Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

In 1940 what is the wheel size for a Packard 1801 120 4 door club sedan. my project came with 15" wheels but I am being told that they should be 16" x 5.5".

According to the Model Info Pages here on the website your Model 1396 had an original Tire Size of 16 x 6.5. What that translates in actual rim width I have no idea.

Thanks for the information, Any information where I might go and find a set of these.

I was told once by a guru that many people switched to 15" wheels out of necessity during the war as 16" tires were the first to become unobtainable.

Thanks this is good information, I have been looking for a wile and have not yet found a picture of a 1940 120 1801 club sedan.

The tag on the cowl top says it came from Bush Morgan Motor Co built Jan 19th 1940 with a tag # 1396-2248. Did they assemble the cars their then sell them or due you think that they would have built to order.

The date on the Patent Plate is usually the Delivery Date which is stamped by the dealer when it is sold. Not the that date that the car was built.

An 1801 Club Sedan is a rare car. I suggest you get Jim Hollingsworth's book on 1940's - a must read. As for the wheels, yes, 16" wheels are what you need. Same from most 38-41 (Jr) cars (except 40-41 110's, and a few other oddballs, HD commerical, etc.) Not extraordinarily hard to find, I don't have 4 right now, but can put the word out if you want me too. Note that a 235/75-15 tire is nearly the same diameter as an original 700-16, so you might not be gaining much other than originality if you switch to 16" wheels/tires. Do you know what wheels you are running now?

I am in the process of rebuilding the chassis, then rebuilding the engine then the body. When I brought it home it had newer 15" wheels on it.

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According to the 35-41 parts book that car takes a 16 X 4 1/2 wheel. It calls that out for nearly all of 1800 series cars. According to the 42 parts book it's called a 16 X 4 wheel for the 1801-3,4 etc. Hard to specify but the common denominator has always been the 4 1/2 for the 120s and the 5 1/2 for the 160-180. If you're interested I know where there's a set of 4 perfect 16" 120 wheels. They were offered to me for my 160 but I can't use em. They are as clean a wheel as you'll ever find. I'll ask about em when I see him next (soon).

Thanks for the update, yes I would be interested.

The cost and the location of the wheels.

If he would like to E-mail directly to me here is my e-mail
dclemen4@ford.com