Choices for '65 Dart Wagon

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mammlouk

mammlouk

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I know it's a topic of personal taste, but I haven't formed any opinions and I now the options are limited. I've got the original 13's with a full set of hubcaps right now. I need to get the tires replaced because they have been sitting in poor conditions and have some dry-rot and cracking.

I'm leaning towards an up-size to 14" primarily because it opens up the option for disc brakes later. I like the idea of keeping the 13's for the originality, but I'd like something with a wider contact patch since we get snow here in the winter.

I spotted a set of American Racing Torque Thrust T-30's (14x7) with BFG T/A Radials (215/70/14) nearby for $900. What do you all think of that combo an price?
 
I can't comment on the price; are the rims SBP (which will fit your wagon) or LBP which won't fit until you swap (or use adapters) to LBP.
 
The listing says small bolt.
I wasn't sure if I'm allowed to post the link here, but I'll give it a shot.

Mopar American Racing 14x7 mags

vntned- Is it really that bad of a price with good tires and everything? The wheels look to be in really good shape. I'm pretty new this stuff so don't let me waste my money! Why would you recommend 15's instead of 14's?
 
I have a 68 dart that started life with a set of 13 inch wheels and dog dish hubcaps

I very easily and cheaply swapped them for factory 14 inch wheels and kept the same hubcaps.

Nothing is more timeless and classic than original hubcaps or wheel covers and nothing fits better than O.E. parts.

If it were me, i would put 14 inch factory wheels, select a nice, period correct set of wheel covers and call it done.

Aftermarket wheels may require wider and more expensive tires and not fit right.

My .02 but i am biased because i only use O.E. parts on all my cars and never have issues.
 
Rainy Day Auto said:
I have a 68 dart that started life with a set of 13 inch wheels and dog dish hubcaps

I very easily and cheaply swapped them for factory 14 inch wheels and kept the same hubcaps.

Nothing is more timeless and classic than original hubcaps or wheel covers and nothing fits better than O.E. parts.

If it were me, i would put 14 inch factory wheels, select a nice, period correct set of wheel covers and call it done.

Aftermarket wheels may require wider and more expensive tires and not fit right.

My .02 but i am biased because i only use O.E. parts on all my cars and never have issues.
Click to expand...
So the same hubcaps can fit the 13" or 14" wheels? That's useful information! Part of my pickle here is that I need tires sooner rather than later and don't want to buy new 13" tires just to change my mind later and throw more money after 14" or 15" in order to get some disc brakes and wider rubber.
 
Buy those Torq Thrust wheels! You will not lose money on them if you decide not to use them. They would look great on your wagon.
 
I would check to see how old the tires are in the craigslist ad (there is a date code on them), they should only be used for five years. I think for $900 that I would want new tires.

I think these new 14" wheels for $350 are the better choice Mopar Performance Rallye Wheel!!!! Set Of 4 14 Inch Small Bolt Pattern
You could then get new tires ( Michelin is the only brand good for ten years so I prefer them) and either use hub caps ( poverty caps), or find period correct 14" full wheel covers or add rally trim and center caps.
 
I just realized that maybe I'm using the wrong term calling what I've got now "hub caps". They are full factory wheel covers. Some are pretty decent, but a couple are banged up. I haven't take time to see how well they'll clean up yet. They can be seen at a distance in the photos from my build thread.

1965 Dodge Dart 270 Wagon

I've only ever referred to the two (hub caps and wheel covers) as being synonymous. I see now the difference and why the hub caps would fit either wheel size, but the wheel covers would be specific.

Those 14" Rallye's do look pretty good for the price.

Before I pull the trigger on one of these deals does anyone here think I should forget about 14's and just put new tires on my factory original 13's? I know some people are really big on factory correct restoration, so I figured it's worth asking the question.
 
No on the 13" because you of need to get disc brakes.
I too call full wheel covers hub caps, but that's not technically correct as hub caps only cover the lug nuts.
 
Okay. I made the guy an offer on the Rallye's. I'm going to drive up and get them tonight or this weekend.

That means I need tire size recommendations.
 
It depends on the width of the rim. Since those are new after market they could be an inch or two wider than an original Rally rim ( which is 5 &1/2 inches).
For an original rim a 205/70R14 tire is a good size that fits the early A's well. I think a 215/70R14 is another alternative thats a bit wider but that size doesn't seem to be available.
Kuhmo Solus Sr21 seemed to be a good choice, check out some of the reviews online at Tire Rack.
I like Michelin tires so I would check those out too.
 
SSVDP said:
It depends on the width of the rim. Since those are new after market they could be an inch or two wider than an original Rally rim ( which is 5 &1/2 inches).
For an original rim a 205/70R14 tire is a good size that fits the early A's well. I think a 215/70R14 is another alternative thats a bit wider but that size doesn't seem to be available.
Kuhmo Solus Sr21 seemed to be a good choice, check out some of the reviews online at Tire Rack.
I like Michelin tires so I would check those out too.
Click to expand...
Picked up the wheels yesterday. They are 6" wide. I'm going to try and pick out some tires today so I can drop them off for mounting after work.
 
I've been looking around and the tread pattern on the General Altimax RT43 looks pretty good for getting through our Colorado winters. I wish it came in a whitewall instead of just outlined white letters or blackwall.

I've been trying to research what sizes work well without any rubbing/binding issues. It sounds like a 225/70/14 will fit just fine on the back, but I'm not clear on whether or not that will cause a problem up front. Can I go with 225's all around or do I need to go with a narrower and/or shorter tire up front?
 
Those are kinda cool, I think I'm going to have to put some more time/thought into what sort of caps I want. For the sake of completion here's a link to the post with a picture of the new wheels and tires. I went with 215/70 R14's.

1965 Dodge Dart 270 Wagon
 
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