I would like to improve the handling of my 63 Valiant when it is time to replace the tires. Currently it has the 13 inch rims with radial tires.

What is the best rim size/tire size for this model? Also, are larger 14 and 15 inch rims readily available? do all mopar 14's and 15's fit this car?

My biggest issue with handling is, despite replacing all front end bushings, etc., the ride seems harsh. Is that just the way they were? I am inflating 13 inch tires to 32 pounds. Too hard?

Thanks
Tom

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1963 Valiant Signet

I like 205-60R15's with 15"X7" rims (+12mm offseet) on my '64 Valiant. I think the wheelwells are similar to the '63 models.



If your '63 hasn't been modified, it has the 5 on 4" bolt pattern rims, which limits your wheel choices. Stock 13' and 14" wheels are skinny to medium widths. Custom rims are available.

The 4.5" bolt pattern has a much larger selection of wheels. My car has that bolt pattern and front disk brakes from a '74 Duster.

32 PSI is within the normal range of street tires, and shouldn't cause excessive harshness.

What torsion bars, rear leaf springs, and shocks do you have?

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

AS far as I know, the torsion bars, shocks and rear springs are all stock. Shocks look like they were new in the past year. (I have had the car for six months) the tie rod ends, bushings, idler arm, etc. were all replaced by me (with rubber) recently.
Thanks for your advice on wheel sizes
Tom

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1963 Valiant Signet

A 15x7 would be nice, but is expensive in the SBP wheel.

So either get a 14 x 5.5 stock steelie or rally wheel (either 5.5 or 6")

Use a 195/70 14 or 205/40 14 tire.


I use 32psi with my 195/70 14s and 32 is good for the 13"


Also F/R antiroll bars with the stock springs/torsion bars improves the handling immensely. When your shocks wear out get at least KYBs as replacements

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Thanks for the advice. Any tips on a good source for stock fourteen inch wheels?

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1963 Valiant Signet

Try these:

http://www.classicchambered.com/classic/wheels.html

http://www.wheelvintiques.com/shopsite_ ... index.html

(And of course the local swap-meets, car shows, etc. in addition to E-Bay and CraigsList)

I got some 14x7 chrome wheels in the small bolt pattern made by american racing through discount tire stores. I never found a listing on line but they got them for me by just asking. I think they were around 50-55 bucks each.

Good point. Discount Tire doesn't list everything on their website. My wheels took a little digging by the one real car-guy at the counter to find. Offset was the issue - They had -6mm in stock. +12mm was about right, and took a day or two to get.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

we the closest store to me is in-- Wichita Falls Texas about 5 hours one way. were these rims newly produced or some older wheels that had not been sold . thanks Lawrence

Can't say for sure,but the boxes looked new enough.

Hey! Wichita Falls is my home town! Don't see it mentioned online very often. I think "64 Convert" lives there.

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

I have 14x7 Slot mags on my Dart. 235 60 R14 tires on the rear, but next time I get tires, I will get 225 60 R14.

On the front, I will be putting 14x7 slot mags, and 195 60 R14 tires.

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1963 Dodge Dart -225 Slant 6, 904, 2.76's, 18.84 @ 73
1970 Nova 12.53@108
1970 Bug 15.38@87