front rims - 39A

Peyton

Member
I am restoring a 39 A. The fact that I am a complete novice at this keeps tripping me up. Got new rims and tires for the front from Miller Tire. After mounting the tires, the rims will not fit on the tractor the way I expected they would. I expected the valve stems would be on the outside. The tire and/or rim hits the steering pedestal. I can make it fit that way, but I would have to fabricate or buy short collars for the lugs to shim the rims out. I have looked at as many pictures as I can find and it appears that people mount them both ways, which makes me think the rims should be reversible. Did I buy the wrong rims? (The design is slightly different than the ones I took off and the width of the originals are 3/16" less.) As always, I appreciate any help with this. BTW, I am mounting 5.5x16 tires.
 
The "correct" front rims for a 39 A are a JD1232R, non-slotted, non-reversible wheel that was used on 39 only. In 44 they came out with JD1268R which is also a non-slotted rim but is reversible and looks almost identicle to the JD1232R. You frequently find this rim on various implements from the 40's on up. The rest of the rims are slotted (4 slots) and are not "correct" for a 39 A. I have a 39 A myself and have been through all of this.

Unfortunately most aftermarket rims are just what you got, "will fit" at best and about all that is correct is the bolt pattern.

Watch out for anything related to or connected to the radiator, as all of that is 39 only as well and must come from a 39 donor.

Hope this helps.
 
Peyton
Your aa1391 is a special equipment code assigned to the front wheel equipment, (wheels and tires), as it left the factory. The part number for those wheels should be JD1232R and it's on the wheel. JD1268R is commonly used in it's place as it's almost identicle in appearance and JD1232R is hard to come by.
 
A GURU,
This topic intrests me. I have my Dad's 1950 A S/N 664690 which has the original non slotted front rims. They are in rather rough shape from loader work etc. years ago. I have wanted to put new ones on but never have because slotted rims would not look right. Is there a source somewhere for new rims that are correct?
Gene Popkes
 
Gene
The JD1268R rims are the correct ones for your tractor. They are pretty plentiful. I have seen them on many JD implements as well as tractors starting in the 40's and on up, maybe into the 60's and later.
I don't know of a source for these rims but I'm sure there are many on here who would have them to sell if you posted for them. I actually have a pair but they are reserved for a 39 A that I have until I can find a set of JD1232R rims that I can afford.
This posting is pretty old, if you post new looking for some, someone will likely have them to sell. Hope this helps
 
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