Aug 2005
----------------------
compile of wheel data
------------------------------

....future reference is what I found....

Stock '53 rim:

Tire bead inside Width:                   5"
Overall outside width:                    6-1/8"
Backspacing:                              4-3/8"
Offset (tire centerline to inside edge):  1-5/16"
Center hole ID:                           2-3/4"

Stock '63 lark rim:

Tire bead inside width:                   4-1/2"
Overall outside width:                    5-5/8"
Backspacing:                              3-5/8"
Offset (tire centerline to inside edge):  1-1/16"
Center hole ID:                           forgot to measure

6" Ford rim, NWRA X-40273:

Tire bead inside width:                   6"
Overall outside width:                    7-1/8"
Backspacing:                              4-1/8"
Offset (tire centerline to inside edge):  9/16"
Center hole ID:                           2-3/4"
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dec 2007 NOTE:

From SDC Forum
The rumor is true that the Ford Rim (NWRA 40273)used by so many of us on our Studebakers is no 
longer available. It is also true that the Mopar rims that fit 69-84 Chrysler products w/o front
 wheel drive are also NLA, in fact they went NLA before the Ford Rims. This according to my local
 wheel and rim shop.

But they also say there is one other option that is still available and that is NWRA 40709; the
 application book lists it as a sub for NWRA 40273. Supposedly the only difference between this 
and the 40273 is that it is a 6 1/2 inch wide rim. That should not be a problem, in fact with 
radials it might even be better. The shop said 40709 has the same offset as the 40273. I suppose
 the question is with the different profile for the tire, will it hit the fenders or the frame 
when turning, especially on an Avanti? I do not know.

Has anyone on this Forum tried using this rim on Studes, and if so what was the result? Did it
 clear the Calipers and cross-over brake tubing on the disk brake models?

BTW, the 40709 is used on the Ford Crown Victoria 1990-1997* and its Mercury counterpart.

(*) also 88-97 Lincoln Continental
         90-97 Gradn Marquis and large Mercury
-------------------------------------------------------------

Currently, my '53 has a stock mid 70's Maverick 8" rear end in it.
With the stock '53 rims, my track width from center to center of the
rear tires is about 54-1/2" to 54-3/4".  I have 205/75R15 tires on it
and there is about 3" to 3-1/2" clearance from the tire sidewall to the
fender lip on each side.

While at the zone meet in WI last month, I took the opportunity to
check out some other cars.  There was a '54 Champion hardtop there with
stock sized bias tires (6.70-15).   I'll assume it had the stock wheels
since everything else about it was stock....  Track width was 56-1/4"
center to center and about 2 to 2-1/2" clearance from the sidewalls to
the fender lips.  I also checked the rear track on a '58 packard hawk
and it was also 56-1/4".

Soooo.  It would appear that the Maverick rear end is about 1-1/2" to
1-3/4" inches narrower than the original rear was in my car.  Taking
into account the rim width and change in offset, if I put these wider
rims on the back, I should increase my track width about 1-1/2" and get
back what was lost.  The outside of the wheel should push out 1-1/4"
over what I have now and will make my fender clearance essentially the
same as the stock setup was like I measured on that '54

=====================================================
We have plenty in stock.  The price of the 82552 is
$30.75 per wheel.  Freight per wheel will be aprox.
$8.88.

If you have any questions please contact a sales
representative by calling
1-800-866-3336 or email sales@southwestwheel.com

Our hours of operation are 7:30am-5:00pm Central
Standard Time,
Monday-Friday.

Join Southwest Wheel Company's email list:
http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=9850

Or Shop Online at:
http://gallery.bcentral.com/Gallery/ProductListing.aspx?GID=2570727&De
pt=175603

Thank you,

Darrick Sweeden
Southwest Wheel Company
www.southwestwheel.com
www.utilitytrailerkit.com
www.brakecontroller.com
---------------------------------------

I used 15 X 6" wheels NWRA#40273 or Hayes #82552 which were $37 new. These are listed for 
a Ford Ranger P/U. 


----
April 2008
) International Harvester half-ton trucks used 16" wheels on 5 x 4.5" patterns. 

)Dodge grand minivans used a 16 X 7 with 5 X 4.5 bolt pattern.