Ford wide five wheel adapter

Steve in Denver

Steve in Denver

Well-known member
Anyone have a source on a Ford wide five wheel adapter? The one from Speedway has 5/8" lugs which, as they state, "Requires the use of our 1" hex lug nuts to retain the adapter to your hub", and will not fit the wide five wheels.

The lugs on the the 36-39 cars are 1/2" x 20 thread.

Thus, the Speedway wide five adapater, will not work on the 36-39 cars.

I have looked into having them made and can do it for $75, but hoped just to find one already made. I have seen other ones but they must have been made a long time ago.

I just need them for mounting and balancing, not for the road.
 

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Steve,Are you trying to adapt a later bolt pattern wheel to a

36 drum? I have used the Speedway adapter going from a 5.5 or 4.5 BP to the wide 5.
 
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I just want to be able to get my tires changed and ballanced on machines that are set up for regular bolt patterns.

The Tire Stores all use that clamp style machine for tire changing and it has a hard time grabbing the rim. I have access to the old style tire machine, but it needs the smaller bolt pattern.
 
I made mine by turning the excess drum part off of a worn out 1937 front drum. Also cut out the hole large enough to fit on my tire machines.
 
I can have this made for $75 like someone did years ago. I'll just do that. Anyone else need one?
 

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I remember going thru this a few years ago. I ended up buying a pair of racing adapters that allowed used of Ford wide 5 wheels. I did a “home” balance of the adapter plates. The 5/8” lug bolts slip into the wide 5 wheels just fine but the lug nuts were tapered differently. I took 5 nuts and turned the proper taper on them to match the taper on the wheels. I do not think that was necessary but did it anyway. It all worked well for me but I could not guarantee that my “home” balance was perfect. The tires I ended up putting on my pickup did not need any balancing for my 55 mph and less.
 

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Steve in Denver said:
I just do not understand why no one else just makes them correctly with the 1/2" studs.
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Like some many parts and tools there is not enough demand for a production run anymore. That is why we have to scrounge around and fabricate for ourselves. I believe it is part of the enjoyment of this hobby. The 5/8" studs slip nicely into the wide five wheel .
 
Steve in Denver said:
I just do not understand why no one else just makes them correctly with the 1/2" studs.
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Steve, If you have a dozen made as you have suggested, you might sell one or two per year. That's why nobody makes them. Still, that's how many suppliers originally went into business, so go for it and good on you!
 
51504bat said:
The 5/8" stud issue has been discussed before just not sure where. But there is a Dorman 1/2" stud that has the same shank as the 5/8" studs on the Speedway adapters. I can't remember the part number but hopefully someone will have it. With that number you can replace the 5/8" studs with 1/2" studs and solve the problem.


Edit:
Another option for adapters with 1/2" studs
https://www.racinginthedirt.com/product-page/ritd-aluminum-wide-5-adapters
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Dorman has an on-line catalog with all their studs with every dimension. If someone is willing to spend the time, it should be in there.
 
One more time: The 5/8 studs DO fit into the wide 5 wheels. PERFECTLY. All you need are 5/8" nuts. You are only wanting for mounting and balancing. No problem whatsoever. IMHO.
 
Steve in Denver said:
I looked, they dont show prices, just who to buy them from.
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-8840-972081.aspx?origin=keyword
I will go by Advanced Auto and Napa and see what they can find.
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Put the part number into Rock Auto's search. That's what I did. Here you go. $0.58 a piece
but it looks like they only have one.

Do the same thing on Google, I'm certain you will find a reseller.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1060123&cc=0&pt=7680&jsn=327&optionchoice=0-0-8-1

Edit: Here is a set of six on Ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/354945103131
 
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You cannot just pick any stud with a 5/8 shank. There are different sizes and the hole has to the proper diameter for the shank. The 5/8 shank will just fall into a 5/8 hole.
 
34fordy said:
You cannot just pick any stud with a 5/8 shank. There are different sizes and the hole has to the proper diameter for the shank. The 5/8 shank will just fall into a 5/8 hole.
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Dorman catalog gives all the specs if you take the time to look through it
 
Tim Ayers said:
Dorman catalog gives all the specs if you take the time to look through it
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That is correct Tim, however in my little experience I have found it not exactly easy peasy. Some shanks have splines and some do not. If you are putting them into aluminum it is much more forgiving than steel. I have also found that a small bench press is not sufficient to set a stud, even in aluminum. A HEALTHY hammer on a solid base to work on has been necessary for me. Very possibly I have erred when I have done this. It is not always easy to find good information (for me) the first time I attempt something. Trial and error seems to be my forte. LOL
 
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