Location might be helpful to opine on the laws around when flares are/are not needed.

Also, could we persuade you to reconsider the change to 12's? Handles better with 10's, and a lot of people think it looks better. Disc brakes much more expensive with 10's of course.

I am a new owner of a 61 mini which is in pretty much original form that is in desperate need to repair and all around work.  I will be replacing the drums with 8.4" brakes in front which, in turn will require 12" wheels.  I am deciding on between two sets of similar wheels with different widths and offsets.

1: 5x12" ET 30 Ultralites
2: 5.5x12" ET 10 Ultralites

Assuming the same set of tires Falken ZE914 are wrapping them, my question is there a big difference between these two on how they will sit and possibly rub?  I do plan on getting a small set of flares but would these look "fine" without them as in they would only stick out a few mm from the fender?  I'm completely aware they might fit on paper but with and 1961 sporting old suspension components that could be a different story.

I notice the 5.5 have a slightly deeper dish look which is a plus to me.

Thoughts?