Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

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544 wheels 444-544 1965

I have a 65 544 and want to get some non stock wheels but not go crazy finding them. Has anyone got some suggestions for wheels that have worked, looking at mag or chorme or Volvo?








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    544 wheels 444-544 1965

    I just put a set of Torque Thrust II wheels on my 544. They must have a 3 1/8 offset. I am running Yokohama Av4's on them. They don't hit and fit perfectly.








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      544 wheels 444-544 1965

      That's exactly what I put on my car a couple of years ago (except for the tires). 15X6 A.R.E. Torq Thrust II's. The Torq Thrust II's have an unusual offset (seemingly - the vast majority of Ford/Mopar targeted 15X6 wheels have 3 3/4 inch back spacing which will put the rim rubbing on the upper outer front suspension pivot.

      Plus the Torq Thrust II's have a great rounded vintage look and (IMO) look outstanding on a PV.With some 205/55's they fill the fenderwells to perfection. I originally had some 205/65 Yokohama's on which required only the lightest of bending on the rear fenders for clearance. No overall reshaping, just crimping of the curled inner edge of the fender.

      The way the front suspension is you can't really add any of the added width on the inside, it all has to go on the outside (unless, I suppose, you had some 17 inch rims that could simply go around that upper suspension link - although that would dramatically increase the turning radius). But with all 2 inches of the added width on the outside, I haven't noticed any ill effects in the steering. Steering effort is no geater other than at a dead stop, no bump steer to speak of, and DRAMATICALLY improved handling as compared to the original tall skinny 165SR15 (72 sidewall aspect on those old 'standard' sizes where they don't mention it) Firestone F560's.

      Not to mention the aesthetic aspects of having some more substantial looking tires filling those round fenders... :)
      --
      I'm JohnMc, and I approved this message.








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    544 wheels 444-544 1965

    I like the way my Ford Ranger wheels work. They're cheap, and many people have commented that they like the way they look. You can get them in 5.5 and 6.0 inch width.
    Bob S.








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      544 wheels 444-544 1965

      Which did you use; 5.5 or 6? Did you have to use the Ranger hub caps too?








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        544 wheels 444-544 1965

        Mine turned out to be 5.5 inch wide, which may be why they don't rub on the tie rod knuckle, but I've heard of 6 inchers being used without any problems -- I think the back spacing is the same on both, but it's worth checking to make sure. Yes, I used the Ranger hubs -- four rear ones I believe -- made some fiberglass and epoxy disks to fit where the Ford decorative face-disks go, painted them red and then copied the "V " from the Veteranpoduktor website, enlarged it and made cut-outs from aluminum heating duct tape accordingly, which I stuck onto the disks. They look original enough to make one Volvo "expert" remark,"Gee, I didn't know that Volvo used those hubs as well."
        BTW, I've got 185s mounted on the rims, but 205s will fit, especially on the 6 inchers.
        Bob S.








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          544 wheels 444-544 1965

          Would you have a picture of these wheels? They sound pretty good. Mine has 14" wheels that I plan to replace some day with either stock 15" wheels or something wider that looks good.








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            544 wheels 444-544 1965

            Dennis,
            Today, between hauling the boat and hauling fire wood, I managed to shoot a roll on my 40 year old Canon SLR of my Volvo menagerie, paying particular attention to the PV and its wheels. Thor willing and my feeble computer skills up to the challenge, I'll post some pix within a few days. I've had other requests. That's how come I chased the mice out of the camera.
            Bob S.








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              544 wheels 444-544 1965

              Old SLR's still take the best pictures, mice included. I still use a Pentax K1000 from time to time. I am looking forward to your pics along with the others.
              Dennis







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