1950 Land Cruiser wheels - bolt pattern

[brngarage]

Hi:
I seem to remember that '50 Commanders and Land Cruisers used a different 5 bolt wheel than '51 and later. If this is true, what else (other makes, etc.) will fit a '50 Land Cruiser?

Thanks

[royvaldez]

Yes, You are right. Last week, I took off the tires off of my 1951 Land Cruiser to put on my 1950 Commander. They did not work.

[brngarage]

'50 Commander/Land Cruiser wheels

Roy:
Do you know what if anything else (other than '50 Commander/Land Cruiser) will fit a '50 Commander?

Thanks

[mbstude]

In the world of Studebakers... All pre-51 Commanders and Land Cruiser wheels will fit, as will all 41-64 Studebaker half ton truck wheels.

Granted, most truck wheels will be 16".

[brngarage]

'50 Commander/Land Cruiser wheels

Thanks Matthew. Do you know the diameter of the bolt circle? The car is not here or I'd go check it myself. Do you know if GM (Chevy) wheels will work?

Thanks

[royvaldez]

Howard, GM drums was discussed 2 weeks ago on this forum. You should find it. Someone was looking for alternatives to brake drums on their 1950 Commander. Yes there is a GM drum that you can use. Did you purchase that Land Crusier?

[Skip Lackie]

The Stude 1/2-ton truck wheels have a 5 x 5" bolt circle, the same as many Chevy truck wheels. Most Chevy cars have a 5 x 4.75" bolt circle and will not work.

[garyash]

There are Studebaker 1/2-ton truck wheels that measure 16x4.5" wide, 15x5" wide(later E series), and 15x6" wide (1949 2R through mid-E series), so there are some choices to match the 15x6 wheels on the '50 Commander. For what it's worth, 1940-42 Commanders also have the same drums and 15x6 wheels.

Here's a link to PDF file of a wheel hole gauge. When you print it out, be sure to set the printer for "no scaling"; that is, 100% of actual size.

http://www.studegarage.com/images/other/wheel_hole_gauge.pdf

It's the outward bulge in the truck/Commander drums that keeps many 5-bolt on 5" circle wheels from fitting properly. The centers won't sit flush on the hubs.

[brngarage]

Thanks all for the very useful info.

[BobPalma]

Howard: As to the 5" bolt circle diameter, what Gary said about the bulge on the brake drums.

That said, know that virtually all big GM rear wheel drive cars (older Buicks, Cadillacs, etc.) and half-ton pickups have a 5" bolt circle diameter. All kinds of possibilities there, in terms of exploring at the junk yard. BP

[brngarage]

Thanks Bob!