Topic: 1968 Wheels with Wire Wheel Covers (Hubcaps)

[E35Pilot]

I'm looking to determine if the current styled-steel wheels on a SJ 1968 (non-GT) S-Code (with front disc brakes) are original to the vehicle.  The Marti Report states the car came with wire wheel covers.  However, the wire wheel covers fit on the wheels but there seems to be a small gap between the wheel cover lip and the edge of the wheel rim as the covers don't completely fit (seat) into the rim. 
(Note: I'm not positive the wire wheel covers are actually original equipment either)

Did the styled-steel wheels ever come equiped with full wheel covers or should the vehicle have the standard wheels instead as original equipment? 

If standard, then I must assume the backspacing on the standard wheels is sufficient to allow for the disc brakes that were also included on the Marti Report as an original option for this vehicle...right?

Any thoughts/advice?
 
Lee

[J_Speegle]

I'm looking to determine if the current styled-steel wheels on a SJ 1968 (non-GT) S-Code (with front disc brakes) are original to the vehicle.  The Marti Report states the car came with wire wheel covers.

Would believe that unless you have a factory sales receipt that shows additional charges and mentions the wheels I would rely on what Ford says it was delivered to the dealership with

  However, the wire wheel covers fit on the wheels but there seems to be a small gap between the wheel cover lip and the edge of the wheel rim as the covers don't completely fit (seat) into the rim. 

If I understand what your describing correctly none of the factory hubcaps cover the complete wheel - each leaves most if not all of the outer edge exposed, showign the wheel color (semi-gloss black) and the wheel weights

Did the styled-steel wheels ever come equiped with full wheel covers or should the vehicle have the standard wheels instead as original equipment? 

No - installing full wheel covers over styled steel wheels would provide no color contrast between the hubcap and the wheel color and it would be additional costs for something not really seen

If standard, then I must assume the backspacing on the standard wheels is sufficient to allow for the disc brakes that were also included on the Marti Report as an original option for this vehicle...right?

Yes the original solid steel wheels (non-style steel wheels) for the car would have cleared the calipers

[E35Pilot]

i think you answered my questions. However, i didn't do a good job of explaining my question in the first place.
The vehicle currently has styled-steel wheels with trim rings and a center (small) hubcap (non-GT).  When the car was purchased over 10yrs ago, it came with a set of wire wheel covers but were not installed...unsure if they are original but the Marti Report confirmed the vehicle was originally built with wire wheel covers.   
Although the wheel covers fit on the current styled-steel wheels, I suspected the current wheels were not original to the car.   
I guess I was hoping to confirm that ford did not mate the wire wheel covers with the styled wheels before I headed off to locate a set of original, standard 14x6 wheels.  Thanks for there help.

[stangfan]

Ford would not have issued your car with styled steel wheels AND wire wheel hubcaps.  It sounds to me like a previous owner installed the styled steel wheels and left the hub caps with the car.  The steel rims which would have been on the car with the hubcaps are probably long gone.  The correct configuration of 68 styled steel wheels is with a trim ring and small centre hubcap.

I hope this answers your question.   

[E35Pilot]

Ford would not have issued your car with styled steel wheels AND wire wheel hubcaps.  It sounds to me like a previous owner installed the styled steel wheels and left the hub caps with the car.  The steel rims which would have been on the car with the hubcaps are probably long gone.  The correct configuration of 68 styled steel wheels is with a trim ring and small centre hubcap.

I hope this answers your question.   

Yep, that's what I wanted to verify.  Thanks.