Main gear tire recommendation

[Jeffbo1]

I'm ready for a new set of tires for my BC12-D's main gear and would like to install a vintage tire, or something like it had when new...does anyone have a recommendation and source? Many thanks

Jeff

[Mark Julicher]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Look at the Desser tire web site and check out the diamond-tread sidewall tires that are sold for vintage applications. These can also be seen on photos of aircraft in Chet's book, so there are grounds to se them as authentic period tires.

[Jeffbo1]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Thank you MArk, yep those are exactly the tires I was thinking about....thanks!

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Just put a brand new set on my 41. They look GREAT! Get with someone who knows how to mount them. I had to finally get an IA to mount mine. SOOOOO simple when you have the right tool to hold the valve stem while you put the wheels together.
Hank

[Jeffbo1]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Hey Hank, what tubes did you use? I have the new diamond tread Desser tires coming today! Yippee

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

I just asked Dresser to put in the tubs that went with the tires. I didn't even really worry about it. The valve stems look really long outside of the wheel/tire and REALLY short once in place. I spent two weeks trying to mount them before I gave up and paid to have it done. Took the IA about the minutes each. I WANT one of those stem tools!
Hank

[Buell Powell]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Hank,
Here is a old valve stem tool that is for working on truck tires that I use to hold the valve stem thru the wheel while I put the wheels together. On one end it has threads to screw on the valve stem and a valve core removal tool on the opposite end. You can probably find one at an automotive supply.
Buell

[Jeffbo1]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Thanks for the tips Hank...will let yah know how it goes...yeah tubes can be a pain...but i guess most things are hard till we see how it's done...thanks again!

jeff

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

COOL Buell! That's different than the one he used, but looks like just the ticket to work. I had something similar made of plastic that stripped out (tried several of them and they all just tore the threads out). I never thought to look harder for a metal one.
Hank

[Larry Lyons]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

I have also seen a flexible (think speedometer cable) shaft with the threaded end on one end and the other end had a cross piece to crab on to and pull. You thread the shaft through the hole, screw it in to the stem and pull your tube back out. I have not seen one of these in awhile but will see if they are still available. They were about 4" to 6" long. Larry

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

The problem with those cable stem holders is you need to be able to add air to the tube while keeping the stem from dropping back in. I had no problem pulling the stem through the hole and putting the wheel and tire all back together, but when you wanted to add air you had to hook up a chuck and the stem shot straight back into the wheel as soon as you took the stem holder off. With the hollow stem holder you can hold the stem through the hole while you fill the tube, after which it will stay in place. Once the tube has "taken a set" the stem doesn't shoot back in the wheel as soon as you let it go (at least as bad as on a brand new tube).
One thing I did after all my problems was to take the tube repair kit out of my flight bag. I didn't think there was ANY way I could patch a tube in the bush. With a hollow stem holder I just may have to put it back in.
Hank

[Jeffbo1]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

My bird now sports a set of Desser tire Aero Classics with the diamond tread...really nice...the stems were troublesome, but i found that the wheel has a finger hole opposite the stem on the inside which allowed me to push the stem up and out allowing me to put a stem nut on it which held it in place...now if i could get my fuel transfer valves to stop leaking i might be able to fire her up and try out those new tires..GAD

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Please don't say "fire up" when talking about fuel leaks!
Hank

Don'tcha just love the look of those tires!

[astjp2]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

Ahhh 26" goodyears look good to me! Tim

[Jeffbo1]

Re: Main gear tire recommendation

HAHAHA I guess "fire-up" or "turning and burning" would not be the best ways to describe ticking her over..ha....yes the tires are outstanding! Would sure look nice sitting on a sod runway...thanks for the help!

Jeff