What is the bolt pattern on a 1951 Chevy 3100?
The bolt pattern on a 1951 Chevy 3100 is five lugs on a 4.75-inch circle (5x4.75"), or 120.65 mm between lug holes.
This classic Advance-Design pickup uses the five-lug GM standard typical of Chevrolet trucks from that era. While many wheels are available to fit this pattern, exact compatibility depends on hub bore size, brake setup, and backspacing. The following notes help restoration enthusiasts and builders navigate wheel options for this vintage truck.
Bolt pattern basics
Understanding the notation helps identify compatible wheels and avoid mismatches that can affect safety and performance.
Key points to know when planning a wheel swap:
- The stock Chevrolet 1951- era trucks use a 5x4.75" bolt circle (5 lugs on a 4.75" diameter).
- Many aftermarket wheels are sold in 5x4.75" patterns and will fit if other clearances align.
- Even with the same bolt circle, you must confirm hub bore size and wheel offset/backspacing to ensure proper centering and clearance around brakes and suspension.
These notes help you assess whether your intended wheels will align with the vehicle’s mounting points and clearance constraints.
How to verify the bolt pattern on your truck
Follow these steps to confirm the pattern on your specific pickup before purchasing wheels or adapters.
- Count the lug holes on the hub or wheel — five indicates a five-lug pattern.
- Measure the distance between opposite lug holes (the bolt-circle diameter). If the measurement is about 4.75 inches, you’re looking at a 5x4.75" pattern.
- Inspect the hub bore diameter on the drum/hub and ensure the wheel’s center bore matches or use appropriate centering rings if needed.
Verifying these details in advance prevents misfits and unsafe installations.
Additional considerations
Some owners explore alternative wheel setups by using hub adapters or swapping to later GM hubs, but such changes can affect braking clearance, load ratings, and alignment. If you’re unsure, consult a wheel-and-t Tire professional or a vintage Chevy club for trusted recommendations.
Summary
The 1951 Chevy 3100 uses a 5x4.75" bolt pattern, a common standard for early GM trucks. When upgrading wheels, verify lug pattern, hub bore, and backspacing; if you encounter a different pattern, you may need to source wheels in the correct pattern or seek expert guidance on adapters and fitment to ensure safety and proper clearance.
What is the 5x5 5 bolt pattern?
A 5x5.5 bolt pattern means there are 5 lug nuts/bolts on a 5.5-inch diameter circle. It is also known as 5x139.7mm, which is the metric equivalent, and is a common pattern for many older trucks and SUVs, particularly from Ford, Dodge, and Jeep.
What the pattern means
- 5: The number of lug nuts or bolts on the wheel.
- 5.5: The diameter of the imaginary circle that the lug nuts are arranged on, measured in inches.
- 5x139.7: The metric equivalent of the 5x5.5 pattern.
Vehicles that use this pattern
- Ford: Older F-150 models, Bronco (pre-1997), and some older trucks.
- Dodge: Ram 1500 (pre-2019), Dakota, and Ramcharger.
- Jeep: CJ5, CJ7, CJ8 Scrambler, and TJ Wrangler models.
- Other brands: Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and some Toyota models.
How to measure
To confirm your vehicle's bolt pattern, you can measure the distance from the center of one bolt hole to the center of a bolt hole across from it, skipping a hole in between. It is often easier to measure from the face of a wheel stud to the back of the stud across from it, or to measure the distance from the center of one stud to the center of another stud skipping one stud in between, as shown in this YouTube video.
What is the lug pattern on a 1952 Chevy truck?
Make sure you order the correct size of nuts for the studs used on your vehicle. Chevy truck uses a 5-lug Chevy lug pattern which is 4.75 inches.
What is the bolt pattern on a 1951 Chevy?
17" x 8" Torq-Thrust II Polished Alloy Wheel with 5 x 4-3/4" Bolt Pattern and -11mm Offset.
Is 5X120 bolt pattern the same as 5X4 75?
No, a 5x120 bolt pattern is not the same as a 5x4.75 bolt pattern, but they are very close and can sometimes be used interchangeably, though it is not recommended for safety reasons. The 5x120 pattern is metric, while the 5x4.75 pattern is in inches and is equivalent to 5x120.65 mm. This slight difference of about 0.650.650.65 mm can cause stress on the wheel studs.
| Feature | 5x120 | 5x4.75 |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial (Inches) |
| Metric Equivalent | 120120120 mm | 120.65120.65120.65 mm |
| Vehicle Examples | BMWs, some European cars | GM cars (Camaro, Corvette, Impala), some trucks |
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Why they are not the same
- Size difference: The 0.650.650.65 mm difference, while small, is not the same. A 5x1205 x 1205𝑥120 wheel will not sit perfectly flush on a 5x4.755 x 4.755𝑥4.75 hub, or vice versa.
- Safety risk: The slight mismatch can cause the wheel studs to be under stress, and the wheel may not be as secure as it should be.
- Lug nut bevel: The lug nut bevels may not match perfectly between the two patterns, further increasing stress.
When you might consider using them interchangeably
- "Close enough" applications: Some people do use them interchangeably, especially on older vehicles, because the size difference is so small.
- Use with caution: If you do choose to interchange them, be aware of the potential safety risks. Using wheel adapters is a safer way to ensure a proper fit if the bolt patterns don't match.
