Crager Wheels and tires, 71 Charger SE – keep or replace?

[71SandbugCharger]

With my SE Charger ('71) I got some roller wheels and tires. I don't know a lot about sizing for wheels and tires (rely on a friend, or use an automated tool), so this is educational too! The wheels are old style Cragers, so I'm deciding if they are worth restoring and using on my '71 Charger.

The front rollers are 245/60 R14
The rear ones are P275/60 R16

I'm going to use the original and rebuilt drums on the rear, and 11.75 rotor disc brakes in the front. Will these sizes fit with these?

Suggestions on replacement sizes would be good - wider and taller in the rear, better for turning and lower in the front.

THX!

 

[multimopes]

I think you might have brake clearance issues with 14" rims on the front. Rears should be fine.

 

[Rishi]

Those Crager wheels are (nearly) just as vintage as original. Restored, they'd look pretty cool. Maybe not as nice as some OEM options, but unless you have something better, hang on to them and at least consider if you like them, and how'd they look on your car.

 

[Aron Gleason]

Cragar recommends a 15 inch wheel to clear 11 inch brakes

 

[6PKRTSE]

I am a Cragar dude. My favorite wheel. I mix it up between the stock wheels and the Cragars on my cars.

 

[Don Frelier]

Did you have a typo on the 16" rear wheels?
15" maybe instead?

 

[71SandbugCharger]

The sizes I have are as stated. I did a google search on the P275/60 R16 tire and looked through a catalog I had. It’s going to be a challenge to get that tire size as time goes on.

 

[ruffcut]

Yep! 14's and 15's. Not 16

 

[71SandbugCharger]

Yep! 14's and 15's. Not 16

You're right!!! Apologies, and in a good way! A lot easier trying to find a 270/60 R15 tire! Balancing trying to get a job, life and the things I like to do!

 

[71SandbugCharger]

Got an estimate (So California) today for restoring the two usable ones (15”)…. $700 each!

 

[ruffcut]

YIKES!

 

[71SandbugCharger]

Here’s another question. Should the holes be elongated on these Cragers?

 

[#41]

Oval holes = unilug pattern.

I would not pay to have them restored. Clean them up the best you can, add some chrome polish, and bolt them on.

 

[multimopes]

Or you could buy new Cragars! Check the for sale forums regularly on this site. You might find a good used set at a good price.

 

[RemCharger]

I used those 15x10s to make magnums.. the centers are the same size. Cut em apart and rechrome the bells. Ta-da

Unless you don't like magnums..

 

[33 IMP]

If you want cragars, buy new. I wouldn't spend $7 for chrome polish for those.

The condition of yours is an example of why I was never a fan of chrome wheels/cragars.

 

[71SandbugCharger]

I used those 15x10s to make magnums.. the centers are the same size. Cut em apart and rechrome the bells. Ta-da

Unless you don't like magnums..

Do you have a final picture?

 

[74ChargerSE440]

I am a Cragar dude. My favorite wheel. I mix it up between the stock wheels and the Cragars on my cars.

View attachment 1767475

View attachment 1767476

Depending on your daily emotion

 

[33 IMP]

I wouldn't do it..... but you could clean em up, and powdercoat em.

 

[funnykarman]

Crager will make you a custom wheel with the back spacing you want for an extra $50 each . Had a set for my 1986 Dodge D150 truck, took only 5 days to make and ship. They were 10 wide SS wheels so 12 wide tires would fit under the truck bed. Look on their web site for custom wheels