What size aftermarket wheels fit on 1951 Champion

[Mike70gtx]

Was thinking of putting some after market wheels on a 2 door champion that I'm buying this weekend. I'm sure the 4.5 inch pattern works, like on Ford. Is that correct? How wide of wheel and what kind of backspacing would work. I'm looking to put something like some Cragars on it.

1950 Studebaker Champion 2dr
1987 Buick Grand National

[StudeRich]

It is a standard 5 on 4 1/2in. bolt pattern, 15 inch X 5in. wheel the same as Ford and Dodge, when they still built American made non-metric Cars.

The problem is the correct backspacing and offset for Suspension and Steering clearance, as well as fender and floorboard clearance has to be adequate for Wheel AND the tire, which can't get much over
P205X75R15, or P215X75R15/P215X70R15 on front.

You can use up to 6 inch wide wheels with no problem, if you are a 22 inch X 8 inch wheel, kinda guy, you have a problem!

Bob Johnstone's Site has some good info:

http://www.studebaker-info.org/rjtechx3.html#Wheels

StudeRich

[Mike70gtx]

Thanks. Great info. That will limit me since I was hoping to find some used stuff.
Anyone else have some classic wheels that will fit on stock setup.

1951 Studebaker Champion 2dr
1987 Buick Grand National