Skinny Rear tire recommendations

[1AngryT]

Currently I am running Mickey Thompson Sportsman 31 x 16.50 on the rear of my bucket. I like the look, but unfortunately, it is a very tight fit on my transport trailer, like super tight with such wide rear tires.

So, I am looking for skinny rear tires for transport/spares/extras, preferably ones that look 70ish, or good on the rear of a bucket/hot rod, and aren't insanely expensive.


What are you all running? Or where should I start looking? A google search was not super helpful.

Thanks in advance.

 

[RodStRace]

Here's your post with pics.

Thread 'First timer, long time dreamer'

Sep 27, 2025

Hi Everyone

I am the proud new owner of a T Bucket! A T bucket has been my dream car since I was in my teens and got to build one at Tech school. Finally, my dream came true a month ag and I couldn't be happier.

I snagged a great deal on a really nice T Bucket built in 1974. Lots of care was put into the project and it was clear it wasn't a half ass build. It needs a few things, but runs and drives and everything works as it should and it has been well taken care of over the years. I don't know much about its past, very little actually beyond what I have discovered by tinkering on it.

I...

• 1AngryT
• Replies: 17
• Forum: Introductions

• 

Since you are running Cragar SS wheels, I'd say stick with those, but just a narrower pair.
Looks like you have 15x12 or 15x14. Dropping down to a 15x8 or 15x10 would help a lot.
It's a matter of what looks good to you and is in budget.
A different set of wheels can really change up the look or any car.
I had huge rears and ugly fronts when I got mine, and searched for a while to get the current setup.
The other part of fitting a new pair of rears is the height. Is the speedo accurate? Is this important? Then measure total height and stick with it. If you want to change final gearing or tire height, you may want to factor in the speedo gear change.

https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/chartsguides/a/ado-3860345.pdf

 

[1AngryT]

I have 15 wheels in the rear and 14s in the front.

Forgive my ignorance, when you say 15x8 are you referring to 15 wide wheels by 8 inch wide? I love the look of skinny front tires, and would love the idea of going with skinnier ones up front as well, especially if there are advantages beyond looks.

I likely would stick with the Cragers in the rear, I like the look and want to keep it somewhat traditional looking, just looking for skinnier for transport and ease of storage over the winter and have them look somewhat good if Im feeling lazy and don't want to swap the MTs on. I would like keep them relatively the same height though.

As far as I know the speedo is accurate, I haven't really checked it against anything to verify but it feels accurate.

 

[RodStRace]

This should explain common terms.

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/wheel-size

You currently have a 15 inch wheel in the back. It's probably 12 to 14 inches wide. To go narrower, select another 15 inch wheel with a narrower width and a narrower tire to fit.
Look at the pictures in the following links
Here is a 15x14

Pardon Our Interruption...

Here's a 15x10

Pardon Our Interruption...

Here's a 15x6

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[409T]

You might get around all this by building ramps over the wheel wells of your trailer and backing the T-bucket in. That is what works for me.

 

[Indycars]

I think you will find it a pain in the ass to change out rear wheels every time you want to trailer the TBucket. Could you buy something that's slightly less width, but still looks good.?

Another option would be to buy some wheels with less offset to the outside. Keep your tires and just purchase new wheels.
.