changing wheel bolt pattern - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ucmydust68 · 07-31-2003, 10:28 AM

hey i was wondering if there was anyway to change a 4x3/4 bolt pattern to a 5x5 for our trucks, i have a set of vette wheels that i would like to use on the 72'

Seon · 08-01-2003, 09:11 AM

I think there are wheel adapters on the market, but I wouldn't use them. You could have the hub and rear axle's lugs removed, holes welded and redrilled to 5" BC and install new lugs. I think those are the only two options you have

.

SCOTI · 08-01-2003, 03:18 PM

Adapters come in high & low quality. Billet adapters are much better than the old cast style, so they're a good alternative.

I re-drilled my front rotors to a 5x4.75 car pattern (adapters would have added to my backspace which I didn't want), but because of backspacing requirements I did use billet adapters for the back. It was about $75 for the machining on the rotors & $165 for the adapters.

Remember, if/when you opt to re-drill . . ..... if you have to replace the drums @ any point, you have to get them re-drilled as well. With adapters you won't have to.

You can see pics of my truck w/the car wheels on the 78-87 board. Look for the heatwave pics post pg1 & 2.

ucmydust68 · 08-01-2003, 03:58 PM

sorry im kinda slow, did you weld the wholes shut on the drums and the rotors and then redrill them, was heat a problem when you welded them? also will any shop redrill them or what kind of shop do i look for? and your truck is sahweeeeet, i love that color, i wouldnt change a thing!!!!! thanks alot for the help!

ucmydust68 · 08-01-2003, 04:01 PM

ya im really slow, i just re-read your post and saw that you used the adapters for the rear, sorry, where did you get them??? will they hold 527ftlbs of torque???? thanks

SCOTI · 08-01-2003, 04:41 PM

They're as strong as your stock hub . . .... will it hold 527ft/lbs? They bolt on just like a wheel so strength isn't an issue.

I purchased mine through Skulte Performance (I was under the impression he actually was making them. After I received them, I learned he is just a distributor). Try http://www.motorsport-tech.com/ . This is where mine actually came from. Or do a web search for 'billet wheel adapters'.

If you use a 7/8" or 1" spacer/adapter, you will have to get special lug nuts & trim your factory studs slightly. 1.25+" don't require anything special.

GMC69 · 08-07-2003, 10:45 PM

Following the same line of question, I have a 69 that I am swapping the front suspension from an 83 pickup or a 78 pickup ( haven't decided wich one) wich are both 5 bolt and my rear will be 6 bolt. Would I be able to get the rear re-drilled to match the bolt pattern??? Then do you know what drums would fit or do I have to re-drill those too???

SCOTI · 08-07-2003, 11:46 PM

You can get re-drilled axles from several aftermarket sources or if you know of a competent machine shop, they could prob do it. My vote would be replacement axles since they're usually stronger & have zero wear @ the bearing races. I got my 5-lug axles for my 68 beater for about $200 from Moser (30% stronger than stock + all new 1/2" studs already pressed in). For the drums, just use 72 & later drums from any auto parts place.

GMC69 · 08-07-2003, 11:55 PM

Thanks,

my next biggest problem is finding an aftermarket source here in Ontario canada, so I don't have to pay all the extra costs of getting it from the U.S.

SCOTI · 08-08-2003, 08:34 AM

Don't rule out the machine shop if it's more economical. I originally did my 67 that way & still have those axles/drums in my garage. I changed them to a car 5x4.75 bolt pattern. They welded up the stud holes & re-drilled them, then machined the hub to the correct dimensions, & finally welded/re-drilled the drums. It cost me $200 wayyyyyyyyyyyyy back in 90-91, but I was able to get it done locally.

Truckhead · 08-14-2003, 10:37 PM

If you want the old axles redrilled let me know. A guy down here in VA did my 55' panel truck and they were perfect, he's been doing it for about 15 years so he knows his stuff. I think the cost was about a hundred bucks for the axles and brake drums together.

Hardrock2 · 08-20-2003, 01:28 PM

Hey guys,

Went to look at a project '68 truck about a year ago.

The guy was running a "car" 12-bolt out back with the 5X4.75 bolt patern.
It had 15X8 'Vette ralleyes all around, so I ask him "What's up in the front?"

He told me that he used early-mid '70's CHEVY VAN rotors.
They are 5X4.75................IF,IF they are from a G-10 series.
Evidently, they share the same bearings/races as the pickups?
G-20 series vans (5X5) are most common, but there are a few G-10's still in the yards, and most parts houses still stock new rotors for them.
Just a thought! A little yard shopping might save the cost of re-drilling "used" rotors, or new van rotors would be "fresh"!!

Mike

blazerboy72 · 08-20-2003, 02:36 PM

You can get new g10 rotors at autozone for 29.99

boraxman · 08-20-2003, 04:25 PM

o.k. im a little confused. I havent had my truck that long. its a '70 and im in the process of changing my rear axles to later 70s 5 bolt and am already thinking of the front disc conversion. What exactly is the bolt patteren on mid 70s 1/2 tons?

Hardrock2 · 08-20-2003, 04:47 PM

5 lug on 5" bolt circle...........(5X5; 5 on 5)

'71-'87 disc brake conversion.

Mike

boraxman · 08-20-2003, 05:28 PM

Thanks

*gmtrucksaddict* · 08-31-2003, 03:08 PM

yep someof the light duty early 70's 10 series vans used car pattern and 7/16" studs same as lighter RWD cars and s-10s and such like chevelles novas camaros (F and A body) but not the big caprices and oldsmobiles though(B-body)

also 1LE camaro rotors in the 90s were the large 12" diameter and are car small bolt pattern too, at 4.75"

but cost a bit more though. but are good conversion pieces

Hardrock2 · 08-31-2003, 03:28 PM

gmtruckaddict

ZILLIONS of 67-72 Truck parts??

Hmmmmm!.............No wonder I'm having a hard time finding MORE!! LOL!

You must have snatched'em all up! Ha,Ha!

Where ya located in this fine state?

Mike

07-31-2003, 10:28 AM	#1
ucmydust68 fuel Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: belton mo Posts: 371	changing wheel bolt pattern hey i was wondering if there was anyway to change a 4x3/4 bolt pattern to a 5x5 for our trucks, i have a set of vette wheels that i would like to use on the 72'

08-01-2003, 03:18 PM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,938	Adapters come in high & low quality. Billet adapters are much better than the old cast style, so they're a good alternative. I re-drilled my front rotors to a 5x4.75 car pattern (adapters would have added to my backspace which I didn't want), but because of backspacing requirements I did use billet adapters for the back. It was about $75 for the machining on the rotors & $165 for the adapters. Remember, if/when you opt to re-drill . . ..... if you have to replace the drums @ any point, you have to get them re-drilled as well. With adapters you won't have to. You can see pics of my truck w/the car wheels on the 78-87 board. Look for the heatwave pics post pg1 & 2. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 08-01-2003 at 03:21 PM.

08-01-2003, 04:41 PM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,938	They're as strong as your stock hub . . .... will it hold 527ft/lbs? They bolt on just like a wheel so strength isn't an issue. I purchased mine through Skulte Performance (I was under the impression he actually was making them. After I received them, I learned he is just a distributor). Try http://www.motorsport-tech.com/ . This is where mine actually came from. Or do a web search for 'billet wheel adapters'. If you use a 7/8" or 1" spacer/adapter, you will have to get special lug nuts & trim your factory studs slightly. 1.25+" don't require anything special. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-07-2003, 10:45 PM	#7
GMC69 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Posts: 734	Following the same line of question, I have a 69 that I am swapping the front suspension from an 83 pickup or a 78 pickup ( haven't decided wich one) wich are both 5 bolt and my rear will be 6 bolt. Would I be able to get the rear re-drilled to match the bolt pattern??? Then do you know what drums would fit or do I have to re-drill those too??? __________________ Mike Email: Click here to email me -- 2019 Silvedrado 4x4 1970 Chevy 3/4 ton, 396BB, on air bags

08-07-2003, 11:46 PM	#8
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,938	You can get re-drilled axles from several aftermarket sources or if you know of a competent machine shop, they could prob do it. My vote would be replacement axles since they're usually stronger & have zero wear @ the bearing races. I got my 5-lug axles for my 68 beater for about $200 from Moser (30% stronger than stock + all new 1/2" studs already pressed in). For the drums, just use 72 & later drums from any auto parts place. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-01-2003, 09:11 AM	#2
Seon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Northern CA. Posts: 503	I think there are wheel adapters on the market, but I wouldn't use them. You could have the hub and rear axle's lugs removed, holes welded and redrilled to 5" BC and install new lugs. I think those are the only two options you have .

08-01-2003, 03:58 PM	#4
ucmydust68 fuel Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: belton mo Posts: 371	sorry im kinda slow, did you weld the wholes shut on the drums and the rotors and then redrill them, was heat a problem when you welded them? also will any shop redrill them or what kind of shop do i look for? and your truck is sahweeeeet, i love that color, i wouldnt change a thing!!!!! thanks alot for the help!

08-01-2003, 04:01 PM	#5
ucmydust68 fuel Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: belton mo Posts: 371	ya im really slow, i just re-read your post and saw that you used the adapters for the rear, sorry, where did you get them??? will they hold 527ftlbs of torque???? thanks

08-07-2003, 11:55 PM	#9
GMC69 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sudbury, Ontario, Canada Posts: 734	Thanks, my next biggest problem is finding an aftermarket source here in Ontario canada, so I don't have to pay all the extra costs of getting it from the U.S. __________________ Mike Email: Click here to email me -- 2019 Silvedrado 4x4 1970 Chevy 3/4 ton, 396BB, on air bags

08-08-2003, 08:34 AM	#10
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,938	Don't rule out the machine shop if it's more economical. I originally did my 67 that way & still have those axles/drums in my garage. I changed them to a car 5x4.75 bolt pattern. They welded up the stud holes & re-drilled them, then machined the hub to the correct dimensions, & finally welded/re-drilled the drums. It cost me $200 wayyyyyyyyyyyyy back in 90-91, but I was able to get it done locally. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

08-14-2003, 10:37 PM	#11
Truckhead 18436572 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Waynesboro, Va. Posts: 488	If you want the old axles redrilled let me know. A guy down here in VA did my 55' panel truck and they were perfect, he's been doing it for about 15 years so he knows his stuff. I think the cost was about a hundred bucks for the axles and brake drums together.

08-20-2003, 01:28 PM	#12
Hardrock2 A$$ deep into trucks Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Central Illinois,USA Posts: 249	Hey guys, Went to look at a project '68 truck about a year ago. The guy was running a "car" 12-bolt out back with the 5X4.75 bolt patern. It had 15X8 'Vette ralleyes all around, so I ask him "What's up in the front?" He told me that he used early-mid '70's CHEVY VAN rotors. They are 5X4.75................IF,IF they are from a G-10 series. Evidently, they share the same bearings/races as the pickups? G-20 series vans (5X5) are most common, but there are a few G-10's still in the yards, and most parts houses still stock new rotors for them. Just a thought! A little yard shopping might save the cost of re-drilling "used" rotors, or new van rotors would be "fresh"!! Mike __________________ hardrock2

08-20-2003, 02:36 PM	#13
blazerboy72 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Temple, Ga Posts: 854	You can get new g10 rotors at autozone for 29.99

08-20-2003, 04:25 PM	#14
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	o.k. im a little confused. I havent had my truck that long. its a '70 and im in the process of changing my rear axles to later 70s 5 bolt and am already thinking of the front disc conversion. What exactly is the bolt patteren on mid 70s 1/2 tons?

08-20-2003, 04:47 PM	#15
Hardrock2 A$$ deep into trucks Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Central Illinois,USA Posts: 249	5 lug on 5" bolt circle...........(5X5; 5 on 5) '71-'87 disc brake conversion. Mike __________________ hardrock2



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08-20-2003, 05:28 PM	#16
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	Thanks

08-31-2003, 03:08 PM	#17
gmtrucksaddict Account Suspended Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: IL Posts: 60	yep someof the light duty early 70's 10 series vans used car pattern and 7/16" studs same as lighter RWD cars and s-10s and such like chevelles novas camaros (F and A body) but not the big caprices and oldsmobiles though(B-body) also 1LE camaro rotors in the 90s were the large 12" diameter and are car small bolt pattern too, at 4.75" but cost a bit more though. but are good conversion pieces Last edited by gmtrucksaddict; 08-31-2003 at 03:10 PM.

08-31-2003, 03:28 PM	#18
Hardrock2 A$$ deep into trucks Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Central Illinois,USA Posts: 249	gmtruckaddict ZILLIONS of 67-72 Truck parts?? Hmmmmm!.............No wonder I'm having a hard time finding MORE!! LOL! You must have snatched'em all up! Ha,Ha! Where ya located in this fine state? Mike __________________ hardrock2

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