Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

One thing on some brand X wheels is the size of the hole -- particularly a truck wheel. Some Packards use 1/2" studs or bolts while some wheels with that same bolt pattern use 9/16. I remember trying a brand X wheel and found the Packard nut was, IMO, too small for the hole in the wheel. Would be OK for rolling around but I wouldn't trust it not to pull thru under a lot of load.

Thank you for the input....
Can anyone confirm whether the 55 Clipper series is lug nuts or lug bolts and LH thread and RH thread.....?

Lug bolts with RH threading. JWL

Bolts, rh thread.

There was something about some rims that wouldn't fit because of the center hole diameter. I think these were straight 8 car rims, but I was trying to use a rim on a V8. The bolt pattern was ok, but the center hole was smaller.

The '55 Clipper's use the same rim's as the '54 Clipper Specials and Deluxes (5 x 4.5), the '54s Supers use the larger '53 bolt pattern.

But, if you use a non-Packard rim, you'll have to deal with the locator pin that is on the brake drum, which a non-Packard rim may not have a hole for.

Proud new owner of this 1955 Custom Clipper Constellation !
The last pic is of the look I'm shooting for.....

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Congratulations. Looks like a very decent starting place for the project. I'd check with Mike Dulinski or Gerry at Packards Southwest on the fender chrome.

Thank you Sir ! For the most part, the previous owner states that most of the chrome is there. I will take inventory and see what I'm missing. I will definitely seek out the gentlemen you mentioned to procure the "missing" chrome and badges required to complete that portion of the project. I've also started a project blog to track the progress.......

I was lucky enough to have purchased a similar car many years ago with less than 20,000 miles. You may have seen it on E-Bay fairly recently [turquoise and white jade]. I drove that car literally everywhere and never had a moments problem. It drove and handled magnificently and I never had any problems with the Torsion Level system. I eventually won a 2nd Place national award from PAC in Asheville, NC. My engine was not detailed and a beautifully turned out 55 Clipper DeLuxe beat me out of first. A successive owner of my Constellation detailed the engine and installed correct new carpeting. It is, today, still one of the finest around. I miss it...and just wish you the same motoring pleasure I had out of mine. With the particular drive train set up and the smaller Clipper wheel base, you will find this car to be a superb and surprisingly fast performer!