rims

[mkoxxy]

In an effort to stay light, I originally opted for the black plastic rims
for my mains. After several flats, I upgraded to heavier tires and inner
tubes from Aircraft Spruce. Monday, I had another flat on the left main.
I did seal the rim with silicone, per Mark's suggestion, to prevent ozone
damage, and every flat I had was along the split in the rim, but I'm not
sure ozone is the root cause. Maybe I pinched the tube when I tightened the
three bolts. But this time I was quite sure I did not.
I think the problem is that the rims distort. When I first got them, the
two halves met nicely, but now I see gaps of more than 1/16" in three
places (between the bolts). I think the inner tube gets pushed into the
narrow gaps and cracks eventually, silicone or not.
I never inflated past 20 psi, and I run the tires at 16 psi. But constant
pressure and a lot of heat from the sun could have led to some creep.
After upgrading to the heavier battery, I needed heavier rubber. Looks like
I might also need stronger rims. What are my options? Aluminum or carbon
fiber? Azusa? I'd like to keep the rubber (4.00-6).

Martin & the Quark

[cossitt.alan]

I've had really good luck with the high-quality aluminum rims. Haeger I
believe is the maker. I use high quality thick inner tubes and use "slime"
when appropriate. The extra weight isn't that much and is well worth not
being stuck someplace trying to repair a tire.

-Alan

[earthstaraircraft]

Hi Martin
Near you is a company called Heager 4 and they make high quality go cart rims that are really light.
Buy the nearow 6 in diameter rims. And bearing hubs. They will have to be turned in a lathe to fit the brake drums.
You can send them to us to fit the drums.
Or we can supply you with a setup.
Did you get aero classic tires? There the best and are skinny for low drag.
Don’t order with our checking with us.

Happy Flying,
Mark

Sent from our iPhone

[mkoxxy]

Thanks, Alan, Mark. A few Hegar wheels are sold at Aircraft Spruce, but not
in the form we use. Similar wheel assemblies (incl. bearings) seem rather
expensive. I did not see a website for Hegar gear. Azusa's aluminum wheels
cost around $50 each. Would those need to be modified?
How much of my current wheels will I be able to use (apart from the Aero
Classic tires and tubes)? Bearings? Brake drum?
Mark, make me an offer. You'll be up here in a week. I may also need a new
windshield (mine is getting rather crazed).

[cossitt.alan]

https://www.hegar4.com/

They are expensive but cheaper than sitting at an airstrip with a flat tire
;). They will last as long as your airplane.