07-06-2008

I just put a set of 2006 V6 mustang rims (16x7 - poor man's ten spokes) on my 67 fastback. I used 1.25" spacers on the front and 1" on the rear, the front required the thicker spacers to keep the rim away from the upper ball joint (17" rims may only require a 1" spacer). The tire/fender clearance is virtually identical to that with the stock wheels. As to making your own spacers, check out the seller rigged.up on eBay. The 1" spacers were $55 for the pair and the 1.25" pair was $60. They are 6016 aluminum with grade 8 studs and include the lug nuts. The spacers are very nicely machined and the spacer/wheel combination is concentric with the axle (no run-out or wobble at 80 mph). The wheels look great and I'm considering a similar combination for my 66 convertible, although I noticed the wheel opening on the 65/66 is smaller than the 67 and may require 205/50R16 on all 4 wheels (I went with 205/50 front and 225/50 rear on the 67). The rims were take-offs and only cost $150 for all 4, including the lug nuts and center caps. I bought the tires (BFG g-Force Sport, W rated) at Costco (less than $100 each, mounted, balanced, road-hazard, etc), total cost was less than $700 for a major upgrade to the car.

Sean Reno · 07-07-2008

I too would HIGHLY recommend NOT using spacers (very dangerous)! However, one way to make it safer is to replace the wheel studs with longer ones and go w/ a 5/8. There are so many great wheels out there now w/ the proper back spacing...it just doesn't seem worth the chance of something going wrong!

jeeporvis97 · 07-07-2008

I was actually going to make something along the line of hub adapters but the sizes will be the same, basically I'm just going to have new studs in the spacer, and the old studs are what hold the spacer on.