Alternative Wheels For A TC

[loustaller]

What is the most common alternative size wheels used on TC's? I've seen 16" and some 15" wheels used but which size is the more desirable? I do like the skinny factory 19" wheels but am thinking about possibly going with smaller diameter ones. Any one with experience with smaller wheels? Thanks.

[Steve Simmons]

I'm definitely a fan of 19" wheels. It's what differentiates the TC and earlier cars from the later ones. With modifications I feel like 16" can look fairly decent, but they never look as elegant or period as the original size.

But to answer the question, 16" is by far the most popular alternate size. Anything smaller just looks strange. I've also seen people use 18" but it's pretty uncommon on T-Series.

I have a couple sets of 16" Wheels here but I just can't bring myself to run them. I love the look of the 19's too much. Just my opinion of course.

[antijam]

My TC is still on the 16"s it wore when I bought it back in 1966. It had obviously been raced at sometime and 16" wheels were a factory endorsed race option back in those days, although most frequently fitted on the rear only with the 19"'s retained on the front to keep the steering light.

The tyres are ancient Dunlop 5.25 - 16" and the car drives well enough although the steering is heavier than I would like. This might be improved if I were to fit the taper caster reduction plates. I would prefer it on 19''s but a set plus tyres is an expense I can't justify for the mileage I do. The 16's do look slightly anachronistic.

[Ray White]

What is the most common alternative size wheels used on TC's? I've seen 16" and some 15" wheels used but which size is the more desirable? I do like the skinny factory 19" wheels but am thinking about possibly going with smaller diameter ones. Any one with experience with smaller wheels? Thanks.

You are asking a question about desirability. It is entirely subjective. If YOU like small wheels then chooses which ones appeal to YOU. Personally, I would always prefer to see 19" wheels on a TC, unless it was for racing.

Incidentally, I have just purchased 5 brand new 19" wheels.

[loustaller]

I am in agreement with you all about the look of the car with 19" wheels, I love it, but I was looking around on line and saw a few cars with smaller tires and liked the way the car looked a bit closer to the ground. (Notice I avoided using the "lowered" look!) I do have an engine in the car with twice the horsepower then the factory engine and was a bit concerned about the (remote) possibility of bending the long rear wheel spokes. Or maybe it was just a wish the car will be that fast? Ha!
Ok, I'm staying with the 19's and will be happy with them. Thanks for your input.

[stephen stierman]

Ok, I'm staying with the 19's and will be happy with them. Thanks for your input.

Thanks goodness. You know aesthetically, a TC is about perfect, there is not a bad line anywhere, YOU can't make it better no matter what you think looks good!. However it is a package deal, it all works together as is and when things start to get changed, well it is just not the same. Cycle wings, smaller wheels, turquois metallic paint, etc. etc. I understand you are trying to accomplish something else with your vehicle, but it will never look right, just as it did when it left the works.

[loustaller]

My TC will look quite original with BRG paint and no cycle wings! The biggest visual changes are the top bonnet panels have louvers and there's a matching 'blister' on the right side bonnet panel like the one on the left side panel. Other then that it will retain it's factory look, including the 19" wheels. I was just half hardily thinking about smaller wheels but I'm over it!

[Ray White]

My TC will look quite original with BRG paint and no cycle wings! The biggest visual changes are the top bonnet panels have louvers and there's a matching 'blister' on the right side bonnet panel like the one on the left side panel. Other then that it will retain it's factory look, including the 19" wheels. I was just half hardily thinking about smaller wheels but I'm over it!

Something I have often wondered about cars with bonnet top louvres is... where does the water end up when it rains? Yes, I can see it being O.K when on the move ... but what about when you get stuck in traffic during a rain storm?.

[loustaller]

Luckily I live in Southern California where it doesn't rain very much. On those rare occasions when rain is forecasted I just take another car out. The louvers were stamped on the bonnet top panels when I bought the car, something I most likely would not have done.