Warbird Information Exchange

I'm looking for the Missing Link/Holy Grail/Jimmy Hoffa's body....in other words, a 12.5 x 4 SC tailwheel tire and tube. My Harvard II is going to be needing one, and I "heard" that the tailwheel post/axle from that 1941 Harvard won't work with any other hub assembly. Any leads?

Old Shep

What is the part number or type listed on your existing tailwheel tire?
What is the P/N listed on your Rim?
What does the parts manual list for the tailwheel yoke or what is the number on it?
I'm only aware of early T-6A type with 10" SC small taper axel and then the larger Taper Axel of the 12" SC and 12.5 x 4.5 variety.
Desser tire offers the most variety of tires and tube for these aircraft.

_________________
Rich Palmer

Remember an Injured Youth
benstear.org
#64- Stay Strong and Keep the Faith

BOOM BOOM, ROUND ROUND, PROPELLER GO

Don't Be A Dilbert!

Just recieved a Hayes Maint/Parts book for their T/Ws.
Both SC and 12.5 x 4.5 T/Ws (2 different manuals) list the same bearings as being used.
Unless its the shape of the T/W yoke I don't know why you couldn't switch to the 12.5 x 4.5 rim and tire set up.
New T/W rims are avail from Jay Whisler for the Billet and Pioneer for the cast.

_________________
Rich Palmer

Remember an Injured Youth
benstear.org
#64- Stay Strong and Keep the Faith

BOOM BOOM, ROUND ROUND, PROPELLER GO

Don't Be A Dilbert!

Thanks Rich.

I have looked at the P/N yet but will....does sound like if they use the same bearings there shouldnt be a problem. Desser nor any other place I've heard of has 12.5 SC tubes and tires, so there will be a need to switch pretty soon.

Bill

Old Shep, I beleive the original 12.50 SC tire and tube are no longer supported and have not been for many years. However, I have used a 5.00-4 tire and tube (available from Desser) also known as an "Ercoupe Nosewheel tire" on several T-6s that I have maintained over the years that still have the 12.50 SC wheel hub. The 5.00-4 tire and tube are expensive, but may be more cost effective than converting over to the "P-51" style 12 1/2 by 4 1/2 mentioned above as you'd have to source a new wheel hub and buy the tire and tube. Good Luck.

Carl Best, Plano, Texas

Good to know there are options: appreciate it Carl. I'll run some numbers and see which way to go financially. I've got two complete tailwheels, so I hate to have to buy a new hub assembly.

Old Shep