[MV] 7.50 X 16 tires on MB?

Lars-Uwe Rudek (Rudek@shh-hamburg.de)
Fri, 24 Sep 1999 09:20:10 +0200

Well,

You may know that there was a compressor kit available for the
MB type jeeps in WWII. The compressor was driven by a fan belt
taking power from an amended pulley off the water pump or
crankshaft. The compressor was installed on the left side of
the block above the fuel pump (ample space there!).

With this kit, also a box containing a hose and tire filler was
supplied. This box was installed between the right fender and
the right side of the body tub, where the body widens, below the
fitting of the windshield arm. The box was quite big.

Wit this kit came NDT tires in the size 7.50x16 (I believe)

Purpose of the kit was to improve

a - the ground clearance
b - the ability to ride over
muddy or sandy grounds
c - be able to deflate / pump up the tires
to match conditions of surface accordingly

It might be that also the springs / shocks were amended with the kit.

The BECKER book pictures the kit and gives details of installation
and on ORD change orders / Part Numbers etc...

In the NABHOLTZ book reference is also made. I doubt however,
that the kit was widely used. I have not seen jeeps fitted with it
in action, only on trials and restored jeeps with the NOS kit
installed.

Camo:

The British Army applied "MIKEY MOUSE" pattern camo paint
schemes. They used OD and black. The black patches were
round shaped, like Mikey's ears, hence "MIKEY MOUSE CAMO"...

Jeeps were also painted that way. I have seen pictures, but can not
give references just now. You get the idea if you take a look at the
MATCHBOX kit with the Jeep, Truck and Anti Tank gun....

Thus, both is correct ! 7.50x16 tires as well as the camo pattern.
But I believe it is doubtfull that a) many US Army Jeeps used the
tire kit, and b) that the British used the kit at all. So, the camo pattern
AND the tire kit might not go together, historicaly.

KEEP THEM ROLLING....

Lars-Uwe Rudek
MVPA # 14836
MVT # 8119
T.E.A.M. # 2
- 42 MB
- 42 BANTAM T 3
- 44 MB
- 44 GPW
- 45 GPW
<RUDEK@SHH-HAMBURG.DE>

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