Wheel Interchange Question

[Lark Parker]

I have a new set of 16" bias ply tires on a 39 Champion and they are terrible until you drive a while and they get warmed up (round again).
I also have some good whitewall radials I could use just for running around town if I can find a 4 lug wheel that will fit. I mostly make short trips and don't get to enjoy the car much without the tire flat spots.
The Champion wheel lugs/holes measure 4" center-to-center across.

What is the lug measurement on post war Studes with 4 hole wheels?

[41 Frank]

Dale,as far as I know all Stude Champion 4 hole wheels '39 and later have the same bolt hole spacing. When I converted my '41 Champion from stock wheels to 5 hole it had 15" 4 hole wheels on it instead of 16" ones which it would have originally been equipped with. I sold them to a guy in Wisconsin to use on his 1950 Champion.

[thunderations]

The 15" wheels on my 1950 Champions are 4" from center of hole to center of hole, just like your 1939.

[Studebaker Wheel]

The 15" four bolt wheels used thru 1950 will fit all the 1939-46 Champions.

[Lark Parker]

You guys are fast and accurate. That makes my day -- which has been otherwise not so much.
Thanks, now all I have to do is find a set of 4 lug 15"wheels.

[62champ]

I have a new set of 16" bias ply tires on a 39 Champion and they are terrible until you drive a while and they get warmed up (round again).

Unforeseen advantage to those old tires- allows the vehicle to warm up and not go too fast - too quick... Had a good friend back in Texas with a 1953 2R5 that had 6 ply bias tires on it - those things would flat side when it got below 45. Drove it once when it was about 30 - after a mile I can guarantee you anything loose on the truck (including all kinds of stuff in the glove box!) was lying on the road I had traveled over...

[52-fan]

The flat spot effect may be worse with 6 ply tires and a truck suspension. The wide whites on my 52 always rode rough when I started out after it had been parked a while, but the effect went away fairly fast.

[2R5]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-1940-1941-1945-1946-Studebaker-Wheels-4-Total-/121040909011?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c2e99b2d3&vxp=mtr

...this set just came on ebay

[thunderations]

Bob, I think he wants a set of 15". I've got a bunch of them, but I'm sure someone closer to Indiana has some too.

...this set just came on ebay[/QUOTE]

[41 Frank]

The 710-15 4 ply bias plies on my 52 ride like solid rubber tires for about a quarter of a mile and are smooth after that.

[62champ]

The 710-15 4 ply bias plies on my 52 ride like solid rubber tires for about a quarter of a mile and are smooth after that.

Running the tire pressure called for in the owner's manual (24 frt. and 20 rear) my 60S is the softest riding vehicle on the property.

[BobPalma]

Don't forget, Dale; 4-bolt 1978-up Fairmont and 1979-up FOX-body Mustang wheels will also work. I don't remember any of them being available in 15", however, although I wouldn't be surprised if the aftermarket has 15" variants available. BP

[41 Frank]

I will give your tip a try in the spring,thanks. I don't have an owners manual.

Running the tire pressure called for in the owner's manual (24 frt. and 20 rear) my 60S is the softest riding vehicle on the property.