Wheel Clearance 20" Aftermarket

[Blkhwk]

I'm sure there has been plenty of discussion on this subject, but, my search skills aren't sufficient to get the wisdom of the membership on the matter.

I've got 20" Wheels from a Jaguar F Type I bought a couple of years ago and mounted them on my '03 TBird.

They look great and seem to fit just fine. On the rear they extend outward past the wheel well opening about 2" (10" wheels on the rear). There is almost 2" of clearance from the top of the tire to the wheel well ridge. That's the only place I see there being a problem on the rear. I don't know how much the rear shocks collapse but if the car body and the tire hit...that wouldn't be good and could end in expensive repairs and paint. (Too big of price to pay for the novelty of having those wheels on there for a while.........they do look "cool")

As to the fronts, I won't know until I drive it.

Yes, a low speed test drive could answer some questions, but knowing myself as I do, if the test went OK, I'd for sure want to see what else I could get away with, so I thought I'd be well advised to throw it out to the experience of the membership. I'm sure someone has perfected the "fit" issue of aftermarket wheels and tires.
Your counsel is greatly appreciated.

All the best..........

[FatMan]

What size are the tires?
I think that 10" wheels may be too wide, are the fronts as wide as the rears?
I'm looking at 20"x8.5" with 245/30-20" they are very close to the stock tire size in hight & width.

[FatMan]

Go to www.willtheyfit.com

[007Cruiser]

Pretty sure that someone here went to a 20 inch wheel. Was it cmadsen?

[2K2BIRD]

On the rear they extend outward past the wheel well opening about 2" (10" wheels on the rear). There is almost 2" of clearance from the top of the tire to the wheel well ridge..

Sounds like a great way to throw dirt and rocks all over your rear quarter panels resulting eventually in even more chips in the paint than we get with the stock wheels/tires. No matter how great the wheels look, that would be a non-starter for me.

[steelblue5505]

To quote I believe Dr. Seuss from Green Eggs and Ham, " But oh the fun we'll have."
Put those wheels & tires on & show us some photos.

[FatMan]

To quote I believe Dr. Seuss from Green Eggs and Ham, " But oh the fun we'll have."
Put those wheels & tires on & show us some photos.

[KY-BYRD]

John, When I had my 02 T-bird I bought some rear fender extenders from Gary Kimmble (sp) and his Thunderbird Rosters over in Maryland and moved them to my current 03. Here is a pick that I took of them when I moved them from the totaled 02. I tried looking for my reciept for the address or phone but could not find. They fit without any real work to attach them.
Someone might have an extra pair on eBay or some other sight.
IMG_2621.JPG

[007Cruiser]

Gary Kimmel has gone out of business.

[Blkhwk]

Thank you so much for the input.

I pulled the wheels off without driving it, because if "worst case" happened, I'd have to sit down with myself and have a long session of "Principals Office" and the "pain" would continue all through the repair process and would be recurring every time someone asked "where's your Thunderbird"?

After many arguments between the "devil of adventure" and the "angle of restraint" I have determined "such an act" had all the earmarks of "short term pleasure and long term pain".

Of course, tomorrow is a new day and I notice my mind can change with very little justification or influence.

I'll let you know if the "world turns".

[007Cruiser]

Sell the Jag wheels. End the torment.

[wcoates]

Gary Kimmel has gone out of business.

Gene was he the gentleman that produced the flat fiberglass/composite boot cover that I've been searching for for years?

[RBIRD]

Gene was he the gentleman that produced the flat fiberglass/composite boot cover that I've been searching for for years?

I believe so, Bill. He also had flared rocker panel covers. Almost met him years ago when visiting Deep Creek Lake in Maryland back in 2007, but he could not meet the James' and us for dinner. Malinda James had a set of flat tonneau covers for their Bird, but we have lost contact with them since her Spouse passed. They were the couple from Bruceton Mills, WVA.

[007Cruiser]

Gene was he the gentleman that produced the flat fiberglass/composite boot cover that I've been searching for for years?

Yes. He offered many nice items.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

glad to have one! You'll see it at Walker..taking pics today or should I say Jane is.......lots to sell