Rear tire size on 65 427 SC Replica

[rschillo]

I have just purchaed a used 1965 427 SC Replica. The first time I drove it down the street I heard a rubbing sound from the right rear. When I got home I realized the tire was rubbing on the rim of the fender. I car has 1080 miles on it and I can't imagine this happening since the car was built. I don't know what could have happened to cause this. I trailored the car back to NC from Indiana with no problems. The tire size on the rear is r50-15-295. Is this tire just too big? What can I do short of getting a smaller tire? What size tire usually goes on this car? I tried a lift kit for the right side but it didn't help much. I was told the car was made by Classic Roadsters, is this the name of a company? If so, where are they located? I really can't drive the car until I get this problem fixed. Thanks to all of you for your help.

[SCOBRAC]

At 1,000 miles your car is still new. it is most likely going to get a little worse as you wear in your cars suspension. It isn't uncommon for cars to lose an inch of ride height by the time it's broken in. 295 is a very common cobra tire size, likely the most common for 15" rear wheels. But 275' s are also common. The easiest way if you have an adjustable rear suspension is to reset the ride height. Most cobras have a ton of room between the rear tire and the fender, as unsightly as it is it is the way "original cars" came. Aside from that you can:

You can change the offset of the rear wheels, moving the tires inward, you can narrow the rear axle to bring the wheels inward, you can cut the fenders to allow more room for the tire, you can try Atkins and or reducing the fuel load. Gas weighs 6.3 pounds per gallon at 70 degrees f.

You might just try another tire brand. Not all 295' s are created equal and some with the same aspect ratio will actually have less sidewall. Short of that you can go with a smaller aspect ratio tire. 275/50 might work.

[rschillo]

Thanks very much for your help Michael. I appreciate it.

[SCOBRAC]

Here's how an "original" car looks. pleanty of room for tire movement.
http://www.dupontregistry.com/search...06&sessionkey=

[cobralee]

Besides checking out the offset and width of the wheel, you might try using a 295x60x15 rather than a 50 series. The 60 series will be a little taller, but not quite as wide.