[flynbrian48]

OK, I'm getting frustrated trying to find a pair of 16" artillery style wheels with 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern for the front of my '36 Fordillac project. The rear axle is late GM, 5 on 5, and I have a beautiful pair of '36 Olds rims for that end. I don't really want two different bolt patterns. We're planning on long haul driving, and I kind of cringe at the thought of running wheel adaptors, or I'd just buy a full set of Chryler rims, and have the same bolt pattern on both ends of the car.

Are my concerns valid? This thing has a 472 Caddy, big hp, big torque, & posi. Cast aluminum wheel adaptors seem kind of "Mickey Mouse". Would redrilling the hubs/drums at one end of the car or the other to fit whatever wheels I end up with be smarter? Or maybe I should just stop worrying about this, we have a credit card, road service and a cell phone...

Anyway, anybody have any opinions?

Brian

[302 Z28]

I would not even think twice about having them redrilled to matcch the rear, that is THE ONLY way I would do it.

Vince

[flynbrian48]

LOL, yeah, I know. It's one of questions that, by the time you ask, you've already figured out the answer. I just needed somebody else to say it!

Brian

[Dugg]

An opinion here....... as usual. And, possibly more support for your decision.

The rear axles are more suitable for re-drilling - strength-wise, as they are a hardened steel while the front hubs are likely cast iron.

However, since you have and like the rear wheels, I'd opt for re-drilling the front hubs, but only if there are no depressions or pockets or thinner areas of the hubs where you would drill. In other words, the lug nut stud flange should be the same thickness where you would re-drill vs. where the studs are now.

Hubs are easier to drill as they can be held down to about any mill table whereas axles might have to be hung over the side of a Bridgeport table or done on a horizontal mill with a dividing head.

I can recall seeing five hole over four hole steel adapters years ago where one hole intruded into another hole. Poor design, but some of them sold and cheaper than re-drilling.

[speedydeedy]

I agree that having axles or hubs redrilled is definitly the best especialy if width is a problem. But high quality and high strengh adapters are fine when properly installed. I have freinds into big 4x4's and they run 8lug to 18 wheeler type wheel adapters on 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with no problems. Wheel adapters have come a long way since I was a kid.

[bentwings]

You should be able to redrill which ever end you need. The axels are harder but you can send them to Moser or Curie and have them redrilled and filled if necessary.

[flynbrian48]

Well, once again, ebay has come to the resue. Right now there are 2 sets of 17's, a set of 16's, and a pair of 16" MOPAR artillery wheels, and some guy wants to buy the pair of 5 on 5's I have. Good things come to those who wait...

I'm leaning towards simply using the pair I have, a pair of MOPAR's for the front, a donut spare in the (tiny) trunk, and a billet wheel adaptor to adapt the spare, should I need it, to the odd bolt pattern. I don't want to hang a spare off the trunk panel, as Ford did, but I may keep the bracket and use it if we take a long trip, to mount a spare outside.

Brian

[kruzr]

You could also rework the centers on your wheels.
make a round plate ,drill out to whatever bolt pattern and have it welded into your wheel ...seen that done on dozens of 35 Ford wire wheels
Many of those artillery wheels are tired and weak.I had a set for my 38 pickup and decided they werent strong enuff design.good luck

[pasadenahotrod]

Dodge and Plymouth had artillery style wheels with the 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern in the mid-late 30s.

For spares, think about a donut modern style spare. If you can't find a dual pattern wheel with 5-5 and 5-4.5 just carry two they're small and don't weigh much.
GM has a dual pattern wheel with 5-5 and 5-4.75.
Ford may have a one too but with 5-5 and 5-4.5 as they used both these patterns too.

[flynbrian48]

I'm committed now. Bought a full set of mid 30's Chrysler rims, 16" artillery wheels on ebay for a scary amount of money. I've decided to run two on the front, and keep the 5 on 5's on the rear. I believe the MOPAR rims are 4" and know the Olds 5 on5's are 5", which works well with my planned tire combo. I'd always planned on a donut spare, as the trunk is SMALL. If there is such a thing as a combo bolt pattern for what I need, I'll do that, otherwise, a wheel adaptor is a mouse click away, and even a cast one would work to get to a tire store. The unused pair will go on ebay to recoup some the expense.

I paid what seems like alot, but I've been watching these things for a couple months now, and I got the full set for what two pairs have sold for on average. I know they match, and I know they look close enough to Olds' to be OK. After I sell the unsed pair, and a bunch of other left over and unused stuff that's taking up space, I should end up with enough to rebuild the big old Caddy.

So thanks for all the opinions!

Brian