Through the years I've had many questions about putting custom wheels on classic Ford Mustangs. Most of the questions involve fitment on year models from 1964 1/2 to 1973. Confusion seems to revolve around the fact that in those years Ford used two different bolt patterns, and had a re-design of the Mustang in 1967.
First let's consider the two bolt patterns Ford used during those years. There were two. A 4/4.5 bolt pattern was used for 6 cylinder models, and a 5/4.5 bolt pattern was used on 8 cylinder models. Unfortunately if you have a 6 cylinder with the original hubs and drums then there are few choices in custom wheels that are made to fit. To get a really nice looking custom wheel you’ll probably have to go with a custom made application. Companies like Billet Specialties build quite a few styles with full cover caps that can be drilled for the 4/4.5 bolt pattern and will look great. Some 6 cylinder Mustang owners choose to change out the hubs and drums to the more popular 5/4.5 bolt pattern which gives you a wide range of choices in styling and sizes. Many of the five spoke designed wheels like the vintage Torq Thrust and the Foose Nitrous wheels by Chip Foose are only available in the 5/4.5 bolt pattern. Unfortunately there is just no way to put four lugs in between five spokes.
The next issue to cause confusion about wheel fitment on the classic Mustang is the difference between the original 1964 ½ to 1966 models that were based on the Ford Falcon platform, and the later models between the years of 1967 and 1973. The original 1964 ½ to 1966 models have much less room for wheel clearance. Today’s trend for custom wheels on classic pony cars is to go with a staggered fitment. That means putting a wider wheel and tire on the rear of the vehicle. Wheel width on the original 1964 ½ to 1966 models is limited to 7” wide wheels on the front and 8” wide wheels on the rear. The backspace of the wheel in these sizes is critical to keep the wheel from sticking out past the fenders. A 7” wide wheel should ideally have a 4.0” or 4.25” backspace and can be used on all four corners. An 8” wide wheel can be placed on the rear only if it has a 5.0” backspace. The 8” wide wheel with a 5.0” backspace won’t work on the front because it goes inward too far and rubs on the inside when turning, so 7” wide is the limit on the front of the 1964 ½ to 1966 models if you don’t want them protruding past the fender. Below is a chart showing wheel size and backspace requirements on these models:
If you have a 1967 to 1973 Mustang then you have more room for wheel clearance. You can easily fit 8” wide wheels on the front and up to 9.5” wide on the rear. Here are options for these models:
First let's consider the two bolt patterns Ford used during those years. There were two. A 4/4.5 bolt pattern was used for 6 cylinder models, and a 5/4.5 bolt pattern was used on 8 cylinder models. Unfortunately if you have a 6 cylinder with the original hubs and drums then there are few choices in custom wheels that are made to fit. To get a really nice looking custom wheel you’ll probably have to go with a custom made application. Companies like Billet Specialties build quite a few styles with full cover caps that can be drilled for the 4/4.5 bolt pattern and will look great. Some 6 cylinder Mustang owners choose to change out the hubs and drums to the more popular 5/4.5 bolt pattern which gives you a wide range of choices in styling and sizes. Many of the five spoke designed wheels like the vintage Torq Thrust and the Foose Nitrous wheels by Chip Foose are only available in the 5/4.5 bolt pattern. Unfortunately there is just no way to put four lugs in between five spokes.
The next issue to cause confusion about wheel fitment on the classic Mustang is the difference between the original 1964 ½ to 1966 models that were based on the Ford Falcon platform, and the later models between the years of 1967 and 1973. The original 1964 ½ to 1966 models have much less room for wheel clearance. Today’s trend for custom wheels on classic pony cars is to go with a staggered fitment. That means putting a wider wheel and tire on the rear of the vehicle. Wheel width on the original 1964 ½ to 1966 models is limited to 7” wide wheels on the front and 8” wide wheels on the rear. The backspace of the wheel in these sizes is critical to keep the wheel from sticking out past the fenders. A 7” wide wheel should ideally have a 4.0” or 4.25” backspace and can be used on all four corners. An 8” wide wheel can be placed on the rear only if it has a 5.0” backspace. The 8” wide wheel with a 5.0” backspace won’t work on the front because it goes inward too far and rubs on the inside when turning, so 7” wide is the limit on the front of the 1964 ½ to 1966 models if you don’t want them protruding past the fender. Below is a chart showing wheel size and backspace requirements on these models:
If you have a 1967 to 1973 Mustang then you have more room for wheel clearance. You can easily fit 8” wide wheels on the front and up to 9.5” wide on the rear. Here are options for these models:
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