HPP Wheels on '79 Marquis Coupe

[ledzilla]

I was thinking that at some point I'd want to replace my factory 14" steelies with a set of HPP wheels. However, I wasn't sure how well they'd fit, whether to get the 15" or 16" version, or what size tires would fit best in the case of the 16" wheels (I know a good size for the 15"). In either case, I figure that I'd want something with a width of 235+. Any thoughts on this?

[Mainemantom]

With tires, I would not go over 225 with the car at stock height or just a little higher.That is what I had/have on my cars. Over that, there are rubbing issues.
Just my 2 cents.

[tbear853]

The 16 x 7 will fit and look great. They have a 4mm offset which is less than 1/4". I kept mine as they'd look great on a early Mustang. I'd run a 225/60-16 or 235/60-16 tire.

[87gtVIC]

What are the 15" versions you are referring to? I am only aware of hpps wheels in the 16" variety.

If running the stock front brakes the hpp center caps most likely will not fit. I believe some have circumvented this issue by grinding down the hub snout and even some of the inside of the centercap.

[ledzilla]

Thanks, everyone. Glad to have the input. And I think maybe I got confused on the size of the HPP wheels because some sellers I've seen listed them as 15".

Speaking of the center caps, I haven't seen any around. Where should I look?

[87gtVIC]

Can find a few on ebay...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28413566255...AAAOSwWu1f8PdC

https://www.ebay.com/itm/35205381003...8AAOSwstxVbQru

[tbear853]

I thought there were some 15" Lacey Spokes before 1998, polished aluminum rim area maybe, not silver metal-flake like my '01's 16x7 versions?

[massacre]

I have (2) 15” lacy spoke MGM wheels with center caps. They are not HPP wheels tho

[ledzilla]

Can find a few on ebay...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28413566255...AAAOSwWu1f8PdC

https://www.ebay.com/itm/35205381003...8AAOSwstxVbQru

Thank you. I only saw that gold-ish one and wasn't even certain it was the right kind.

[tbear853]

I have (2) 15” lacy spoke MGM wheels with center caps. They are not HPP wheels tho

What makes a HPP wheel?

[pantera77]

Real HPP's only come in 16", but they come in three distinct flavors. (93-96, 97/98, 99-02)
Lacy spoke 15's are similar, but certainly not HPP's.
16" LSC Lacy spokes are pretty much HPP's with a different offset (and require spacers, though will fit an 03+ just fine)

225/60/16 is stock, 235/60/16 will fit fine, 255/50/16 will also fit but is really pushing it width wise on the wheel. I've ran all three.

Stock HPP center caps will fit the stock brakes with a little grinding and hammering.

[87gtVIC]

Thank you. I only saw that gold-ish one and wasn't even certain it was the right kind.

No Problem. I have to admit it appears as if the Ford caps are easier to obtain. Good luck in your search for a set of proper mercury ones.

[gadget73]

What makes a HPP wheel?

they came on cars with the Handling and Performance Package. basically higher rate springs, bigger sway bars, dual exhaust, those wheels, probably some other bits that I can't remember. Lots of them had rear air suspension, and the air springs had a different base for a higher progressive rate than the standard air suspension cars.

[tbear853]

I know what a "HPP car" is, but "what is a HPP wheel" ... was more my query. Like, if the HPP wheel is laid on a pile of other Lacey Spoke 16x7s off of non HPP cars, how can a fellow tell the difference? I've got a set of Lacey Spoke 16x7s off a '01 CV, they have exactly the same 4mm offset as the 16x7 Teardrop wheels that were on my '01 Mercury. I've seen three variations of Lacey Spokes which did usually come on a HPP car, but were not exclusive to HPP cars. I only asked the question because I had never heard of them being called HPP wheels, just always Lacey Spokes.

[sly]

The wheels on my car are HPPs. They were the BBS made for Ford "performance" wheels.