CJ5 Rims... again?

I know there are probably a hundred "are these the right rims for my jeep?" questions out there, and this is no different. I've attached pictures of what I have, five combat rims which I believe are really from an M38 or 38A1, two of which are on the front axle, the other three were thrown in the back, and the two rims on the back axle, which are aluminum in color. I don't think that either are original to my jeep, because the combat rims are 16' and have the small hole by the lug nut holes that supposedly means they are military. The rear ones (picture two) don't have openings for the hubs that are on the front axle, and couldn't go on all four spots.

I've heard rumor that 16 in rims were possibly an option in '61, but that they probably wouldn't have that hole by the lug nuts. I'm just perplexed as to how the guys I got this from got 5 of them, if they aren't its old rims.

Big question is, if neither of these are "right" then what is? This is going to be a stock restoration, so I'd like to know what right looks like, but it seems its hard to pin down exactly what rims came with these jeeps in that time frame.

Thanks for any help those in the know can provide.

 

The bottom rim is probably 60s Ford pickup. Or maybe Dodge pickup. The small center hole means 'not Jeep.' They are on the back because they won't fit on the front like that.

The top rim looks like an early CJ Jeep rim, but I don't know if it's the right one for your Jeep. Certainly 16" wheels were available in '61.

 

Have you looked at this thread?
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?71696-OEM-Stock-Rims-for-early-CJ5

 

I checked it out, but I'm still trying to understand everything in it! However, my main question is about the small hole. I hear rumor that it indicates those are military rims, and that 16 in civy rims didn't have that. Not sure how accurate that is for a '61. Thanks for all the help.

 

The top one looks like the original 16's on my '59 CJ5 so they may be correct. As Tim said, the bottom one is not Jeep.

 

I don't think mine have the hole you are referring to but there is a "KH" stamped inbetween two of the lug nut holes.

 

I will look for that this afternoon, thanks!

 

Thanks to all. If a small hole is the only difference then I'm probably doing ok.

Anyone know of a 16 in tire that would be similar to what it came off the factory floor with?

 

I'd just go to TireRack.com and start clicking on the available sizes for 16" wheels. You want a narrow section and tall profile, like 195/205/215 and 75/80/85. If you want an aggressive tread, the Kumho Road Venture MT KL71 is available in a 205/80R16 and will fit a 5.5" rim.

 

215/85/16 is what I went with (see the picture I showed you earlier) and I think they look very close.

 

Stout,

Are your 215/85/16's on 4.5" CJ rims or the 5.5" truck/wagon rims?

Any issues with rubbing?

Thanks

 

The centers of my '60 Ford half tons look just like the top picture.

 

The top picture is a military wheel. The small hole indicates that the wheel has the safety bead feature. These were delivered on the M38 and M38a1. Some civilian Willys trucks have also been found with factory supplied safety bead (and the hole) wheels.

 

I never actually measured them but I believe they are the original CJ rims for my Jeep so I guess 4.5". No they do not rub anywhere and fit the rim perfectly. I bought one replacement reproduction one for the spare and it is a perfect match in size but the appearance is slightly different (I doubt anyone would be able to tell without studying them closely.)