I'm looking for 8x8 rims with a 3/4" bearing so my VTT Black Widow Buggy can have full Bigfoots. Anyone know of any good sources that preferably won't break the bank?

I have 8x8 rims in stock but they use the industry standard 20mm bearings. You can however mount big foots onto the standard PL wheels or use the 8x4 aluminum wheels...but those too use the industry standard 20mm bearings. The only option you would have is to get a specialized bearing that would hold the 3/4" axle bolt or have someone machine you a custom spacer to adapt the 20mm bearing to a 3/4" SAE bolt.

You may want to look into some custom machined hubs that would allow you to mount a standard 4 lug wheel - but then you are looking at a very high price tag for all the pieces and the front wheel would be difficult to mount up - it would look great from one side but look goofy from the other.

Not sure what is available in a wider wheel in the 3/4" axle size.....

http://www.mfgsupply.com/az2296.html

They are Chinese made but will do the job.

http://specialtytirestore.com/8whl_whit.htm

$90 for 4 rims (I guess you get a spare) $22.50 a rim

$40 per hub + $0 - $23 for an 8x8 4 bolt rim (the $0 comes in if you can go over to a golf course and ask for the seconds off of their golf carts - they swap them out all the time. $23 a piece buying them online)
plus shipping ($20 - $30)

highest price then for the bundle (3 hubs + 3 rims + shipping (maybe tax) = $220
lowest price (free rims) = $150

hope that helps.

The wheels are the hardest part of putting a buggy together - definitely the most costly. I never found a way around this.

Actually found these on the same page - the tapered bearing would work better for side load on the wheels.

http://www.mfgsupply.com/az2298.html

Made me think of replacing the ones I have (the first ones) with these.

You might want to check out this thread ..

http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=21328

The Black Widow was designed to use USA parts. You can also use hybrid bearings that will allow you to use european wheels. I use PL wheels and tires on the Black Widow for most customers using 3/4" x 47mm bearings.

I am using these wheels:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DTG-005-01/

Using these billet aluminum go kart hubs with a 3/4 inch bearing, or you have the option for a 1" bearing as well. Rim and hub are both a 4 on 4 bolt pattern.
http://www.bmikarts.com/item/4-on-4-Billet-Aluminum-Idler-Hu...

Would there be any way of using that type of setup on the front wheel so it looked decent? With the hub setup on the front wheel, one side would have a deep dish wheel that looked decent, the other side would have the back side of the flat wheel & hub which would look bad.... Anyone have any pictures of this type of setup to see what it looks like? I am always looking for different solutions to custom wheels for buggies!

I tried it with the hubs and it looks a little funny but wasn't really noticeable. Basically I bought rims that had an offset. The hub end up near center but not perfect. Your spacer would be different on each side. I end up using the skinnier aluminum rims that didn't require the hub for the front.

Yeah, what Van said. Looks a little funny, I ended up doing the same thing and going with a 4x8 buggy rim in the front and the 8x8 atv's for the rear.

Wow, great information guys thanks!

It turns out I might be able to get my hands on some used Cessna aircraft nose wheel parts. They are 8x8 splits with an option of using 3/4" ball bearings or tapered bearings. I was told tapered bearings are higher on mantainance but would they be better for the buggy? I have already obtained aircraft tires: 21x12-8 (6 ply!) Slicks. I have not weighed them but they are pretty light considerin the 6 ply.

Used works for me, or I might go Chezzy's route. Until I get a new fork, my front tire is an extra wide from my old Flexifiol Buggy. I hope to have the new fork by Wildwood.

Thanks again for the wealth of knowledge. Does anyone have an opinion on ball bearings vs tapered.

Opps...sorry, Cheddarhead not Cheezy.

The roller bearings can handle much more pressure than any kite buggy can generate. Yeah, you might have to clean and regrease them once in awhile but kept clean and rust free, I bet you could never wear them out. That's what cars and trucks use on axles.

As I understand it roller bearings are more durable due to increased surface area of the rollers. However, in turn are linear ball bearings faster (less resistance) due to less surface area?

Hmmm...which to use. In ten years I have only had to replace my stock flexifoil ball bearings once. Mind you that was in New Mexico and now I'm using on the beaches of NY and NJ when I get the time.

I don't think you would ever really enjoy the benefits of the roller bearings or notice their extra drag either.

That's what I figured so I went so I went the less expensive route and just bought the ball bearings. Thanks again for the advice.