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What bolt pattern is a 1986 Chevy Caprice?

The 1986 Chevy Caprice uses a five-lug bolt pattern on a 4.75-inch bolt circle (5x4.75 inches / 120.65 mm).


In more detail, this is the standard pattern for GM’s full-size B-body cars from that era, including Caprice models. While most stock wheels and many aftermarket options labeled 5x4.75" will fit, it’s important to verify other fit aspects such as hub bore and wheel offset to ensure proper alignment and clearance for your specific car and wheel choice.


Bolt pattern details


Here are the essential facts about the Caprice’s wheel pattern to guide replacement shopping and installation.



  • Lug count: 5 lug holes, as is typical for GM passenger cars of this era.

  • Bolt circle size: 5x4.75 inches, equivalent to 120.65 millimeters.

  • Vehicle family: This pattern is common across GM full-size B-body models (Caprice, Impala/Caprice Classic, etc.) from the mid-1980s, enabling cross-compatibility within that family.

  • Fit considerations: Many aftermarket wheels marketed as 5x4.75" will fit, but always confirm hub bore size and offset to avoid clearance issues or misalignment.

  • Labeling note: Some wheels may be sold in slightly different but interchangeable measurements (for example, 5x4.75" in inches vs. 5x120.65 mm in metric); verify the exact specification before purchase.


Understanding these details helps ensure you buy wheels that match the Caprice’s original specifications while allowing for safe upgrades and replacements.


How to verify for your specific car


To confirm the bolt pattern on your particular Caprice before buying wheels, use these practical steps.



  • Check the owner’s manual or the door jamb data plate for wheel and lug pattern information, which is sometimes listed alongside tire information.

  • Measure the bolt circle yourself: with the wheel removed, measure the distance across the center of two opposite lug holes to the far lug hole; the resulting diameter should be 4.75 inches (or 120.65 mm) for this model.

  • Compare with the wheel you’re considering: ensure it is labeled as 5x4.75" (or 5x120.65 mm) and confirm the hub bore size is compatible or plan for hub-centric rings if needed.

  • Consult a tire/wheel professional or GM dealer if you’re unsure, especially when dealing with aftermarket options or wheels with unusual offsets.


By confirming these details, you reduce the risk of fitment issues and ensure your Caprice rolls on wheels that meet factory standards.


Notes on compatibility and adapters


While the 5x4.75" pattern is the standard for most 1986 Caprice models, some aftermarket wheels may be mislabeled or designed for slightly different patterns. If you encounter a non-standard wheel, adapters or spacers can alter fitment, but they can also impact handling, clearance, and safety. Always prioritize wheels that match the original pattern or come from reputable sources with verified fitment data, and consult a professional if you’re unsure about hub bore, offset, or lug-seat specifications.


Summary


In short, the 1986 Chevy Caprice uses a 5x4.75" bolt pattern (five lugs on a 4.75-inch circle, or 120.65 mm). This pattern is common among GM’s full-size cars of that era, making stock and many aftermarket wheels compatible—provided hub bore and offset are correct. Verify each wheel choice with measurements or professional guidance to ensure proper fitment and safe driving.

What lug pattern is the same as 5x127?


A 5x127 (or 5x5) bolt pattern can be converted to other patterns like 5x114.3 (5x4.5) or 5x139.7 (5x5.5) using wheel adapters or spacers. These parts are bolted to the vehicle's hub, and their design converts the existing bolt pattern to a new one, allowing wheels with a different bolt pattern to be installed. It is critical to ensure the adapter is designed for your specific vehicle and the wheel you intend to use, as well as that it is installed correctly to avoid damage.
 
How it works

  • Wheel adapters and spacers: are custom-made metal plates that bolt onto your existing wheel hubs. 
  • They feature a different bolt pattern on the other side, which then connects to your new wheels. 
  • For example, an adapter for a 5x127 to 5x114.3 conversion would have five studs for a 5x127 pattern on the side that mounts to the vehicle, and five holes for a 5x114.3 pattern on the side that the new wheel mounts to. 

Common conversions
  • 5x127 (5x5) to 5x114.3 (5x4.5): Many modern cars use the 5x127 bolt pattern, and wheel adapters can convert this to the more common 5x114.3 pattern. 
  • 5x127 (5x5) to 5x139.7 (5x5.5): A popular conversion for older trucks and SUVs that can be converted from 5x127 to a 5x139.7 pattern, notes Amazon.com. 

Important considerations
  • Select the correct adapter: Make sure you are buying the correct adapter for your vehicle and the wheel you want to use. Double-check the size and specifications before purchasing. 
  • Proper installation: Always follow the installation instructions carefully. Overtightening lug nuts can cause damage, and it is recommended to torque them to the manufacturer's specifications. 
  • Hub clearance: Some adapters are thicker than others and may require shortening the factory wheel studs to ensure the wheel sits flush against the adapter. Consult the adapter's specifications to see if this is necessary. 



What is the bolt pattern on a 1986 Chevy Caprice?


The 1986 Chevy Caprice has a 5x4.75 inch or 5x120.65mm bolt pattern. This is a 5-lug pattern with a bolt circle diameter of 4.75 inches (120.65 mm). 

  • Pattern: 5x4.75
  • Metric Equivalent: 5x120.65mm
  • Stud Count: 5
  • Bolt Circle Diameter: 4.75 inches (120.65 mm)



What is the lug pattern on a Caprice?


The Chevy Caprice bolt pattern varies by model year, with common patterns being 5x127mm (5x5") for most models from 1972-1996 and 5x120mm (5x4.72") for the later Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV) models from 1999-2003 and 2011-2017. Older models, like the 1977-1990 generation, also used 5x120.65mm (5x4.75"), which is also compatible with many aftermarket wheels for this era. 

Model Year Range Bolt Pattern
1972–1996 (many models) 5x127mm (5x5")
1977–1990 (various models) 5x120.65mm (5x4.75")
1999–2003, 2011–2017 (PPV) 5x120mm
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What is the bolt pattern on a 1985 Chevy Caprice?


The 1985 Chevy Caprice has a 5x120.65mm (or 5x4.75") bolt pattern. It uses a five-lug wheel with a center bore of 70.3mm and requires lug nuts with a 1/2 UNF thread size.
 

  • Bolt Pattern: 5x120.65mm (5x4.75 inches)
  • Center Bore: 70.3mm
  • Lug Nuts: Requires lug nuts, not bolts
  • Thread Size: 1/2 UNF


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.