Ok don't get it twisted, rims are by far one of the most attractive mods someone can do for their PT. Provides a stunning look, better ride (in most cases) and more handling capabilities.
Do your homework:
17-18 fit the best for everyday drivers, most tolerable ride over bumps.
Tires sizes should be somewhere about 225-235, 45-40, 17-18, make sure you know the cost before deciding to upgrade and not being able to afford to put tires on.
19-20 some won't fit, make sure you find out before you purchase. Be aware that rims this large may be a problem due to width of rim and rubbing on the struts.
Tires Ive seen have been 225-235, 35-30, 19-20. Remember the smaller the side wall the rougher the ride and more susceptible to rim damage due to potholes ex.
Anything larger, get a lift kit and call yourself a DONK.
Make sure its for a PT:
Standard bolt pattern is 5x100 for our cruisers. Some rim manufacturers make wheels that provide both 5x100 and 5x114. These wheels in particular will have many 10+/- holes in them to install, they may look like they wont fit to start then rotate the wheel until they line up properly.
Check the offsets:
Most wheels Ive seen or heard fit are usually 40-45 mm offsets. With some occasions of 38mm. Be sure to find out from the rims manufacturers website or product spec book to check your fitment.
Will it rub? Do I need spacers?:
Some wheel styles will require spacers, regardless of style. If anyone has done a brake job you will understand this. Apparently the stock pads are thinner then any aftermarket or replacement pads you can install. Be sure that you tell the supplier what type of pads you have installed. If you are in any doubt get wheel spacers. Most spacers can be bought at a local shop, with some exceptions.
What are spacers?
Spacers are pieces of metal that go over your wheel bolts, (look like discs) prior to placing the wheel on the vehicle. It allows the rim to stick off the wheel for clearance purposes. Wheel spacers are also used in racing to bring the tire track outward providing better handling. Some spacers will require longer bolts that need to be installed. For example check out the Eibach kits offered for the PT.
Spacers come in verious sizes and thicknesses, be sure to check the application fitments. Some spacers may require you to replace all the wheel hub bolts for them to fit, they also make some bolt extensions that may work aswell without replacing the hub bolts.
Check the center caps:
Some rims come with center caps that keep the bolt exposed. If you find the rims you like do not provide center caps and keep the bolts exposed, get a nice set of lug bolts to place on them. Some rims come with a covering center cap, like our stock chrome mags, this will cover the lug bolts and may not require a nice set of lug bolts which will save you some money.
Other then that, your on your own. This is all the information I have learned looking for wheels for my cruiser. Some here know of my nightmare.
PT Cruiser Wheel bolt pattern: This does match up to what I had held it to, if you need to verify space, use it.
