And the answer to the wheel question is

jawbone said
Never would have guessed it. Is that why originals were 5.5 with 3.75 BS and skinny tires?

likely?

most, or a lot i should say, BBP stock steelies are 4 or 4.25 BS, for instance cop wheels are 15X7 w/ 4.25 and fit great with 205~225 tires up front (depending on aspect ratio and ride height).