When my 300C restorer project turned up here in Australia it came with 14x5.5” rims and no hubcaps! I sourced local Valiant rims that were 14x6.5”. They were used on high performance Australian Chargers and Regals that had 205/70 tyres. These are fairly rare now as most Valiants used 6” rims with 185/75 tyres and the last Valiant was built 40 years ago, but some are still around. The extra rim width translates to a 1/2” greater offset (1” wider) track. However, this gives the drums greater exposure to cooling air which I think is a good thing. From experience with my first Valiant, it also helps feel and stability with power steering.
The wheels have five large cut outs (sports style) but that doesn’t show with the hubcaps on unless you crawl under the car. I would have thought there would be other US Mopar models with similar 14x6.5” rims that members in the US might be able to use? I know this won’t suit members seeking originality. With the trouble I had finding decent 300C hubcaps, I probably should have bought new wire wheels and 15” tyres!
My friend Mick Maxwell over here is on the hunt for 1 off original 300D size wheel as he already has 7 others to suit his 2 300D projects. Every person’s situation is different!
Cheers
Henry
From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of John Grady jkg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Wednesday, 22 July 2020 11:04 PM
To: VANNICE, M ALBERT
Cc: Fern Rivard; Chrysler300; nick@xxxxxxxx; Michael James
Subject: Re: [Chrysler300] Re 14 inch wheels for 1960 chrysler
Very Important distinction there . Real 14x6.5 very rare thing , I ended up with a pile of 14x6 over the years , tossed them — and too small for the Coker tire . Look bad too ,if you are aware of it— some F I had over the years had them —came to me mixed with real 6.5 . Replacement 14” Chrysler rims, ?? 6 x 14 common in junkyard .
I would really think about wheel vintiques , make 14x7 (me) or 6.5 to order ?
In truth may not be wise - you will be severely limited once you have the wheels ( only first step) as current tires are intended for slightly wider rims , becomes a big can of worms for a driver — except for a trailer Queen .
Marginal new 14” tires may cost more than good speed rated 15 “ or 16 ” ones , essentially only one 14” tire now.
Tony’s 15” rim that holds a 14 hubcap is the very best compromise . What is not to
Like? He put in a lot of work to solve this vexing problem ..
also have police wheels from mid / late 60’s but 15” , I think 7 or 8 wide . Have used those . G hubcaps . I wonder if 60 “ gear” can fit G hubcap?
Personally I like even better tires , you have to go 16” to get really good Michelin . About same rolling OD too , shorter sidewalls . Modern treads , roadholding, anti hydroplane etc . Safety aspect of 130 mph tires also in there.
I have had my share of tire failures , some close calls , never even once with Michelin . I generally won’t even look at anything else , except use the better Coker for the look . The cheaper Coker i tried way back were not even round
I know ,Michelin are Blackwall .... maybe Diamond does something , on Michelin carcass, but will be 15 first.
I read in SAE journal that all volume tire Rand D is presently directed at 16-17 as computer design trade off says best parameters for a medium up size car .
15 is already fading fast like 14.
So, do you drive it ? or look at it ? Or drive it slow? Not facetious question , either
Understand the two schools of thought , no problem , not critical .. but needs open consideration , I think
John
Sent from my iPhone not by choice
On 22 Jul 2020, at 8:11 am, 'VANNICE, M ALBERT' mav4@xxxxxxx [Chrysler300] <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > wrote:
I have one Chrysler wheel, but it is 14' x 6" and not 14" x 6 1/2".
Al
_____
From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> on behalf of nick@xxxxxxxx [Chrysler300] <Chrysler300-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 11:55 PM
To: 'Fern Rivard ' <crc@xxxxxxxxxxxx>; 'Chrysler300' <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: 'Michael James' <chrysler300f@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: [Chrysler300] Re 14 inch wheels for 1960 chrysler
Thanks Fern, that was Michael James.
From: Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of 'Fern Rivard ' crc@xxxxxxxxxxxx [Chrysler300]
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 8:10 PM
To: Chrysler300 <Chrysler300@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Chrysler300] Re 14 inch wheels for 1960 chrysler
A few days ago someone posted a want listing for 14 inch steel wheels for 1960 chrysler.
My friend Scott Dejka called me this evening and said that he had either 2 or 3 or those steel wheels. For some unknown reason, he is not able to post on this site.
His email info is: inyourjs@xxxxxxxxxxx
His phone number is 509885-5587
Cheers from Fern in SE BC where it's very warm today
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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