Power Kite Forum

Aluminum buggy wheels

sodfarmkiter - 21-3-2008 at 08:58 PM

I was just curious if someone knows where to find some aluminum buggy rims? Or at least some two piece plastic ones.
heres a ponder, do you think I could cut my plastic rims in half with a bandsaw and then drill holes in them(or vice versa) and bolt them back together?

DAKITEZ - 21-3-2008 at 11:19 PM

why 2 piece rims ? If you did cut it you would have to be very precise on where you drilled your holes to bolt the wheel back together to keep the rim somewhat balanced.

Sand-Yeti - 22-3-2008 at 01:48 AM

Why would you want to cut a perfectly good plastic rim in half?
If you do, don't drill the holes afterwards, do it before you cut the rim. In that way you can ensure that the two halves line up when you bolt them together.
I have some split rims both cast & pressed alu.
It makes it a bit easier to change a tire but it is still some fiddling removing the bolts.
I prefer one piece plastic rims (not split) for fitting tubeless tires.

sodfarmkiter - 22-3-2008 at 08:39 AM

Yes, I was thinking drilling before cutting, I just didn't manage to type it that way. I guess I want to split the rim because no one around here will touch a plastic rim. I tried myself a little bit and all I'm doing is scaring the rim all up. that's why i'd really like to find aluminum ones and save any hastle in the future. I'd hope

DAKITEZ - 22-3-2008 at 08:43 AM

I had a tire blow off the rim this last week because I over inflated it. I just let the tire sit in the sun and get nice and warm and I was able to roll it right back on. Warm tire + soap = success.

coreykite - 22-3-2008 at 10:58 AM

Hey Sailors,
The trick with the plastic rims is to use motorcycle tire tools, not car tire or bike tire.
Car tire tools are too big and can crack those plastic rims.
Bike tools are too lightweight.
But motorcycle tire tools are just right!

Lube the rim.
I've seen Fritz (among others, but him first) simply pull a deflated tire off a rim.

Once you've done a set, you figure out all the shortcuts and tricks.

Aluminum/steel 3 piece rims PL rims can be expensive.
I assemble PhatBoy rims.
Half of an 8" wide BigFoot aluminum rim and half a standard 4" wide rim.
Results in a 6" wide rim with a deep side (the valve is on the std. side).
Effectively widens your axle by 4" and improves traction.
I fit all the tires to them: 4.80/4x8, 16/6.50x8 & 21/12x8
The tires sit wider on the ground, also improving traction.

I fit 12mm or 15mm bearing hubs and I have some 20mm hubs coming.

A pair of PhatBoys runs $330 ($165 each)
A standard 4" wide aluminum/steel rim for the front is $140

See what I mean about spendy.
Like the buggy, I haven't worn any of them out yet.
Just replace bearings every once in awhile.


Safen Up! Buggy On!

"Often wrong... Never in doubt"

the coreylama

sodfarmkiter - 22-3-2008 at 12:33 PM

Thank you coreylama, and your right they are pricey. But I do appreciate the tip about the motorcycle tire tools. I'll do some calling around today, see if I can't get by a little cheaper!
Thanx for the advice. SFK

sodfarmkiter - 22-3-2008 at 01:51 PM

I've just made a discovery with a link from this site. http://www.windwizard.com/ and on this link they sell two piece aluminum rims $250 for a set of three. And they come complete tires and tubes:singing: I know they seem a little pricey but they ease ant tire problems in the future, at least that's how I'm justifying to the wife!:D

canadiankiterider - 22-3-2008 at 08:27 PM

http://www.gokartsupply.com/tristar.htm

cheaper source here i think comes with OD35mm x id 5/8" bearing not sure what is on your rockville , you may have to change them out You'll need tubes but tires will fit off your existing buggy,

Been using a set of these for 6 years no problems.

cheers
Jim

canadiankiterider - 22-3-2008 at 08:30 PM

sorry, click on the 8" spinner rims top left menu

jim

canadiankiterider - 22-3-2008 at 08:37 PM

You can also search AZUSA and find a dealer close to you.

DAKITEZ - 22-3-2008 at 08:45 PM

now those are reasonably priced.

sodfarmkiter - 23-3-2008 at 12:15 PM

Definately appreciate the link, in fact I think their the same rim. But my tires are beyond bald, plus I've got green slime in the tubes. (could get messy) After getting all the pieces (from at least two different places and shipping from each)and putting them together I'll only save a couple of dollars. But If I ever damage a rim I know where to find a replacement.:smilegrin: I did appreciate you reply. SFK

Sand-Yeti - 26-3-2008 at 09:28 PM


Sand-Yeti - 26-3-2008 at 09:32 PM


Sand-Yeti - 26-3-2008 at 09:36 PM

ADMIN. Pls Help

I can't find a delete box to remove these last three posts .
I wrote a response but lost all that.
e.g. clicked the edit but can't see a delete box???

sodfarmkiter - 28-3-2008 at 08:48 AM

I went ahead and bought the $250 rims. I know that CKR the rims cheaper but buy the time I ordered the rims from one place,the tubes & tires from another. And the bearings from yet another, plus shipping from all three:puzzled: It was just easier to get it all at one spot. I'll let you guys know how they turn out. If anything I just gave my rockville one hell of an upgrade. since the buggy cost me about $30 more than the rims. :yes: Or should I say they'll look good on the flexibuggy I plan to buy next year.:thumbup:

sodfarmkiter - 3-4-2008 at 02:11 PM

They showed up:D:D


BeamerBob - 4-4-2008 at 04:52 AM

those are some sporty wheels for sure. You look like you are going fast just sitting in the basement!