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Getting ready to put new tires on my M38A1 so I can drive it on the street. My gut says using the ~55 year old tires/tubes isn't prudent/safe. I have had the rims blasted and painted along with new tires and tubes so I have a new and clean surfaces.

When I was dismounting old tires and rims to prior to blasting two of the five had the rubber rim strips/guards installed. So do I need or is it required to have rubber rim strips for M38A1 wheels? I get the need for WWII combat rims but am unsure about the need for these wheels.

Thanks
Mark

Hi Mark,
"Rubber rim strips" also known as tire flaps (yes, used on WW2 MB-GPW "combat wheels").

Not listed or called for in the M38A1 (or M38) manuals.

They're intended to insulate the tube from rubbing on rough surface on the inside of the rim where they meet (and chafing to the point of making a hole in the tube).

If your rims are in decent shape inside, minimal pitting and no sharp or rough surface you shouldn't need flaps.
If in doubt, there's no harm using them, except for the extra expense.

Me and your insurance company are glad you decided to replace 55 year old tires and tubes before sharing the road.

Good luck!