Thread: Best Wheel and tire size for a 32 HighBoy

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That old saying "opinions are like body orifices, everyone has one and all of them stink but mine" applies here. However, there is some common points for a fenderless car. There are maybe five different "looks" and each look has its own "perfect" traits.

One thing that stands out in the pictures is that the "better" looks have the tire concentric to the rear reveal. Therefore, part of that equation is having the tire diameter chosen with the reveal-to-ground distance in mind. This is especially illustrated by Bib's picture that has a really nice concentricity. Older lakes racers had nice concentricity.

The other feature that seems to be common is the tire to body gap. Most of the accepted "good" looks have this gap tightened instead of having the tires hang out like a Hot Wheels car.

The newer low profile tires are a challenge with the big wheels since the tire sidewall gets really skinny and makes certain wheels look strange and out of proportion. This is especially true when the front tire is a 40 series and the back tire a 65 series.....the sidewall on the front seems even thinner. Since a low profile tire is made to be stiff and have the suspension tuned softer to give the ride quality, the setup of these tires is probably tougher......not wrong but certainly a challenge.

All of this means that a wheel and tire combo on one deuce highboy looks good but it looks weird on another deuce highboy. I have found that we will probably buy several sets of wheels (ouch) and tires before we get our look "right" for our particular car.....and you almost gotta do the wheels and tires last.

mike in tucson

I agree with Troy here...I don't know anything about what a rod should or shouldn't be...but I know what I like...and so far all of the examples you guys have posted look fantastic...Why can't it be a matter of preference on a car...?

I was just looking at a lavender 32 Phaeton (I don't think I spelled that right) in a magazine...geez...I like lavender...but it just looked wierd to me...But who cares? If that's what trips this guys trigger...it's his car (or hers as the case may be)...

By the way Resin Addict ~ Weclome to the boards Hope to see ya at some cruise in's or something this spring and summer...

Originally posted by dangeroustoy
If I remember correctly my rear tires are 29 inches tall... hahahaha, I guess it is just another boring street rod (thanks TravisB)...

Dave Brisco

Dave ~ Your rod is anything BUT Boring

Thank you very much Jeri...

I was trying to give ole TravisB a poke in the ribs!!!
It is all in fun...

Dave Brisco

Trav you will have to refresh my memory on that one... Sure it was me?...

Dave Brisco

trav ,
that was my comment , not daves .

sorry we hijacked someones post

Originally posted by kennyd
trav ,
that was my comment , not daves .

Now I feel like I missed out on something!!!

Sorry guys just having some fun!!!

Dave Brisco

his nova sit so high , i thought it should have a transfer case .
get it 4x4

THIS IS TRUE

what backset are you using?

Resin Addict: I am in the same situation- I am building a 32 Tudor sedan as a highboy and I'm trying to determine the correct tire and wheel combo. You have already received several good suggestions. I will add a couple of other things to keep in mind. As mentioned, highboys need tall rear tires in order to match the radius of the rear fender well. If you run the same diameter front and rear wheels, say 165/60x15's on the front and 275/70x15's on the rear, the tall sidewall on the rear tire dwarfs the wheel, where as the short side wall on the front makes the wheel look larger than the rear one. This is why you need to run at least one inch larger in the rear. As far as distance from the body- keep a minimum of 2" between the body and the tire to allow for body/axle movement. I am still trying to decide narrow or wide, whitewalls or black, steelies or billet? Decisions, decisions...

Thanks for all the great replys, and the pictures. I'm getting a lot of good advice, and really appreciate it. Sounds like 29-30" for the rears seems to be the concensus.
I studied a lot of cars at the AutoRama in town here last month, and one of the things I noticed was that the wheels seemed a little small compared to the overall tire size, so I'm thinking for sure 16" and possibly 17" with a 30" overall diameter?
I keep looking at all kinds of different options. as far as wheels, either American Racing Torque Thrust D's or American Racing Salt flat's.
What do you think? Trying to go with something that copies the look of the 60's.

Thanks for all the great replys, and the pictures. I'm getting a lot of good advice, and really appreciate it. Sounds like 29-30" for the rears seems to be the concensus.
I studied a lot of cars at the AutoRama in town here last month, and one of the things I noticed was that the wheels seemed a little small compared to the overall tire size, so I'm thinking for sure 16" and possibly 17" with a 30" overall diameter?
I keep looking at all kinds of different options. as far as wheels, either American Racing Torque Thrust D's or American Racing Salt flat's.
What do you think? Trying to go with something that copies the look of the 60's.