Hubs Research Archives

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Dana Spicer Hub/Lok Hubs

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

Thanks to David for spotting this set of hubs for sale on eBay.  The seller of these hubs is selling the hubs with the original installation and operation instructions! The manual accompanying the hubs confirms that the Hub Lok hubs were sold by Dana and/or Spicer, which is what we thought, but lacked physical evidence as proof. So, it’s a great find!

View all the information on eBay 

hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs12

An original dash sticker? Probably not another one of these around!hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs11

hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs13 hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs14 hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs15 hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs16 hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs17 hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs18 hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs19 hub-lock-dana-spicer-hubs20

 
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1944 MB Willows, CA $300

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

Here’s a mix of parts, including a set of Watson hubs. Thanks to Bill for spotting it.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1029336818028784/

“For parts only it has a mb body the frame is I think a cj5 not Shure of the year but it is one that came with the Buick odd fire… fenders, hood, grill, rollbar, towbar and other pictured parts. The body has some rust damage lower driver side and is rough but fixable. It’s on my trailer I could deliver within 100 mi for gas money.”

1944-mb-willows-ca7 1944-mb-willows-ca8 1944-mb-willows-ca9

 
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1956 Warn Hub Manual

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Documents, Features • TAGS: .

I have been going through a whole two stuffed Willys Motors Equipment Books and documents as part of trying to organize the stuff I’ve purchased recently. I was surprised I hadn’t noticed this Warn manual when I first when through the books. I suspect (hope) I find some other cool items. This brochure has a form number of SR-456-4, which possibly means it was produced in April of 1956, but this is a version 4 of the manual.

1956-04-warn-selective-hub-manual1
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1956-04-warn-selective-hub-manual3
1956-04-warn-selective-hub-manual4 Continue reading

 
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1959 Cutlas Power-Lock Model WL-6 Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

I hadn’t seen this version of the Cutlas Power-Lock brochure. Given the 1959 date, this is likely one of the earliest Power-Lock brochures. This brochure doesn’t not include a form number.

cutlas-powerlock-brochure-wl6-model

 
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Warn Summer Hubs Waffle Style $299

• CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: .

Glenn spotted these hubs for sale. No location provided, but shipping is supposed to only be $5.75.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/277256207988311/

“WARN Willys Jeep – SUMMER HUBS – 2WD Freewheel, Vintage. A little less than 3.5” bolt pattern. Not exactly sure which years and model axles and Jeeps that these fit. See photos for detailed description, more available on request. Appears needle bearings are still present.”

warn-summer-hubs9

 
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Warn Brochure Form WC-1060

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

I was surprised to find I didn’t own this brochure when I saw it on eBay, so I bought it. It highlights the Locking mub and the Lock-O-matic hub.

warn-brochure-form-wc-1060-1 warn-brochure-form-wc-1060-2 warn-brochure-form-wc-1060-3

 
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NOS Free-Lock 27-spline Hubs

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

Thanks to Chris for selling me these NOS Free-Lock 27-spline hubs he got from a friend. He also included copies of the original documents that were included with the hubs. Since I have a Dana 30 on Biscuit, these will got on it once I start working on it.

This doc is one I posted last week:

free-lock-docs-3

I’m guessing the warranty is no longer any good, lol?

free-lock-docs-2

As I mentioned last week, this doc is the first evidence I’ve seen that Free-Lock became a “division” (whether actual or virtual) within Dualmatic. It is my belief that Selectro was another division:

free-lock-docs-1

Here is one look at the hubs:

free-lock-hubs1

And, a second look:

free-lock-hubs2

 
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1966, 1967 Warn Brochures on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

These docs cover Locking and Lockmatic Warn hubs from the mid 1960s.

View all the information on eBay

“VINTAGE 1966 1967 1968 1969 WARN LOCKING 4 WHEEL DRIVE HUB ADVERTISEMENT FORD CHEVY JEEP TOYOTA DODGE GM.”

1966-06-warn-brochures-docs1 1966-06-warn-brochures-docs2 1966-06-warn-brochures-docs3 1966-06-warn-brochures-docs4

Continue reading

 
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Mid 1960s Warn Hub Docs II on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

Here is another set of Warn Hub Docs on eBay.

View all the information on eBay

“VINTAGE 1969 JEEP WARN 4 WHEEL DRIVE LOCKING HUB ADVERTISEMENT CATALOG PRICE LIST LOT MODELS WL-2, WL-2A, M-175, M-54”

1960s-warn-docs5 1960s-warn-docs6 1960s-warn-docs7

 

Continue reading

 
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Cutlas Hubs Kingston, IL $120

• CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: .

The price also includes some axles and a steering stabilizer.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/892903511961517

“Good cutlas hubs. Good axles with goods joints. Steering stabilizer needs shock. From a 1950 Willy’s wagon with stock front axle.”

cutlas-hubs-kingston-il2 cutlas-hubs-kingston-il

 
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Free-Lock 27 Spline NOS Hubs with Documentation

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

Thanks to Chris for publishing this information on a Facebook post … It appears I will be buying from him a set of model F-28 Free-Lock hubs sold by Dualmatic. These NOS Free-Lock hubs included documentation stating that by December of 1973 Free-Lock had become a “Quality Division” of Dualmatic Products Company.

So, I believe this confirms that Free-Lock was acquired by Dualmatic, so now the questions are 1) when did this happen and 2) why didn’t Dualmatic use the branding sooner than circa 1970 (there was a gap between the end of Free-Lock in 1959 and the re-emergence of the brand circa late 1960s or early 1970s).

Dualmatic-nos-hubs-1973-12-6 Dualmatic-nos-hubs-1973-12-5 Dualmatic-nos-hubs-1973-12-4

This document suggests there were seven different models of Free-Lock hubs, which may explain why we have seen several different types of later-model Free-Lock hub styles. Given the emphasis on “A Quality Division”, this document *might* hint that Dualmatic was using the Free-Lock brand as a premium hub, perhaps hoping to clear more profit from them?

Dualmatic-nos-hubs-1973-12-3

The fact that the top of the hub shows no branding suggests these instructions were intended to be distributed across multiple brands of Dualmatic-built hubs.

Dualmatic-nos-hubs-1973-12-2

The date of the newspaper used to wrap the hubs is December 4, 1973:

Dualmatic-nos-hubs-1973-12-newspaper-doc

 
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CJ-5 Front Frame w/ Perfect Circle Hubs Harwichk, MA $300

• CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: .

Glenn shared this front frame and axle that includes some Perfect Circle Hubs. Perfect Circle was a longtime piston ring company bought by the Dana Corp in 1963. Dana had tried marketing the HubLok hubs, but likely switched to selling these private labeled Dualmatic/Selectro hubs after the merger. More on the Perfect Circle history: https://www.waynet.org/waynet/spotlight/2003/030521-perfectcircle.htm

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3108393642795119

“Front frame section from a 1956 Cj5 Willys Jeep. Section is in good shape and comes with steering linkage and good front springs and axles. Located in Harwich Mass”

cj5-front-frame-clip-perfect-circle-hubs-harwich-ma1 cj5-front-frame-clip-perfect-circle-hubs-harwich-ma2

 
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Transportation Parts Co. “Seal Test” Hubs

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

UPDATE: More on Transportation Parts Company thanks to Barney Goodwin of Barney’s Jeep Parts.

Barney wrote, “I hope this helps for your question on Transportation Parts Co.  I put together a little display. Those of us in business who have older inventories have Transportation boxes peeking out at us on the shelves. Shown below are several vintage items from our inventory including a whole tray of gauges.

IMG_4561

The name SEAL TEST® is owned today by someone in Europe who produces quality parts supplying to dealers. An example is the shiny box to the right behind the tray.

In our library we have several of their catalogues and can be valuable quick references which are very accurate compared to some today. Inside the catalogue shown in the back of the display and which I’ve put in a ring binder for frequent use, I have copied the introduction which gives a good, brief history of the company in their own words.

IMG_4564 The vintage belt buckle is a promo from Transportation.

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Original Post November 27, 2022: This photo was posted to Facebook by Quinton. These private-labeled “Seal Test” Dualmatic lever-style hubs were sold out of the Transportation Parts Co, a jeep parts reseller out of Huntington, New York.

I’m sure someone knows more about Transportation Parts (or even dealt with them in the past).

dualmatic-transporation-parts-co-seal-test-hubs

 
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Cutlas Bulldog(?) Hubs Wickenburg, AZ $125

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

UPDATE: Still Available.

(10/02/022) These hubs look similar to Cutlas Bulldog hubs, but the design of the mid-section sides just below the “knob” is shaped slightly different (larger side scallops) than the image on the Bulldog brochure. Given the two section design, I will guess that these were a transition hub from the Cutlas Model 100-2 conical design to the later Bulldog hub design? Anyone have insights on these? I don’t have a brochure for these.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/pts/7555714076.html

“Cutlas lock hubs, 10 spline for old jeeps and scouts. May trade for ammunition or towards firearms. No reloads!”

bulldog-hubs-az

Bulldog example:

cutlas-bulldog-hub1-lores

Here is another example in my archives. I also labeled these, perhaps incorrectly, “Bulldog” hubs:

cutlas-bulldog-hubs-green

I just discovered this set of Cutlas hubs for Chevys on eBay. They look like Bulldog hubs, but have no scallops at all along the mid section’s side:
cutlas-hub-chevy9

cutlas-hub-chevy6

 
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Warn “Waffle” Style Summer Hubs Clinton, MI $250

• CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: .

Tom shared these Warn Hubs for sale.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/609748840897390

“Vintage early “waffle” style Jeep summer hubs in original box. Instructions are in awesome shape. Collectible classic set.”

warn-summer-hubs-waffle-clinton-mi8 warn-summer-hubs-waffle-clinton-mi9

 
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Free-Lock Hub Instructions Dualmatic/Selectro Design

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Documents, Features • TAGS: .
free-lock-dualmatic-hubs-christina3

Later model Dualmatic-style-Free-Lock hubs. The name was originally part of the Free-Lock Hub Corporation

Ann’s longtime friend invited me to look at a jeep yesterday that they just inherited from her uncle. They were confused about the model, so hoped I could identify it.

From the front, the jeep was clearly an early M-38A1 (turned out to be a 1953), with the hinged grille and early fenders. The dash was also correct, the correct large hole fuel inlet, and it had the early M-38A1 cowl with screws. However, it also had a tail gate that didn’t appear added. The body itself was in great shape, yet the body wasn’t mounted using all the holes, in fact some holes were missing. The cowl also lacked both the “JEEP” stamps along the side of the cowl AND the passenger side indent common for M-38A1 bodies.

Thankfully, the uncle had kept receipts, one of which was an invoice for a replacement body. Aha, that’s why it did not have JEEP or WILLYs stamped anywhere.

But, more interesting to me than the jeep, was that another document they had was an original set of instructions for Free-Lock hubs (more on Free-Lock Hubs), the style that looks just like the Dualmatic hubs. This is the first time I’ve been able to document that at some point Free Lock branded hubs were made exactly the same as Dualmatic hubs.

As you can see in the two images below, we have basically the same set of instructions for both hubs, with one that is labeled Free-Lock and the other Dualmatic. The Dualmatic is dated “8-28-74”, which the Free-Lock has hand written instructions, which I believe indicates the Free-Lock hub instructions were from an earlier date.

Free-Lock document:

free-lock-dualmatic-like-hub-instructions

Dualmatic document:

dualmatic-installation-instructions

These two pics show a few more details, including that there are two sets of screws on opposite sides of the hub.

free-lock-dualmatic-hubs-christina2 free-lock-dualmatic-hubs-christina4

 

 
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1946 CJ-2A Weeping Water, NE $4500

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A • TAGS: .

This is a project. The hubs appear to lack a brand, though they look similar to hubs sold under the Allstate brand. My guess is that these were made by one of the Husky/Selectro/Dualmatic companies, then sold by Sears.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1179212622952360

“GREAT PROJECT VEHICLE 1956 FORD 4 CYL ENGINE, OUT OF VEHICLE AND NEEDS WORK HAVE MOST OF THE PARTS, INCLUDING THE WINDSHIELD, WINDSHIELD FRAME, SEATS (FRONT AND BACK), TAILGATE, 14 INCH WHEELS AND TIRES MOUNTED ON VEHICLE BUT HAVE THE ORIG. 16” WHEELS.BODY IN FAIR CONDITION FRAME DAMAGED ON PASSENGER SIDE JUST BEHIND THE FRONT BUMPER, VERY REPAIRABLE”

The hub:

sears-Allstate-hub

The jeep:

1946-cj2a-weepingwater-ne5 1946-cj2a-weepingwater-ne6 1946-cj2a-weepingwater-ne7

Continue reading

 
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Unusual Front Hubs

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

Aaron Holdaway discovered this unusual set of hubs. He posted pictures of them to Facebook. He plans to disassemble them and take photos. I’ll share those photos if/when he does.

unusual-hubs-aaron-1 unusual-hubs-aaron-2 unusual-hubs-aaron-3

 
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1942 MB Otis Orchards, WA $3000

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

This has some rare HUB LOK hubs.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/716773099554760

“1942 Willys The tub does have a serial number in there somewhere. This is special for the right person. I’m sad to let it go… we had big plans! But my small human and horses take more of my time. It runs.. it will start and idle.”

1942-mb-otisorchards-wa1 1942-mb-otisorchards-wa2

1942-mb-otisorchards-wa0 1942-mb-otisorchards-wa3 1942-mb-otisorchards-wa4

 
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1958 Cutlas Power-Lock Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

This brochure is from 1958, which might make it one of the earliest brochures. It was posted to Facebook by Richard Harper, which came from Sam Higginbotham.

1958-power-lock-hubs-brochure

 
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Summer Hubs Hickory Corners, MI $600

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

Tom shared this ad. It’s the dimpled version of the hubs (the earlier version is waffled).

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/814188986408060/

summer0hubs-hickory-corners-mi

 
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One-Lever Dualmatic Hubs

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

Blaine forwarded photos of a Willys Wagon with the one-lever-style Dualmatic hubs that include a center bump. I don’t have docs that conclusive identify this one-lever hub as a Dualmatic, but it seems highly probable. Given the design, an attempt to secure the lever with a bump to keep it from shifting, it is likely it was an iteration of the original Dualmatic one-lever hub.

Below is what I have documented for the one-lever Dualmatics and my related guesses as to why. (For two-lever variations of the Dualmatic hubs, try this link)

As a reminder, here is the original patent by Simonsen for the Dualmatic:

dualmatic-single-lever-charles-simonsen-patent1-lores

dualmatic-single-lever-charles-simonsen-patent2-lores

Here’s what I believe that original hub looked like:
dualmatic-first-hub-single-lever-g503

This was likely the second version, this time with two circular bumps:

dualmatic-single-lever-hub1

One of the issues with both of the early versions was that the internal forces apparently could cause the lever to bend. Here’s an example:

dualmatic-first-hub-single-lever-g503-2

To halt that from happening, as photographed by Blaine on a Willys wagon, Dualmatic may have gone with this design:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

A similar design was photographed on a Dodge truck (or I was told it was a Dodge truck):

dualmatic-dodge-one-lever2-lores

Perhaps Dualmatic concluded that the simple one lever design simply didn’t hold up, so the company shifted to a two lever design. This is the point where it would be good to compare the internals of the one-lever vs. two-lever design.

 
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Unknown Cutlas Selective Hub Model

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

Bob shared the photo at the bottom that appeared on a Craigslist Ad for a 1977-J10. It shows what appears to be a Cutlas hub, but it’s a design I don’t have documented. Let’s review the Cutlas Selective Drive Hubs:

The first design was model 100-2 and had no slot:

cutlas-form-104-selective-drive-model100-2-brochure1-lores

Later, Cutlas came out with the slotted form of the hub. Note that the slated knob has a “506-1” part number, suggesting that this whole hub was model 500-1.

cutlas-hub-4

Arguably, the Bulldog was the next iteration of this general design. It too has the slotted knob, but lacks a model number:

cutlas-bulldog-hub1-lores

The hub Bob spotted was on a later model jeep, so maybe Cutlas offered this version of the hub for a short time? It seems to be an further iteration of the Bulldog; unfortunately, I have no brochures that document it.

 
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Kelly-Branded Dualmatic Hub

• CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .

A set up Dualmatic-style two-lever hubs appeared for sale on Facebook the other day. What made this set unique was that the hubs were private labeled for Kelly Manufacturing. It’s the first set I’ve seen with Kelly’s information on it. I doubt there are many other hubs bearing these stickers.

This shouldn’t be too big of shock, as Kelly also private labeled Kayline tops for sale in the late 1950s. And, of course, Dualmatic was offering to private label their hubs for Sears, Allstate, and other entities.

dualmatic-kelly-branded-hub

dualmatic-kelly-branded-hub2

 
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1966 Cutlas Hub Brochure

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

I found this brochure on eBay. It’s the first time I’ve seen this version. The form number is 4-66, which I believe means it was published in April of 1966.
1966-04-cutlas-brochure-form-no-4-66-2-lores

1966-04-cutlas-brochure-form-no-4-66-1-lores