Maximum Tire size 1968 continental

[Cole1968]

I am trying to figure out what is the largest tire/rim you could put on a 68 continental with out issues or modifications, not that I'm going put some massive tires/rims on, I just want to go slightly bigger. I'm just looking for parameters/allowable sizes

[TonyC]

Well, if you're looking for dimensions, the stock rims with 235/75R15 tires on them and a tape measure will give you a good starting reference. The wheel wells may look deceptively more accommodating to something bigger, but that's to factor in suspension travel. There are spots with very little slack clearance, which can also limit size options...and then, there's the weight factor, which I just know that wagon-wheel enthusiasts almost never factor in when fitting wagon wheels on these cars.

Personally, I think that the 15-inchers with 235/75R15s have an ideal-looking balance of size to the rest of the car, as well as being the largest stock tire one can fit without going wagon-wheel. They do look noticeably bigger than, say, wheels on a 1988 Lincoln; but they don't look too big for the car, either.

---Tony

[Cole1968]

Do you know what the factory backspacing is?

[Dan Szwarc]

Here: https://www.thelincolnforum.net/phpbb3/ ... =1&t=46562

Continental, not Mark III.

[frasern]

So, I put 235 75 15 tires on my '67, and have some very light contact with the steering box bolt when turning left.
The original tires, 915 15 are 9.15" wide and tall, 235 are almost the same width, but only 75% as tall, meaning they are about 6.9" tall, But they are wider at the tread than the old school bias ply designs. this is the part of the tire which is rubbing.
In short, your width may be more restricting than the height.

[Dan Szwarc]

I've seen the upper ball joint rub on 235s on my 66, just a tiny bit. It happens with the wheel all the way down.
This is with the stock wheels.

[TonyC]

I admit to seeing a tad of rubbing at the upper control arms too, but it's never been a hazard, never expediting wear to the tires' inner walls, so I keep rolling. Those Hankook 724s are actually quite good all-season tires, plus being M+S-rated, that means I'd even be legal for German roads in winter. I do recommend them.

---Tony