AIRSTREAKS. . . . Are They Worth It?

[bluemax]

I spoke with Andy at Matco Mfg. yesterday, regarding getting the correct 6" wheels to fit my Airstreaks. He said for me to switch from the 8" (that I have now) to the 6", it only involves buying the 6" wheel halves. Since the Airstreaks don't use a air valve from the wheel, then I would want to purchase four "back" halves, as they do not have an air valve. All the other parts and pieces that are on my 8" wheels will transfer right over to the 6" wheels.

I told Andy that I wasn't interested in "trading" wheels, as I am on kind of a wait-and-see thing with these Airstreaks. I am going to do my best to keep them off of pavement, so they last a long time. But if ultimately they wear out too soon. . . less than 5 years. . .then I will probably revert back to the 8" wheels and the Matco 21x12x8 mini-bush tire. Hopefully, that won't be an issue. Keep in mind I haven't started construction on my Highlander just yet.

Each wheel half is only $39, so this is a fairly cheap mod. Well, at least for the wheels. He also warned me about the conversion kit, where the 2nd caliper is added. The brake plates that come with the conversion kit are only drilled for attachment of the caliper, and not for mounting to the axle. He said to make sure the brake plate is perfectly centered on the axle before I drill the holes for the axle mounting. The brake plate that came with the 8" wheel/brake assembly is already drilled for axle attachment, but will only accept one caliper, so that won't work. I put that brake plate onto the axle, and it only lines up with 2 of the 4 mounting holes. So do you guys only use 2 holes to attach the brake plate?

[bluemax]

I put that brake plate onto the axle, and it only lines up with 2 of the 4 mounting holes. So do you guys only use 2 holes to attach the brake plate?

Whoops.... I checked again, and all 4 holes line up. Not that it matters...since I'll have to drill my own for the dual calipers.

[Winston]

So far no one has mentioned the most important reason for getting these big tires: they make a great seat while you are telling your tall flying tales.

Winston

[SheepdogRD]

So far no one has mentioned the most important reason for getting these big tires: they make a great seat while you are telling your tall flying tales.

" . . . so there I was, engine out, rapidly runnin' out of altitude, airspeed and ideas. Then I realized that, between the big phat tires and the bungee cords, I might be able to bounce over that last ridge and glide down into the valley . . . "

[jak]

We only put two bolts in the brake assy. single or twin. Jak

[taildrgfun]

I put all 4 of them in. And then I take out the 1/4" bolts that hold the disc to the hub, drill and retap the holes for 5/16 bolts. I had the 1/4" ones shear off once, fortunately I wasn't landing one of my little narrow ridges at the time.

[Hottshot]

The main thing to keep an eye on in longevity of the tires is Looooonng Taxi, if your gear has too much toe in or out and will wear the tires quickly. So check toe and rotate the tires (on the wheel) every annual or 100 hrs which ever comes first.