1981 Volvo 242 Wheels & Rims
Shop Wheels for 1981 Volvo 242
Showing 8 of 8+ wheels compatible with the 1981 Volvo 242
The 1981 Volvo 242 in Base, DL, GL, and GLT trims rolls on a 5x108 bolt pattern with a center bore of 65.1mm. Your stock setup features 14x5.5 wheels at a 20mm offset. ThreePiece.us carries premium options from Heritage Wheel, Petrol, Asanti Black, fifteen52, Work Wheels, Niche 1PC, Motegi Racing, and Mazzi—all verified to bolt on perfectly and shipped free to the lower 48 states.
Upgrading your Volvo's wheels opens impressive possibilities. Choose from sizes ranging as small as 14x5.5 up to 17x7.5, allowing you to customize the look while maintaining proper fitment. Every wheel we stock for your 242 is tested for compatibility before shipping, ensuring a hassle-free installation experience.
1981 Volvo 242 Wheel Fitment Guide — What Works & What to Avoid
Your 1981 Volvo 242 uses a 5x108 bolt pattern shared across Base, DL, GL, and GLT trims. The factory wheel is 14x5.5 with a 20-millimeter offset. You can upgrade through several compatible sizes, ranging from 14-inch to 17-inch diameters and widths from 5.5 to 7.5 inches, giving you flexibility for both classic and modern styling.
The 5x108 bolt pattern is specific to your Volvo—no other pattern will fit. Your hub's 65.1-millimeter center bore requires hub-centric rings if you choose a wheel with a larger bore. Because your 242 rides on a vintage suspension and body, avoid excessively wide or aggressively offset wheels that could cause rubbing at the fender or suspension limits.
Every wheel we list for your 1981 Volvo 242 is verified to bolt on safely and ships free to the lower 48 states. Browse our in-stock selections from Heritage Wheel, Work Wheels, fifteen52, Motegi Racing, and others to find the right fit for your classic sedan.
1981 Volvo 242 Wheel Fitment Specifications
The 5x108 bolt pattern determines which wheels physically bolt onto your car, while the 65.1mm center bore ensures a hub-centric fit. The factory equips this car with 14x5.5 wheels at a +20 offset.
Lug Type
nut
Thread Size
1/2 UNF
Torque Spec
74 ft-lbs
TPMS
No
1981 Volvo 242 Compatible Wheel Sizes
| Wheel Size | Offset Range | Compatible Tires | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14x5.5 | +10 to +25 | 185/70R14, 175/80R14, 185/80R14 | — |
| 15x5.5 | +10 to +20 | 185/65R15 | — |
| 14x6 | +10 to +25 | 185/70R14, 175/80R14, 185/80R14 | — |
| 15x6 | +10 to +20 | 195/60R15, 205/55R15, 225/50R15 | — |
| 15x6.5 | +10 to +20 | 195/60R15, 205/55R15, 225/50R15 | — |
| 15x7 | +10 to +20 | 195/60R15, 205/55R15, 225/50R15 | — |
| 16x7 | +10 to +20 | 205/50R16, 215/50R16, 225/45R16 | — |
| 17x7 | +10 to +20 | 205/45R17, 215/45R17 | — |
| 16x7.5 | +10 to +20 | 205/50R16, 215/50R16, 225/45R16 | — |
| 17x7.5 | +10 to +20 | 205/45R17, 215/45R17 | — |
Best Wheel Brands for the Volvo 242
- BBS — LM, RS, FI, CI-R
- Volk Racing — TE37, ZE40
- Work Wheels — Meister, Emotion
- TSW — Bathurst, Nurburgring
- Rotiform — FLG, OZR, BUC
- Enkei — RPF1, TS-V
Complete Your 1981 Volvo 242 Build
- Volvo 242 coilovers — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- Volvo 242 exhaust systems — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- Volvo 242 suspension — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- Volvo 242 brakes — pairs well with a wheel upgrade
- Wheel & tire packages — pre-mounted, balanced, shipped ready to bolt on
- Installation accessories — hub rings, extended studs, TPMS kits, spacers