Replacement rims for a 1942 MB Willys jeep

[Lynn Eades]

The early contract military Jeeps had one piece wheels anyhow. The combat rims were the result of trying to make tyre changing easier for soldiers who most of, knew more about horses than wheeled vehicles.
The early Suzuki rims were very much the same except for the extra hole in them for adjusting the brakes.(After all, they were a Jeep copy anyway) Some early Fords (post war) had 16" wheels with the same stud pattern. I have been the owner of the ford marked wheels. Don't ask what they were off. I don't know.

[Ron Pier]

As Lynn says the very early Jeeps had the one piece rim as do the much more readily available post war Hotchkis rims. The wartime American Jeep trailer also had combat rims fitted. Ron

[Blackpowder44 (RIP)]

I cannot understand why you would want any other rims than the split rims you already have. I have driven my jeeps for the last 30 years on their original split rims and have been to France, Holland Belgium Germany and I have no idea why you think that a set of modern steel wheels would give you a better ride. Its the suspension that dictates the type of ride not the wheel rims.John.

[Little Jo]

Ron/Richard/Lynn

Hey Guys

Thank you for the information, I was not aware of the early models being one piece, I feel more confident to go ahead now, I was worried about the puritans who almost have a fit if you deviate from anything but the original. I feel safety rims are better and no need for tubes.

Thanks again.

Cheers

Little Jo

[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