The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

Hello,

I need help identifying the tire and tube size for my tail-wheel. Does this configuration look familiar to anyone?

Thanks for the help!

It's an old Maule tailwheel. If it takes a pneumatic tire, it's going to be a 2.80/2.50-4. Except, the hub doesn't look right... (And, it sure doesn't look like it's 4"!)

The pneumatic wheel is a split rim, like the Scott 3200. The solid tailwheel doesn't really have a hub. I'm guessing someone fitted an industrial wheel and tire at some point.

Do a search on "Stomil Wersja" - looks like polish company - search hit talks about tail wheel tires used on Cessna 195 and Stearman, etc. Also a company with phone number. Agree with John C, old Maule and I may have one. Look closely you may find a metric size on the side- also, does the hub have a hole for a tube valve stem. Happy hunting!!

Big Edd

I just remembered I have an old antique tire in the basement. Looks like yours, tire is a Goodyear 8.00 SC 6 ply rating nylon, with the ring and snap ring as in your photo. Tube type with valve stem broke off but still visible. Tire has no tread, rounded similar to the old Cub tires that decades ago, we called "balloon tires". Possibly came off a Stearman.


I'll try to take apart later today since it's 4 AM. Bet the 8.00 SC will cross reference.


Big Edd

I took mine apart (mostly) and nominal dimensions are: hub inner metal flange 3 5/8", outer metal retainer ring 3 5/8", axle shaft 1", tire inner diameter bead to bead 2 5/8".
Tire Goodyear Type 1 8.00 SC, inner tube Goodyear Type 1 8.00.
If you look on the left sidewall (you photo) of your tire with lens, you'll see "WERSJA" which leads one to "Stomil" in Poland. Further, "Wings and Wheels" in Ontario, Canada who probably is a dealer with phone # on web page. May be best bet price just to replace yours.
Desser Tire list the 8.00 for $195, and the right size tube for only $17.46.

My hub looks like it has the bearing races but no bearings (didn't clean up). My setup is ancient but has been in conditioned dark basement for probably 40 years, so if "your back is against the wall" and your interested, I can make a "Trump deal", like pay the shipping, and its yours. The tire doesn't look worn per se and with the rounded configuration, no side wall showing dry rot/weather checking. As mentioned the valve stem is broken off but probably a servicing tire shop could vulcanize a new stem. Tube rubber is heavy and looks and feels good. Might be worth a try. EDIT: Get new tube from Desser for $17.46

If interested and want to discuss, you may call me tonite after 8PM or most evenings after 7 PM and I'm up til late, late.

Big Edd
Hixson (Chattanooga) TN
423-875-4474


I

Maybe a call to Maule is in order...

Been doing some more research. In listing the 8.00 tire, Desser list the associated tube size, since they always recommend new tube with new tire. Then backing up from the tube size, one finds an Aero Classic ( their brand) tire DTR 1430 210-65 (250-3) 4 ply ribbed tire for only $32.41 - which certainly sounds like a tail wheel price. Note it is a 4 ply not 4 ply rating whereas my Goodyear says 6 ply rating, meaning probably only has 4 ply similar to the auto side wall ratings. The DTR1430 may be a "softer" tire and more appropriate for 120/140 viz-a-viz a Stearman or Cessna 190/195.

They consider the 8.00 a "specialty" tire e.g. big price for the "purist" wanting the original look on their antique/classic - low production, etc.

Of course my logic may be all wrong, suggest you call Desser 800-247-8473 and see if their Aero Classic DTR 1430 possibly is a replacement for the 8.00 SC. 2C (Possibly worth 4C)

Big Edd

Thanks for all the input. The tire/tube are back on the plane, and working for the moment, so it's not a crisis situation. Whew!!

Blue Skies,