"5 1/2J x15 H2" versus "5 1/2 x 15" - 911 Steel Wheel Question

[Chupula]

Could somebody please tell me what the "J" and "H2" designations mean on my 1973 911 steel wheels? I am looking at purchasing a replacement wheel and my original (bent) wheel shows "5 1/2J x15 H2" stamped into it (along with 12/72), however the replacement wheel is from a 1972 911 and only shows "5 1/2 x 15" (along with 2/72). Can I use the non-h2/J wheel from the 1972?

Thanks in advance!

-Josh

[Grady Clay]

Josh,
First, welcome to the Forum
You will find a lot of help here.


The difference is a ‘safety bead’ profile to the wheel.
This is a ‘bump’ just inboard (to the center of the wheel) from the bead seating surface.
The function is to keep the bead seated even when the tire is low pressure.
It also allows use of a tubeless tire.
Your ’73 has the feature and the ’72 wheel you found does not.

Either wheel will work.
The early wheel should use a tube but typically will function with a tubeless tire.
If your need is immediate, use it.

I recommend you hold out for the correct wheel.
It is even worth the effort to find a 12/72 date wheel to match your other wheels.
(Are they all the same 12/72?)


BTW, we need some flattering pictures of your 911.

You can go to the “UserCP” and include your location.
This helps connecting with other Pelicans in your area.
One may have the wheel you need.

Best,
Grady

[Chupula]

Originally Posted by Grady Clay

Josh,
First, welcome to the Forum
You will find a lot of help here.


The difference is a ‘safety bead’ profile to the wheel.
This is a ‘bump’ just inboard (to the center of the wheel) from the bead seating surface.
The function is to keep the bead seated even when the tire is low pressure.
It also allows use of a tubeless tire.
Your ’73 has the feature and the ’72 wheel you found does not.

Either wheel will work.
The early wheel should use a tube but typically will function with a tubeless tire.
If your need is immediate, use it.

I recommend you hold out for the correct wheel.
It is even worth the effort to find a 12/72 date wheel to match your other wheels.
(Are they all the same 12/72?)


BTW, we need some flattering pictures of your 911.

You can go to the “UserCP” and include your location.
This helps connecting with other Pelicans in your area.
One may have the wheel you need.

Best,
Grady

Grady,

Thank you for the warm welcome and I appreciate your informative post! I guess this is one more unique thing to note about my '73. Anyhow, thanks to your input, I have decided to hold off on the wheel. I had intended to replace one of the existing wheels as the outer rim is bent. Perhaps I will look for a 12/72 or look at getting mine fixed. They all could use a refinishing anyhow.

I would love to post flattering pics of my 911, however in its present state, there's not a whole lot of flattery going on. Although the car is in solid shape, it's probably been a good 16 years since the car has been on the road. Needless to say, I have a lot of work ahead of me before getting the old girl back up to snuff.

I've got original shop manuals and a CIS guide on the way and just found a couple specialty tools as well. I am planning to start working on the car before spring time, so you will most likely be seeing a lot more of me in the not too distant future.

-Josh