Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

What's the lug pattern on a '53 Clipper? I would like to find some wider wheels without having to buy hub centering rings along with. I've seen that certain Buick wheels will work, but I'm looking more aftermarket. TIA

For the 15 inch wheels, Packard typically used a 4 1/2 inch lug pattern on lighter cars and 5 inch on the heavier models. There were however some anomalies, 54 being a year where both patterns were used on models where you didn't expect it. Another issue is since a lot of Packard components could have been swapped over the years when parts became hard to find, it is also not a given unless you know the history of your car that it will still have what it left the factory with. If using wider wheels and tires also be sure to check the wheel well clearance. Even using today's radial equivalent to stock bias size tires in some Packards gives a new meaning to the word frustration when trying to get a wider tire in or out of the wheel well. On one model the radial tire needs to be deflated a bit to get it in or out.

Here is a chart showing how wheel dimensions are calculated so you might pull one of your wheels and see what you have. One very important dimension not mentioned on that chart which will cause grief when trying to match to other cars is the center hole diameter. Packard used a comparatively large hole and not many other car mfgs wheels will have that large size.

Be sure to check that even though a wheel might have the same bolt circle pattern and would fit the Packard drum the size of the bolt or lug on the car it was designed for might be different. I recall one wheel that fit but had larger holes for larger lugs and the Packard lug nut almost slid thru the hole.

Packard drums also have a locating pin on the drum which inserts in one of a series of smaller holes in the wheel to help hold and guide the wheel while you install the bolts. Most modern wheels and a lot of the older wheels do not have the extra holes for the pins so you need to either remove the pin or provide a hole.

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Wheel Vintiques.pdf Size: 85.55 KB; Hits: 8

Not sure if earlier models are the same but for 1956 Clipper it's 15" X 5.5" with a 2.75" dia center hole but I'm not sure if the 5.5" is the bolt circle or wheel width. My notes also don't show the offset. It will likely make a difference if your car has 11" or 12" drums too as my 1954 Packards with 12" drums have a 5X5 pattern and 3.5" center hole.

Don't forget to take the center hole diameter into account and the fact that Packard drums have a post sticking out between two of the lugs.

This is from the 51-54 Service Manual under Specifications.

I believe the 5 1/2 and 6 inch dimension mentioned in the specs is for the width of the rim. AFAIK, no one knows or has been able to clarify what a K or L rim is either.

This is how my 53 Cavalier's rims are marked, not sure it's helpful in any way.

You know right away when you screw up clearance. You don’t know right away when you mess up offset.

The best rims are the ones Packard put on at the factory. IMADHO. (In Mine and Don's Humble Opinion! )