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Wheels

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by Bigdaddy13, Jul 23, 2020.

  1. Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    Looking at a set of wheels

    Size: 15 x 5.5
    Bolt pattern: 5x5.5
    Raised rim @ bolt holes: yup

    Hub cap nubs: seemingly NOPE?

    These look legit but did KH or other similar wheels come with smooth outer rings?
     
    Bigdaddy13, Jul 23, 2020
    #1
  2. Jw60

    Jw60 That guy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hubcap nubs won't be on prehubcap jeeps.
    ;)
    Check the center hole will fit over the hub.
     
    Jw60, Jul 23, 2020
    #2
    Bigdaddy13 likes this.
  3. Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    I had no idea there was a B.C./A.D. with hub caps!

    Good to know.
     
    Bigdaddy13, Jul 24, 2020
    #3
  4. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Around '63 is when the hubcap nubs appeared. Probably something to do with Kaiser taking over from Willys.
    The wheels without nubs were typically 4.5" or 5 " wide. Are you measuring between the beads, or overall width of the rim?
    -Donny
     
    Keys5a, Jul 24, 2020
    #4
  5. Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    Got it, thanks, Donny.

    Overall width.

    6411854F-855A-4331-91D9-80DF646C233F.jpeg
     
    Bigdaddy13, Jul 24, 2020
    #5
  6. Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    Well, I'm scratching my head now. The seller is saying the rims take 14" tires...(huh?!). I have no idea what to think?

    Here’s a picture of a tape measure of the diameter. Sure look like 15’s to me, but these are out of my way to go pickup, so i don’t want to waste the drive, unless i’m sure.

    A122E16C-230F-4E5D-A9B9-6EB7A8DC6C7C.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2020
    Bigdaddy13, Jul 24, 2020
    #6
  7. Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    The diameter is measured to where the tire bead seats. If the overall diameter is 15", then they are most likely 14" wheels. Probably from a Postal Jeep.
     
    Fireball, Jul 24, 2020
    #7
  8. Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    Yup, he re-confirmed, not 15's. 10-4 on the postal jeep possibility. I'm taking a hard pass on these.
     
    Bigdaddy13, Jul 24, 2020
    #8
  9. Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Yes, Those appear to be 4 1/2" x 14, likely from a DJ3a. Actually, pretty rare wheels, and in nice shape too.
    -Donny
     
    Keys5a, Jul 25, 2020
    #9
  10. ojgrsoi

    ojgrsoi Retired 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I think DJ3A would have 4 lugs.
     
    ojgrsoi, Aug 13, 2020
    #10
  11. Don Cahala

    Don Cahala New Member

    My 1956 DJ3A came with 4 lugs and I think, 9" drums. It was 12 years old at the time, and I am the 2nd owner. No changes I knew of.
    I have the parts manual for it, if anyone needs copies of certain pages.
    When I got it, it had 2 wheels with the W hubcaps on it. I was 18. I threw them out.
    As I recall, they had nubs on the wheel, and the W hubcaps fit. Check with Wallys Jeep in Kenosha, Wisconsin and ask for Will. He knows.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2024
    Don Cahala, Jan 20, 2024
    #11
    Fireball likes this.
  12. gromit

    gromit New Member

    Yup, I just saw this and thought 14"... However, I've been doing a bit of wood-butchering, measuring etc. lately, so my eye naturally wandered to the wheel center to check the center line. I know it could be the camera lens angle, or some kinda illusion, but, it looks like it's showing at least 8" to the center. If that's accurate, then it's only 7" to the seen edge. Holy crow!, ... that wheel won't roll! maybe the tape was held wrong? ... idk
     
    gromit, Jan 22, 2024
    #12