UPDATE: Matt spotted a here-to-for unseen set of hubs. They are listed as #7.
Most know that Arthur Warn’s jeep-related business began with his introduction of the summer hubs, designed to allow the front axles to spin freely. They came packaged in red, green, or blue boxes. As you can see in this ad, Warn advertised them as “hub caps”, but their use during summers led people to call them “summer hubs”. He also credited them with all kinds of benefits.
Ad was posted to the CJ-2A page. I don’t have a date for it.
But, few know that there were two different types of Warn summer hubs. In addition, there were also at least three different other summer hubs produced.
- According to this thread on the CJ-2A page forum, the first type produced was the waffle version:
- This example shows the second version. They were larger and had dimples:
- Ted introduced me to the Kurtland-branded hubs. He’s got them for sale on eBay.
- A photo of these unbranded, aluminum (non-magnetic) hubs were posted to the CJ-2A page by Bruce W. If you recognize them, please let us know the manufacturer.
- Bruce M. posted this photo of an FEG branded summer hub to the CJ-2A page. (now, more on this hub here: http://www.ewillys.com/2023/07/22/f-e-g-hubs/
- Andy shared pics of this flange familiar to M-38A1 enthusiasts, the Clary Flange:
7. This set appeared on eBay in October of 2018. No indication of model or maker:
If anyone knows or has photos of other summer hubs, please let me know!
Interesting.. I picked up a set of the early waffle type hubs a while back. They’re in pretty good shape, not sure if I should polish them or just clean them up a little and run them.
Is there a ‘bearing’ inside these Summer Hubs to support the shaft/spline but it does not ‘drive’ anything?
I believe the Warn’s had needle bearings (I read a comment to that effect somewhere), but I couldn’t speak to the others except the last one (I just added the Clary Flange) which has a slip bearing pictured here: http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gallery/albums/album126/Clalry_Flanges_001.jpg
The warns inhad did indeed have a large caged needle bearing in them that I heard was next to impossible to find.
Found a set at an estate sale. Second design “dimple” hubs in the metal box.
Great find!
Hi,
I recntly won one on at a local auction for $2.50. At the time, I did not know what they were. Now that I know, can someone explain to me how to get them appriaised? how to clean them? Where is best place to sell? etc.
I need direction.
I am so grateful that I found this site
Thank you