Re: Wheel question...Please read or another Packard is history

Posted by Eric Boyle On 2007/8/19 11:43:36

In my experience with Packards, '54 Buick wheels fit perfectly, only because I used to have a '54 Buick. Now, as for later model cars fitting, late '70s to '80s Olds and Cadillac wheels will fit if you torch out the center hole so it's large enough to go around the hub. This will work to get a car moving, although I wouldn't trust it to drive on a daily basis. (although I have before) If I remember right, the Senior Packards used the 5X 4 & 3/4" bolt pattern, while the Junior used the more common 5 X $ & 1/2", which is Chrysler and Ford, but you have to watch the center hole diamter so it fits the hub. One of the two, Ford or Chrysler, has a smaller hole, I think it's Ford, and won't fit a Packard Junior hub. Chrysler wheels fit a '49 Hudson perfectly, as I've been there before.

The easiest way to compare wheels is to buy a wheel adapter that has the studs for the wheel that fits your Packard, then go around the junkyards sticking it into loose wheels to see if the bolt pattern is the same. Then you'll know at least the bolt pattern matches. Just be mindful of the center hole for the hub.