military wheels????

Im new to the Jeep world but familiar with cars. My grandmother gave me my grandfather's
'69 cj5 and I would like to paint it like a M38A1. I've seen people talking about the steel
wheels on those Jeeps and my question is what size are they 16"or15" ....I've seen
references to both sizes als
will a roll bar from a cj7 fit a cj5?? It has a hard top on it that I'm keeping but part of the
deal was I had to put a bar in it

 

Stock 69 wheels are 15", earlier Jeeps had 16's
The CJ7 rollbar is quite different, it wouldn't fit without major modifications.

 

Thank you sir. Do you know a good place to get those wheels and the reproduction tires??

 

The M38A1 used 7.00-16 NDCC (non-directional cross-country) tires on a 16 x 4.5 rim. If you are just going for the military "look" there is no reason you couldn't go with 15 inch tires and rims if you'd rather. Word of warning - tires and rims can be pricey.

Tim

 

Actually the cj 7 roll bar will fit but you have to move the tank if it is under the seat. this bar is from a 79

 

Thank you gentleman (and ladies if any )

 

M38 (Military CJ-2a) and M38A1 (Military CJ-5) had 16 inch rims. Corresponding CJ's had 15" rims.

If you want the military look at the lowest price, keep your stock 15 x 5.5 rims and go with 7.00-15 NDT or NDCC tires. Tires are $117 each.

http://cgi.ebay.com/FIRESTONE-NDCC-Military-Tire-7-00-15-Jeep-Willys-?cmd=ViewItem&item=380208037269&vxp=mtr

NDCC have better (marginally) on-road manners than true NDT tires. Note: They are BIAS PLY tires. Means the on road ride will never be that great, especially in cold weather. The looks are worth it, though (In my opinion). You can find some tall skinny pizza cutters that are radial, but you will pay a pretty penny. Toyo M93 makes a pretty cool looking tire, but they run $215 apiece.

If you are going to rattle can paint it, make sure you go with "correct" color military paint. The flat OD GREEN from early 60's is a different paint code than the 1969 dark brown semi-gloss OD brown.

Go with Gillespie or Aervoe enamel paints. Just pick which one works best for you.

If you can afford a little more $$, go with TM-9 ordnance single stage urethane paint.

TM-9 Ordnance Shade #8 (also known as 1939-1949 OD319) would look REALLY cool.