Bob's Studebaker Resource Website
1970 Avanti II - RQA0381 - Rims - 1998
Note: These wheels are no longer available
Bob's Studebaker Resource Website
1970 Avanti II - RQA0381 - Rims - 1998
Note: These wheels are no longer available
The source for the wheels was Ace
Alloy Wheel Company, in California. Your browser must be 'Java enabled'
to see the page. A call will get you the closest dealer to your locale.
The address is
RQA-0381 originally had Magnum 500 chrome steel rims
Here is a comparison of the Ace and the Magnum
| specs | Magnum 500 | Rally |
| rim size (1) | 15 X 6 K | 16 x 7 JJ |
| Bolt circle (2) | 5 X 114.3 mm | 5 X 114.3mm |
| offset (3) | +16mm | +15mm |
| Backspace (4) | 4.125" | 4.625" |
(Note: This rim is only manufactured in this 1 size)
1) The rim width is measured between the bead seats where the tire bead
rests. The outer lip on each side, which keeps the tire in place adds
(*2) another inch to the width, so a 15 X 6 rim is 7 inches wide. The
Rally's are 8 inches wide.
15X6 K................................A
2) The bolt circle is standard 5 X 4.5 inches or 5 X 114.3 mm
844....C....Made in USA...M4....2.
..........................................7
3) Offset is the distance from the centerplane of the wheel to the mounting
surface. If the surface that butts up the the rotor is dead center on the
rim, the offset is "zero". If the mating surface is closer to the outer edge of the rim, then the offset is positive(+)). Most RWD cars have "0" or negativesettings.
4) Backspace is the distance from the inner edge of the rim to the mounting surface. The offset is included in this measurement. The Rally is an extra 1/2" wide on the inside as well as the outside.
The increased width is split evenly on each side of the wheel and does not protrude from the fender nor interfere with the frame.
Each wheel is T-6 heat treated aluminum with a 1580 lb. load rating each.
They have silver pearl finish with a clear coat and the outer surface of
the wheel from the spokes to the lip is polished. The cost was $189.00 per
wheel, plus valves (steel), weights (stick -on), Lug nuts, the cost of
tires and mounting and balancing.
The center cones came with them and
the 'Ace' logo removed and replaced with 2" stick-on Avanti logo, available
from Nostalgia
My application has these rims with Pirell 215-60R16 front and
225-60R16 rear tires. Only one small area of interference was encountered.
The upper outer forward grease fitting on the passenger side contacted the
inner lip of the rim on a hard LEFT turn backing down a driveway. I removed
the fitting and replaced it with a flush plug that can be removed and
replaced with a 'Zerk' when it's time to grease the suspension. No
further problems have been encountered.
Also note the fact that I use quick steering arms, which puts the tie rod
end inside the diameter of the rim. Standard steering arms will position
the tie rod closer to the tire. Standard fittings will be close, but clear.
These tire calculations can help you with sizing and speedometer calculations
ALSO note::::Tire clearance with the front fender:
My car is an Avanti II. The body in front, is slightly higher than
an original Stude, although NOT as high as the original Avanti II spec. I've
lowered the car back onto the frame as much as possible and currently have
a 1 inch spacer between the front radiator support and the frame. On a
total rebound, moving in a straight line, with 4 people in the car, no
interference. I haven't had any problems on turns other than explained above.i
/. The rear can stand almost anything in the way of tires without a problem
Before you commit to these, email me with ANY questions you may have. This is an expensive (around $1500.00) upgrade.
Bob Johnstone