Replacement rims for a 1942 MB Willys jeep

[Ian Fawbert]

Hi Tony,

If you want to go that route, try to either find the early solid rims- if you do though, you would be very lucky and probably get heckled by those who know their value and rarity, OR get 5 australian #4 trailer tyre rims. these are 1 piece (very similar to the early prototype and slatgrill MB jeep rims, but a slightly different profile of the 'dish' part). They will look alot more original than the suzuki rims and probably be cheaper than the early jeep rims.

I also agree though, combat rims are fine- i havent heard of them having any problems. If they are just as sound as a solid rim you want to put on (ie no rust, not bent, not flogged at stud holes), they will give no problems.

Ian.

[Little Jo]

Ian/John

Thanks for the info, I am going by what I have been told over the last few weeks and I appreciate the use of the originals, my split rims are still in good nick, however tyres are shot and I am having a devil of a time trying to find tyres in Adelaide. What I have been told interstate are pretty dear and then you have tubes and freight etc. This is not making my finance minister a nice person to be around when I keep mentioning extra funds for the restoration. Hence I was told a cheaper version would be to go by using safety rims and tyres.

Cheers

Little Jo

[Local Chap]

These aren't too badly priced for brand new tyres.

The 16" Suzuki rims (2 types) are also used with tubes. It's the 15" ones that are tubeless.

[Ron Pier]

Like John I can't really see the need to replace your combat rims simply because of a tyre issue. If you can't buy the standard Jeep bar treads? Then a Land Rover tyre of the correct size (or slightly wider) will do. Even 16" car tyres would be fine. I think you would have to use modern rims to go the tubeless route however. Ron

[Little Jo]

Ron

Thank you for the info, I was not sure if there were alternative tyres I could use, the Land Rover idea sound good to me.

Cheers

Tony

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Might be a bit far for you,

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/SUZUKI-RIM-AN...item41538da0da

Rich.

[Little Jo]

Richard

That certainly fits the bill, Qld a bit far away for only one tyre. I have heard of a guy local who has bought a new ute for the farm and has no use for the Suzi, A friend is going to talk to him about a deal, it has 5 wheels with bar tread tyres, He believes they are road worthy.

Thanks for looking out for me.

Cheers

Little Jo

[Jeff Gordon]

The combat rims were the result of trying to make tyre changing easier for soldiers

This is not actually correct.
They are ment to have a ring in the tyre that makes them a bead locker.
So the jeep could be driven with a flat tyre. That is why they are called combat rims.

Go the conbat rims, had them on my jeep for 10 years and the only problem I have had is buckles, but I made a straightener and all is good.
Jeeps look wrong with out them.

Cheers
Jeff