UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $360.
Maybe someone can use these?
“This is a set of Kelsey Hayes steelies which measure 16×4.5 and have a 5 on 5-1/2” bolt pattern. I am asking $90ea for a total of $360. The exterior face has been reconditioned. Lug holes are all in great shape along with the valve stem holes. These wheels could be found on Military Jeeps, Internationals, Willys and other vintage vehicles from the 40’s up thru the 60’s. If you are restoring a classic and need a nice set of time period correct wheels, these just may fit the bill.”
Appear to be nice military rims. They have the weep hole next to a bolt hole as mandated as well as the orig OD within.
First time in 30 years I have heard of a reasonable explanation for that hole.
Thanks Dave. On Govt contract Jeeps and other vehicles, these weep holes were mandated on many parts including brackets, rims, etc. Reasons abound but included that these vehicles forded streams or set in lots for extended periods collecting condensation.
Trying to get a handle on M38/M38A1 military Jeep wheels is difficult at best (let alone all the other Jeep wheels!). Do only military wheels (all 16″ ??) have weep holes? Correct me but I’ve noticed that maintaining a 12 o’clock alignment of the valve stem hole puts the weep hole of a 16″ x 4 1/2″ at 3 o’clock. And the weep hole of a 16″ x 5″ is at 9 o’clock. While the top lug hole on the 16 x 4 1/2″ lines up with 12 o’clock, it’s the bottom lug hole on the 16″ x 5″ that lines up with 12 o’clock. In addition the backspace on the 16 x 4 1/2″ is about 3 1/4″ while the backspace on the 16 x 5″ is about 3 3/4″. Now admittedly, my research is limited and maybe I’ve only learned enough to be dangerous, but it’s the backspace that got me going. I’m wondering if the shorter backspace on the 4 1/2″ (setting the tire farther from the frame and brake drum) would allow a tighter turn radius (without rubbing? or no issue?) than the deeper backspace on the 5″ (which would move the rim/tire closer to the frame?) ?? Why such a difference in backspace? And of course if the mere presence of a weep hole would allow a quick accurate idea of a wheel’s exact measurements, that would be a plus. I think I’ve correctly learned that the accurate measurement of a wheel’s diameter and width is always inside the rim ?!? I’ve also heard that the military wheels are a higher grade, and stronger ?!? Gotta stop, my own head is spinning !
Morgan,
Now my head is spinning! All good questions. Unfortunately, I don’t have much experience with the thin rims, so I’m not much helps. I’ll go ahead and post your questions as a post. Maybe someone knows the answers.
– Dave
Are these still available?
Hi Ben,
According to Craigslist, these rims sold. I’ve updated the post.
– Dave