wheel clearance question

Finshing resto on a 66 Merc Cyclone Gt(same body as the 66 Fairlane)..Car has 16in "Hot Wheels' on it with 4 1/2 in backspacing.. I'd like to fit Torq- Thrust D vintage wheels on it but they only come with 4 in backspace. Right now there is about 1 1/4 inch clearance to wheel well wall. Will these wheels fit in there without problems? fronts will fit fine but want a matched set. Years ago I finished a 70 roadrunner and got stuck with a full set of tires and Cragars that wouldnt fit. would like to avoid that this time.Appreciate any advice Paul

A 7" Torino rim, with 4" backspacing, (tire bulge included) should clear a 66-67 Cyclone fender lip by approx 3/8". Ideal backspace on this rim would be around 4 3/4".
Not sure what the width or height of your Torq-Thrust rim is, or what size tire you are planning to run on it.

thanks have 16x8 wheels on it now with 41/2 backspace torq thrust d's are 16x8 with 4 inch backspace which I am told will bring the tire 1/2 inch closer to the fender. as I now have over 1inch clearance I should(hope!) I will be ok thanks for your reply Paul

You can get a custom backspace rim from american racing, I have them on my 66 fairlane, 15X7, 4.125 inch backspace. It is not a "D" it looks just like the torque thrust II's. I have 15-255-60's on the back they clear but just barely!

More Fairlane pictures

thanks for your help Paul

Thought I'd throw this out there. When I bought my TQ Thrust D's they just came out with the D in a 16" wheel, but I could only get them in 16 x 8 w/ 4" backspace. The rear clears, close but works, the front with a 2" drop rubs, especially with other people in the car, I have to be very carefull. I believe the wheel deminsions from your 66 is very similar to the 68/69s.

Now, im looking into getting custom D's made in 16 x 7 4"

You can probably squeeze a 9" wide wheel and tire in the back with the 4 3/4 backspace.

MDULA let me know about the custom d"s when you get a price might be interested myself thanks Paul