15.5 x 38" tires on 15" rims??

I have a 730 with 16.9 tires on 15" rims. I want to put new tires on during my restoration. I can not put new 16.9 s on because new tire cleats will not clear the fenders at full ht. Plan is to install new 15.5 s but good 14" rims are a little hard to find. Most are bent up and rusted out. My 15" are in prefect condition, only an 1" wider than should be. Will I really notice the 1/2" per side on visual appearance. correct appearance is somewhat important to me on this tractor. Has anyone had these tires mounted on 15" rims.
Thanks Rick
 
I'm sure they would be fine. Are you sure 16.9s won't clear? I know of a 730D with 18.4 x 38s on it, it's close but it clears. Not sure of any modifications to the fenders though.
 
They'll be fine. My 60 has 16.9's on 16"
rims instead of 15" that they are
supposed to be on. The side walls sit a
little straighter, but a casual observer
will probably never notice.
 
Tractor pullers put tires on wider rims all the time. It makes the side walls square & i
think they look great that way myself. A 15.5 on 15" or even 16" wheel will be fine.
 
15.5x38 tires are a low profile tire and will drop the back end of the tractor significantly giving the 730 a nose up attitude. The 15.5x38 is 62.2" diameter, the 14.9 is 63.8" diameter. I changed 15.5's to 14.9's on my 70D which now sets level. My brother did the same to his G which sets level now.
 

One must check each Brand for the actual size....

I have 15.5x38 Firestone on one and 15.5x38 GoodYear on the other..both same as new and the GoodYear tires are a FULL 2 1/2" taller than the Firestones..

Also, the GoodYear tire WIDTH measures 14" Wide, the Firestones are a FULL 15" Wide..

FWIW...!
Ron..
 
I got a M Farmall that has the rims widen out 4 inch so i think they measure a full 14 inches, with 52 yr old 13.6-38 tires every time the Firestone Dealer comes out and see that tractor, he shakes his head and cant believe the tires havent slipped on the rim, and always remind how nice the tires look [no cracks for their age], so we always part friends! But they have always been inside.
 

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