What was the bolt pattern on a 1950 Ford car?
The standard bolt pattern on most 1950 Ford passenger cars was five lugs on a five-inch bolt circle (5x5).
In the postwar era, Ford used a five-lug wheel arrangement with a 5-inch diameter circle for many of its passenger models, a setup that guided wheel choices for restoration and maintenance. This pattern—commonly cited as 5x5—defines which wheels will mount correctly without adapters, and it remains a reference point for collectors and historians studying Ford’s early postwar engineering.
Historical context and what it means for restoration
Ford’s 1950 lineup—including Mainline, Custom, and other passenger models—followed a uniform wheel mounting standard of five lugs on a 5-inch bolt circle. This made wheels and hubcaps more interchangeable within the era’s lineup, while still requiring attention to center bore size, lug nut type, and wheel offset when sourcing period-correct or aftermarket options. For restorers, confirming a 5x5 pattern helps ensure authentic fitment and safety during operation.
How to measure and verify a 5x5 pattern
To confirm a 5x5 bolt circle, measure the distance between the centers of opposite lug holes. If the span is about 5 inches (approximately 127 mm), you’re looking at a 5x5 pattern. For precision, use calipers or a bolt-circle measuring tool, and cross-check with a factory parts catalog or a trusted restoration reference for your specific model and year.
Variations and caveats
While the 1950 Ford passenger cars generally used 5x5, there were exceptions for non-passenger variants such as certain trucks or special configurations. Always verify the exact bolt pattern for your particular vehicle year and body style before purchasing wheels or adapters. Incorrect fitment can compromise safety and performance.
Conclusion
In short, the bolt pattern you should expect on a 1950 Ford passenger car is 5x5—five lugs on a five-inch circle. This baseline helps guide restoration work and wheel sourcing, while reminding enthusiasts to verify each vehicle’s exact specifications before making changes.
Summary
For a 1950 Ford, plan for a 5x5 bolt pattern on most passenger models. Always confirm pattern, center bore, and lug nut details for your specific year and model to ensure proper fitment and safe operation.
What is the bolt pattern on a 1951 Ford?
Part #
| Product Name | Brake And Suspension Package, 1949-1951 Ford Car 5x4.5 Bolt Pattern | SKU |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt Pattern | 5x4.5 | Front Brake Hose Type |
| Front Caliper Finish | Natural | Front Caliper Piston Qty |
| Front Caliper Piston Diameter | 2.6 | Prop65 |
| Brand | CPP | Front Rotor Diameter |
What is the bolt pattern on a 1950 Ford car?
5 on 4 1/2" bolt pattern. Hub back spacing is approx 3 1/2". This is an original pair of 1949-51 era Ford 16" Wheels.
What has a 4x108 bolt pattern?
Cars with a 4x108 bolt pattern include many models from Ford, Volvo, and Peugeot, such as the Ford Escort, Focus, and Fiesta, as well as older Alfa Romeos and Saabs. You can also find this bolt pattern on various vehicles from other manufacturers like Mazda, Mercury, Citroën, and Audi.
Ford
- Escort: Most models
- Focus: Many models
- Fiesta: Many models
- Mustang: Models from 1974-1993
- Tempo: Most models
- Contour: Most models
- Mercury Cougar: Some models
Volvo
- 850: Most models
- XC70: Some models
- Other: Many older and newer models
Peugeot
- 106, 206, 306, 405: Many models
- 308, 3008, 5008: Many models
- Partner, Partner Tepee: Many models
Other makes
- Alfa Romeo: Older models like the GT and Spider
- Audi: Older models like the 80 and 90
- Saab: 900, 9000, and other models
- Mazda: Various models
- Mercury: Various models
- Citroën: Various models
- Abarth: 600e
What is the bolt pattern for a 5 lug Ford?
Ford uses several different 5-lug bolt patterns, with the most common being 5x4.5 inches (5x114.3mm) for passenger cars and modern Mustangs, and 5x5.5 inches (5x139.7mm) for many older trucks. However, the correct pattern depends on the specific model and year, so it's crucial to check your vehicle's specifications before buying new wheels.
Common 5-lug bolt patterns for Ford
- 5x4.5 inches (5x114.3mm): Widely used on passenger cars, including the Fairlane, Galaxie, Torino, and modern Mustangs (S550 generation and newer). It was also used on models like the Bronco II.
- 5x5.5 inches (5x139.7mm): Used on many Ford F-100 and F-150 trucks from 1980-1996, as well as older 4x4s.
- 5x4.25 inches (5x108mm): This metric pattern has been used on more recent Ford models, such as the Focus.
How to confirm your bolt pattern
- Identify your vehicle's year and model: The bolt pattern can change between model years and vehicle types, even within the same series.
- Consult your vehicle's manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific car's specifications.
- Measure the bolt pattern:
- For a 5-lug wheel, measure from the center of one lug stud to the center of the stud furthest away from it.
- Alternatively, measure from the center of one lug stud to the outer edge of the stud furthest away.
- Use an online tool: Many online wheel and tire stores have tools where you can input your vehicle's information to find the correct bolt pattern.
