Wheels for 64 Imperial - Concept

[Xcudame]

So now that I have the ivory elephant 64 Imperial home and the hardware on the passenger front fell out, I'm seriously considering disc brakes from AAJBrakes. Also, I'd like wider wheels. I just happen to have a set of Dodge Ramcharger wheels (think free in hand).

 

[Xcudame]

Then, not wanting Dodge center caps, I quickly came up with this! But the 64 center looks a little odd. 65 however should look good! I'm hoping for people's thoughts. Assuming the front disc rotors will be dodge truck, wheels should be a no brainer.

 

[detmatt]

If I’m being honest, I don’t like truck wheels on anything but a truck.

 

[Xcudame]

I know, but I'm retired, cheap and want wider tires than 235/70-15s. And I own the truck wheels. I'm thinking 255/70R15 tires would look pretty good on the Imperial, but the 15x6 stock rims are too narrow. Thanks Detmatt for your input.

 

[CBODY67]

In this case, as I recall, these wheels were mainly on Ramchargers, the pickup-based utility vehicle of the time.

To me, "a truck" is a D-200 or above. Sorry.

To me, those were not the most attractive wheels, but of a popular style back then. I ALSO understand the "in stock" orientation, too.

What about using some of the 15x7 steel wheels that went on the Ramchargers, or even the 15x8s? The if the stock wheel covers will fit, "incognito" hot rod wheels!

Enjoy!
CBODY67

 

[Xcudame]

If I could get a set of four 15x7 wheels for around $100 that would be good and just use the stock wheel covers. Just seems everything is so expensive these days. And there are some things I have to have regardless of price - new turn signal switch (old one is brittle and already broken), rear tail light lenses, weather stripping for the doors and roof line, and buttons for the shifter that are busted.

I've got a small budget. Engine and transmission aren't too much as I have rebuild kits for the transmission on the shelf and a fresh 413 if needed. But I need new foam and upholstery ($$$) and tires. And trunk lock, carpet, shocks, and probably wheel bearings, ball joints and bushings. Hence the Money Pit introduction.

 

[Xcudame]

Please let me know of an inexpensive 5x5.5 wheel that will allow a 255 tire on a 64 Imperial. 15x7, 15x8, as long as it fits and I can get some none looking truck tires for them and use my original hub caps/wheel covers. I've searched this site multiple times and haven't seen very much. Something under $70 a wheel would be great. Thanks for the input.

 

[CBODY67]

Biggest whitewall tire size usually is P235/75R-15, which at 35psi, has plenty of capacity for an Imperial or even earlier Lincoln convertible. There are "XL" (extra load, 6-PR) versions, too.

P255/70R-15s will only be blackwall or white letter sidewalls. Not becoming of an Imperial, to me.

CBODY67

 

[Xcudame]

So something like this but not on Cragars but on the stock wheel with the stock wheel covers?

 

[bigmoparjeff]

You could try this website to see if any local wrecking yards have 15x7's near you.

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

I'm seeing plenty of them near me for $25-30 each,

Jeff

 

[1973Imperial]

Please let me know of an inexpensive 5x5.5 wheel that will allow a 255 tire on a 64 Imperial. 15x7, 15x8, as long as it fits and I can get some none looking truck tires for them and use my original hub caps/wheel covers. I've searched this site multiple times and haven't seen very much. Something under $70 a wheel would be great. Thanks for the input.

I put 15x7 US Mag slotted wheels on my 1973, can’t remember the price per wheel but it was $1400 for new rims, Vogue 235/70R15 XL tires, mounting balancing and lug nuts. The car rides amazing and I like the look. I couldn’t find any used rims in the larger pattern, and didn’t want to go with Chevy truck wheels like some Imperials I have seen so I decided to go new and I don’t regret it. I like your Ramcharger/Truck rims, how would you mount that Imperial center cap in place? Could you modify the Dodge one with an imperial emblem? If you already have those I’d run them, can always upgrade later!

 

[Xcudame]

I actually used one of the factory Dodge hubcap spring steel backings, drilled the same pattern in it as the Imperial center and screwed it together! I'll post some pictures tomorrow. I just spent five hours vacuuming the engine compartment, interior and trunk. Then washed about 12 years of desert off it. It's a big car!!

 

[Xcudame]

Here's pictures of the Ramcharger wheel and center cap.

 

[Xcudame]

And here's the 64 Imperial wheel cover back side.

 

[Xcudame]

And the 64 wheel center adapted to the metal clip ring of the Ramcharger center. Easy peasy quick and easy. I think the 65 Imperial centers would look better though.

 

[57fury440]

Even though they are cheap, as in you have them, I would not use those rims. Rims and tires can make or break the way a car looks. The Imperial you have is a nice-looking car and needs the right wheels. I also am not a fan of fat whitewalls on cars that came with the thinner whitewalls. I think it gives the car a pimp look. Only my opinion, not worth much except to me. I like your car, it will be fun to drive.