RIM WHEEL 4.5X16 EARLY TYPE
Rim 4.5x16 Early Type – Solid Disc
For early post-war civilian jeeps
Steel rim 16x4.5 inch with 'solid disc' construction, as originally fitted to the first post-war CJ-2A models and to a very limited number of early Willys MB jeeps. The solid disc rim is distinguished by the absence of ventilation slots in the centre section, unlike the later ventilated versions.
|
Material Pressed steel |
Size 16 x 4.5 inch |
|
Bolt pattern 5 x 5.5 inch (5 x 139.7mm) |
Type Solid disc – drop centre |
Features
- 16 inch diameter x 4.5 inch width
- 5 x 5.5 inch (139.7mm) bolt pattern
- Solid disc construction without ventilation slots
- Suitable for 6.50x16 or 6.00x16 tyres
- Fitted with left-hand and right-hand thread wheel nuts
★ Reproduction of the early post-war rim. Originally fitted to CJ-2 and early CJ-2A jeeps from 1946. Kelsey Hayes and Motor Wheel were the original manufacturers.
Application
This 4.5x16 solid disc rim was standard on the very first post-war civilian jeeps: CJ-2 (1945-1946) and early CJ-2A models (from 1946). The rim was also fitted in very limited numbers to a handful of early Willys MB jeeps (serial numbers MB100001 to MB100006) equipped with 6.50x16 tyres. Note: the standard early MB (slat grille) used the 4.0 inch wide solid disc rim, not the 4.5 inch.
Installation notes
Fitting is carried out with five wheel nuts per rim. Right-hand side of vehicle: right-hand thread (marked 'R' or three Rs). Left-hand side: left-hand thread (marked 'L' or three Ls, or notches on the edge). Tighten nuts in a cross pattern. This rim accepts tyres with or without inner tubes.
Compatibility
CAUTION: This 4.5 inch wide solid disc rim does NOT fit most WWII Willys MB jeeps – those used either the 4.0 inch solid disc (early slat grille up to serial number MB120700) or the combat rim (all later MBs and all Ford GPWs). The 4.5 inch rim is specific to early post-war CJ models. There are two variants: civilian version (with angled shoulder below the tyre seat) and military version (with two straight shoulders).
Historical context
The solid disc rim takes its name from the absence of ventilation slots in the central section. After WWII, Willys-Overland introduced the first civilian jeep (CJ-2) with this 4.5 inch wide variant, which was wider than the 4.0 inch WWII version to carry heavier tyres. From serial number MB120700, military production switched to the iconic two-piece 'combat rim'.
This description was generated automatically. Unsure about fitment? Contact us at info@willys.be.
⚠ Spotted an error in this description? Report it to info@willys.be
This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
This part fits:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Military jeeps | |
| Willys MB (early) | 1941, 1942 |
| Ford GPW (early) | 1942 |