Wheel bolt pattern adapters.....

Discussion in 'General Automotive Tech' started by Krash Kadillak, Sep 9, 2014.

  1. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    OK, this could get sticky.....

    I am considering using bolt pattern adapters. My vehicle has a 5 x 5" bolt pattern, and I am having difficulty locating any wheels I like in that pattern that are 1) cheap, and 2) in my area. Wheels in a 5 x 4.75" pattern are much more plentiful.

    It appears that the adapters come in widths anywhere from 1 - 1.5". I'm thinking the narrower the better, if the wheels will be closer to the lip of the wheel opening.

    What I'm looking for here is your experience with wheel adapters, and what to watch out for. And if you have particular experience with them on a box wagon, all the better.

    Thanks.
     
  2. n2fordmuscle

    n2fordmuscle Well-Known Member

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    I used some on a '99 Ford F150 4x4 for a while, without issue. Just make sure they're of high quality billet aluminum.

    One other thing to keep in mind is make sure the adapter is thick enough to cover your existing studs. If your studs are longer than the adapter width, they could stick out too far. I ran into this issue when using some on my Dodge Magnum. I agree with the narrower the better, so they won't be pushed out too far. However, the backspace/offset of the wheels might help determine the width of the adapters. You'll have to take all of that into account.
     
  3. WagonKiller

    WagonKiller Well-Known Member

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    I'd hold out for actual proper fit wheels. I wouldn't use those if you paid me a LOT of money. Too many horror stories and seen with my own eyes experiences
     
  4. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    I agree. No adapters for me. Might have to trade that wagon for an old Chevy.
     
  5. Fred Kiehl

    Fred Kiehl Well-Known Member

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    The only adapters to use are hub-centric with a flange to mount the wheels. You will also have to recalculate the offset depending on how thick the adapters are. If you do not use hub-centric adapters with a flange, you risk having the wheel off center when you tighten the lugs. If you find the wheels you like, you may be able to have them redrilled. You may still need to check your offset.
     
  6. WagonKiller

    WagonKiller Well-Known Member

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    Even with hubcentrics you WILL have vibrations!
     
  7. FANTM58

    FANTM58 Active Member

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    Re drill

    I just had a set of wheels from my wife's 2012 Caddy ATS
    Redrilled to fit my sons 99 SAAB 93
    $8 a hole
    And also did a set of wheels for my other sons 70 Camaro
    A CraigsList purchase, not the bolt pattern that was claimed on the add !!
    Both worked great
    They we're drilled and sleeved
     
  8. The Stickman

    The Stickman Well-Known Member

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    Adapters/spacers are fine to use as long as they are bolt on. I have used 1 inch spacers on the rear of my Olds for quite some time on the road and even some track time. Just don't go less than an inch just incase.
     
  9. 350x

    350x 'Echinsu Ocha'

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    I redrilled some small bolt dodge rims for my Buick wagon. [ low miles, had em forever, don't plan on owning a dodge again]

    was super easy to DIY as I had spare rotor n drum to use for proper alignment.

    put rim over rotor [with studs removed] it has the machined hub to center the rim right, I then cut the flat part of the drum out with stud holes and center. It has the same machined hole to slide over the hub sticking through rim, making a sandwich. rotor holds it all center right, I then used the drum part to mark the center of the stud holes. Drill and walla.

    problably cheaper to pay someone if you include time as cost.
     
  10. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for all the replies. Seems like there's a lot more to consider than I thought.
     
  11. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    Keep looking for a 5 x 5" bolt pattern and drive the wheels off it for now.
    Or get a set of 32" dork rims and skinny tyres after you bag it.
     
  12. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, that's gonna happen....................not.
     
  13. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    Or get a set of 32" dork rims and skinny tyres after you bag it.:rofl2::taz::rofl2:
     
  14. Fat Tedy

    Fat Tedy Island Red Neck

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    Come on KK, where is your imagination, maybe donate yours to the new TV show, maybe you will like it, maybe they will leave the wood and paint it blue and stick 500k watt stereo in the back!

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    Jeez............. and that's a Pontiac, too. :disagree:
     

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