Tire SizingI'm currently in the middle of restoring a '67 Mustang GT, and I'm keeping most everything as stock as possible except for the rims and tires. I've read that the original tires were 205/75-14 on the optional Styled Steel rims, which were 14x511/42 inches. I plan to install 14x7 Magnum 500 rims on the car, which should look great. I'll use BFGoodrich T/A radials, but I'm unsure of what size to go with.
I could use the 205/75-14 original tires, but I'd like something a little meatier. To keep the same diameter, I could use either a 225/70-14 or a 255/60-14, but then I run into the question of wheelwell clearance and whether the rims are big enough for these tires. What would you suggest?Kinch DonithanVia e-mail
Tire dimensions vary from one style or brand to another, even when marked as identical sizes. Therefore, it's difficult to make specific recommendations. Most reliable tire shops understand this and will agree to a trial-fitting before you make a final choice.
I appreciate your choice and willingness to stay with the stock size 14x7 Magnum 500 wheels. A '67 Mustang wheelwell is relatively large and can usually accept 235/70-14 tires for the look you're trying to achieve. Anything larger is a bit much for a 7-inch rim and may also create clearance problems between the tire and upper ball joints. Another close area is between the tire and outer tie rod, and therefore should also be observed.
Look around and ask other Mustang owners about what they've been able to use. Then locate a good tire shop that's willing to work with you to maximize tire size. Sometimes bigger is not always better. If a 235/70 seems questionable, a better choice may be a 225/70 for peace of mind.
Order of FiringMy son and I are restomodding a '72 convertible. The VIN indicates a 302 2V, but the plugs we took out of the heads were the 14mm small ones. I started looking around and found that the heads are 351s. The engine casting number is D20E-6015-AB. Everywhere I've looked, including a head rebuilder software program, turned up empty. Do you know any more from these numbers?
We got the car after it had been sitting in the back of a "Buy Here" lot for over five years. With a new battery, starter, and a little gas in the carb, it fired right up. But I rewired the spark plugs, then got misled about the firing order. Since then, we haven't been able to start the engine. Without opening up the engine to check out the cam, how can I know which firing order is correct?Van SaxonVia e-mail
I believe you have a '75 or newer 351 Windsor engine, as the spark-plug size changed from the larger 18mm to the smaller 14mm in 1975. I too cannot locate your block casting number. However, I'll assume you were able to identify the cylinder heads.
Rewire the engine to the 351 firing order: 1, 3, 7, 2, 6, 5, 4, 8. Since you're certain the engine ran before you installed plugs, it will start up again once the correct firing order is established. The other sequence for Ford small-block engines is 1, 5, 4, 2, 6, 3, 7, 8. Wiring one of these engines with the opposite firing order doesn't damage the engine, so don't be concerned if it was done inadvertently.
It is possible that someone installed later 351W heads on a 302 short-block. To identify your engine, compare it to a known 302 engine, as a 351W has a higher deck height that makes the engine wider than a 302. Compare intake-manifold widths. A 351W will be noticeably wider than its 302 counterpart.
Trim TipThe chrome strip on top of the door glass has come loose in my '65 Mustang. Please tell me how this part is attached to the glass.Hal BuschVia e-mail