wheel-tire fit issues

[bobby68x]

Just got my kid a 72 Scamp 318 auto. It has the 7 3/4 rear end and 4 1/2 on 5 bolt pattern. We got it with 13" Cragar SS on the front and skinny little steel 14's on the back that took alot of wiggling and swearing to get off due to the tight fit in the wheel opening. The good news is I just happened to have a pair of 14" Cragar SS's that matched the bolt pattern, the bad new is without a tire on them they stick out past the rear qtr and I would guess 4-5" of clearence to the molding. The question is; what is the easy fix here ? New rear wheels with more offset to get 'em under there ? If so, like to never got the skinny little steel wheel off, should gain a little room for mounting if we jack the bumper instead of the rear end but there's just not much room in there. You guys tell me, what's the best fix here ? Change there whole rear end, axles ? Really don't wanna cut the qtr up. By the way, I've never messed with these cars before ( had several older fords ) but a buddy of mine had this car and my boy just loved it so for 700 bucks we got something to play with this winter...with your help of course. thanks, Bobby

[AdamR]

You need to get the correct backspacing a 7" wide rim needs 4.24 or 4.5" backspacing at the most. a 235-60-15 will fit. Some guys get a 255-60-15 back there but its tight