Is this the correct way to measure the bolt pattern?

[bull]

I found this little graphic but I not sure if it's correct. I always thought you measured center to center but these guys are saying center of one hole to the outside of an opposing hole. I got a good used Magnum 500 today and now that I think about it it seems unlikely that it would not work since only Ford and Dodge used the same Magnum wheel. It did measure 5 on 4.5" using this method.

http://www.mrt-wheels.com/boltpattern.html

[Charger-Bodie]

thats how I measure them bull.

[Musicman]

That is an acceptable method for measuring a standard 5 bolt pattern on cars... IE : Close enough for government work

[bull]

Cool. Well, one more wheel to go. So far I have three good wheels and two good tires and I'm only out $300.

[kab69440]

No, it isn't the correct method. Odd-number stud patterns are measured from the centerline of two neighboring studs to the center of an opposing stud. Even-number stud patterns are measured center to center from studs 180deg. apart.  It's the best I could do, I hope it helps!

[suntech]

Bull!
The method you showed there might work in a given example, but that would be just by coinsidence!! Imagine using that method, and changing the bolt diameter, you would also change the measurement!! If the bolt numbers are uneven, like 5 bolt pattern is, you should measure the radius, and multiply by 2, to get it right. In a 4-6-8 bolt pattern you measure straight across, boltcenter to boltcenter, through the wheelcenter (diameter), like you said, but in a 5 bolt pattern, i would measure from wheel center to boltcenter(radius), and multiply by 2. then you get the correct diameter of the bolt pattern.

Rolf

[Musicman]

Bull!
Measure from wheel center to bolt center (radius), and multiply by 2. then you get the correct diameter of the bolt pattern.

Rolf

This is the "best" method for an accurate measurement 

The method mentioned at the start of this post is acceptable for standard wheel studs in that it gets you close enough that you won't screw up.

[gtx6970]

Ford and Mopar used SIMILAR magnum wheels, they are NOT the same - Different pilot diameters

[bull]

Ford and Mopar used SIMILAR magnum wheels, they are NOT the same - Different pilot diameters

Pilot?

[hemihead]

I 've found that the centers are a hair different in size on the original Mopar and Ford Rally's . I don't know if the new aftermarket ones are different or not .

[Mopar2Ya]

I 've found that the centers are a hair different in size on the original Mopar and Ford Rally's . I don't know if the new aftermarket ones are different or not .

There's definitely a difference between the two OEM. My car came w/Ford mags on the rear & they rubbed a bit on the axle hub. I had to use the dremmel tool to clean the inside of the wheels for a better fit.

[bull]

I 've found that the centers are a hair different in size on the original Mopar and Ford Rally's . I don't know if the new aftermarket ones are different or not .

There's definitely a difference between the two OEM. My car came w/Ford mags on the rear & they rubbed a bit on the axle hub. I had to use the dremmel tool to clean the inside of the wheels for a better fit.

Oh yea, I remember that now. I had a '70 Charger a long time ago that I put Ford Magnum 500s on and they didn't seat properly around the center hub. Knowing my typical MO at the time I probably just rattled them down with the impact wrench and ran it.