Blue65Delta

I have a 65 Delta 88, and the 5x5 bolt pattern really limits my stock wheel options. Besides spacers, has anybody come up with a relatively simple/economical way to change the bolt pattern to the more standard 5x4.75 pattern?

joe_padavano

I don't know what you mean by "limits stock wheel options". If you are looking for STOCK wheels, they were 5x5" stock. Lots of those are out there. If you are looking for aftermarket wheels, 5x5 was used on many GM full size cars well into the 1990s, not to mention half ton pickups and vans. There are MANY wheels out there with this pattern.

Blue65Delta

Well, what I really want in the car are a set of Olds Super Stocks, but other than the polycasts, they seem to all have the 4.75 pattern. By stock wheels, I meant real Olds wheels.

joe_padavano

Well, SuperStock II/III wheels were only made in 5 x 4.75. The only option you have is to either convert to 1965/66 Jetstar 88 front spindles and rear axle (and the associated smaller 9.5" brakes, which is a very bad idea) or redrill your stock hubs/axles/brake rotors.

FYI, your original post says the wheel pattern "limits my stock wheel options". What it really limits is your ability to use one specific wheel, which is a very different problem. Keep in mind that Olds used the larger pattern for a reason, namely the weight of the vehicle.

Blue65Delta

Then I guess I should either keep looking for a set of Polycast wheels, or go aftermarket. Thanks.

bigoldscruiser

I have changed my convertible to Buick Riviera wheels with Olds decals on the center caps. I think they look great and it is much easier to get the 15" tires in larger sizes.

Blue65Delta

Thanks. That's a nice idea.

bigoldscruiser

I could post a picture if you like. Would take a day or so.

Blue65Delta

Thanks, but you don't have to do that. I know what they look like and I think they would work well.

Rocketowner

Along with this Same subject, In 1980-1984 Some Of The Olds Delta Royales(Especially Coupes) Came With Wheels That Looked Like The Cutlass Super Stock 11 Wheels, But Had A Larger Cover On The Wheel Centers.They Were 15" With 5 on 5 Bolt Pattern But These Cars Had Front Disc Brakes. Does Anyone Know If They Would Work On A 1955 Super 88 with Stock 11" Drum Brakes. Any Help Appreciated! Larry

joe_padavano

This question comes up frequently, and the answer is still the same. The 1977-85 Delta 88s were available with two different wheel bolt patterns, 5x4.75 with the standard brakes and suspension and 5x5 with the HD brakes. The wheels you refer to are the same SS III wheels used on Cutlii. The only difference is the larger centers, which snap onto any 1975-newer SS II/III wheel. The SS II/III wheels were only made with the 5x4.75 bolt pattern and will not fit your car.

Rocketowner

Thanks For The Information Joe, Glad I Didn't Buy Them On The Spot. Larry

65B01Delta

Blue65Delta, I'll stop by and ask my friend about those Polycast wheels and see if he's going to let them go. I know I have one, maybe 2. No trim rings or caps.

Blue65Delta

Cool. No hurry, but I'm still interested.

Bluevista

I think you should go with the Buick Riviera wheels. Those Polycasts would look much better on my Custom Cruiser. I think they may weigh a bit more than the stock aluminum jobs on there now? I'm not sure if I'd want more unsprung weight , but looks are important than anything else.
Now that I said all this you'll want the Polycasts for sure.
I photochopped them on my car a while back, that works. There are no palm trees or tropical plants growing outside in N.E. Ohio BTW. The pic I used is from before I got the car when it was in San Diego.

Blue65Delta

Haha! That makes it one badass station wagon. Lol.

orange442

I think this has been asked not too long ago and I mentioned using 65-70 Impala suspension, brakes, and rearend. They were all 5x4.75 bolt pattern and if the frames are the same, which I believe they are, then this would work. Find an Impala with front disc brakes and they all have the Chevy 12 bolt. This way you have the better disc brakes and if you want to change gears or posi, there are an infinite number of parts for Chevy car 12 bolts and you have your choice of many 4.75 bolt pattern wheels. It was mentioned that the front control arms may be different so make sure to get them off the Imp as well as any other specific parts.

J-(Chicago)

Cheapest/easiest solution is to order a new set of axles from moser/strange and pop them in place of the old ones. You can take the front drums/rotors to any competent machine shop and have them double drilled.

russell7088

dont know where you live iat but i have 6 of the poly cast wheels, they are driver quailty, the caps have some pitting in them but one could restore these if he wanted to. i may part with them but i am not shipping them. i live in kentucky and travel to michigan alot so if you are in those vicinity than we may be able to work a deal

66400

65-70 GM B bodies did not share frames, suspension or brake parts between the full size Chev/Pontiac/Olds/Buisks.Henry

Blue65Delta

Thank you, but I actually just bought a set of 5 and I'm waiting on them to arrive.

QUOTE=russell7088;600430]dont know where you live iat but i have 6 of the poly cast wheels, they are driver quailty, the caps have some pitting in them but one could restore these if he wanted to. i may part with them but i am not shipping them. i live in kentucky and travel to michigan alot so if you are in those vicinity than we may be able to work a deal[/QUOTE]

slantflat

Do you think the Polycast wheels would do okay on a Chevy G20 van, as in the van wouldn't be too heavy? I've been looking for something different to put on, these would definitely be different.

orange442

That is very hard to believe that GM shared frames before 65 and 71 on but did not have the same frames just 65-70. That does not make any sense that Chevy had its own frame, Olds had its own frame, Buick had its own frame, and Pontiac had its own frame during these years but almost all other years other than 65-70 they shared frames? That just does not make sense at all.

joe_padavano

That does not make sense because you are incorrect. GM did NOT share frames on the full size cars prior to 1965. Chevy used an "X" frame prior to the 1965 model year. Olds used a perimeter frame. NOTHING interchanges between the two.

Does it make any sense that Olds, Pontiac, Buick,and Chevy all had their own different 350 motors (not to mention different bellhousing bolt patterns)?

Professur

Doesn't make sense to me for 4 different divisions to try and sell the same car with different badges in competition against each other either.

joe_padavano

Four? How about SIX?

ChevyTrailblazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick ranier, Izusu Ascender, Saab 9-7x. All used exactly the same frame, suspension, and drivetrain options. The Saab version at least did have the ignition switch mounted in the floor between the seats.

Professur

Izusu and Saab don't get much press here abouts. I couldn't tell you where a dealership might have been for either.

brown7373

Back in the 60s, there was some similarity and some interchange of parts, but they were NOT the same cars with different badges like recently. You older guys remember the huge stink and lawsuits when Chevy 350 engines were installed in Oldsmobiles. A bodies were pretty similar as far as frames go (I think), but some lines had both B and C bodies and wheelbases varied between the different lines. Once they went the "corporate" route with corporate engines and almost identical bodies, GM started really losing it's identity and loyal customer base.

66400

They did not share frames before 1965. I merely refered to 65-70 as that was the point brought up about the Chevy about 4 3/4 bolt pattern.There was very little interchange 64 and prior either on full size GM cars, different frames, suspensions and brake systems. Just a few examples,58-64 full size Chevy X frames other GM's had perimeter frames, B O P frames were built for one engine style hence welded motor mount stands one the frame. Henry

Olds64

Mike, you asked about putting Polycast wheels on your van. Do you want to put the SSIVs on your van? I'm not sure what the bolt pattern is on your van. Please note that the SSIVs are 5x5" bolt pattern. I don't think you would have a problem with the van being too heavy.

slantflat

Yes I was thinking about the SSIV's. My van has the big car bolt pattern. I just didn't want to put on a car wheel and then have it crack or fail somehow because the van was too heavy.

Olds64

Mike, you should also measure the diameter of your wheel hub. I'm pretty certain the 71-76 B/C bodies had a wheel hub in excess of 3" in diameter (can't remember the exact measurement now). This will ensure that the center "hole" of the SSIVs are large enough to put on your van.

BTW, it looks like your two German Shepherds are one two-headed dog in the photo.