Re: Wheels - Original Size or Rim

Posted by Gary On 2012/3/11 21:36:03

Quote:

That's a very nice '53 Elias, congratulations! I can tell you from experience that the Packard wheels are unique to themselves only. I'm the guy that posted the thread that Mal (Ozstatman) was referring to and I have been on a mission to find a set of wheels for my '53 Clipper too. I recently confirmed that early 50's thru some early 60's Buick wheels would fit the Clippers with just a slight difference in offset however, I just this weekend also discovered that Packard full wheel covers will not fit the Buick Wheels without severely distorting the "teeth" that grip the inside lip of the wheel. I obtained measurements that appeared to indicate compatibility however the Buick wheels are slightly smaller where the covers should go and will not fit. I tried using a rubber mallet but could barely get them to start into the wheel. Sure, they might eventually go but it would require forcing them and then they may not grip the inside of the wheel correctly. So, the Buick wheel is best left on a Buick and Packard wheel on a Packard although I may keep one of the Buick wheels for a spare tire wheel...so the search goes on. I hope you have better luck finding some original wheels than I have had.