T-6 SNJ Tires available... ?

Glenn Wegman · **Posted:** Mon Sep 27, 2010 8:18 am

Dunno about Desser, but the first image is a Wilkerson recap on a Mustang. Note the distance (or lack of) between the top of the tire and the bottom of the oleo tube. (arrow)

Here is a standard tire (not recapped)

Ray Charles could spot a Wilkerson recap on a Mustang from accross the ramp!

RV8er · **Posted:** Mon Sep 27, 2010 10:17 am

Matt Gunsch wrote:

recapped tires have to conform to the same specs as new tires when it comes to diameter and thickness, so a retract test should not be required unless you have a modified A/C. The only difference between old tires and new are a harder compounded rubber is bonded to the hull.

Well, maybe... my aircraft ownership and tire changing experience is limited to my fixed gear RV-8, but on my last tire change I used Desser standard retreads that used Condor tire casings. These tires are slightly larger. The tires that came with my kit were McCreary Airhawks; I trimmed the wheel pant openings for a fairly close fit around these tires and all was well. When I mounted the retreads though... oops! The tire openings were waaay to close to the tire now, had to spend some time with a Dremel to give a bit more clearance. Other RV'ers I've talked to have had the same issues with using retreads. They are slightly bigger.

Matt Gunsch wrote:

The airlines do not do a gear swing every time they change tires and they use recaps. All recapped tires are issued with a yellow tag, they have been repaired and returned to service.

Correct, airlines don't do a gear swing after each tire change, but methinks the gear well and gear door tolerances might be a wee bit looser on a 737 or MD-80. Either that or Boeing and McD/D planned the gear wells to fit retread tires. My Desser retreads did indeed come with a yellow tag... but the tires were slightly larger than standard. If you're got tight fit wheel pants or a snug gear well, it's worth checking out.

Mike Robinson · **Joined:** Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:26 am **Posts:** 76

Matt Gunsch wrote:

I did a retract after installing the first set, but never after that.

I just had to clarify that for his honor when something was conveniently left off.

Now stop fighting or I'll ....... Never mind.

I really appreciate the help and advice.

Wilkerson did not have any exchanges available and it was I believe 240 each

I don't have any fresh 27SC to send off laying around my shop.

My friend is going to call around to see if any one else has some to use.

New from Desser is 440 I believe each.

Of course the owner did the calling.....

Next up is.......new stems for the tubeless configuration?

Where get?

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Glenn Wegman · **Posted:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 6:33 am

While mounting them tubeless simplifies things, there is a consideration.

Under certain conditions, a good side loading, or contact to the sidewall with something like a runway light, can unseat the bead causing the tire to deflate at a most inopertune time...

Installation of tubes can reduce that chance considerably. That's why they are in there.

mlenoch · **Posted:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 10:54 am

These warbird 27" tires are not low profile; they have considerable sidewall. Also, they are relatively speaking, low pressure tires - under 100 psi - and meant to enable operations on soft surfaces.
With the physical design as described above, any sideload woud possibly break or loosen the beads. ( consider a strong crosswind - wing low landing and how much of a high speed & sideload is exerted on the tire ) The real possiblity of deflation exists in that case.
Knowing that, I'd never run 27" tires without tubes installed. ( A flat is no fun - believe me on that one. )
my 2 cents, again
VL

51fixer · **Posted:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 11:19 am

Matt Gunsch wrote:

recapped tires have to conform to the same specs as new tires when it comes to diameter and thickness, so a retract test should not be required unless you have a modified A/C. The only difference between old tires and new are a harder compounded rubber is bonded to the hull.

L/H wheel well of a P-51 has the main fuel feed line from the selector at the spar and travels fwd to the firewall.
I have seen tire marks on this line. When I did a retract on one with a recap on it there was less than 3/16" clearance with a recap with some wear on it. I don't know how much they may grow with heat from usage or with wheel rotation as it retracts.
Recaps are slightly larger in dia. I replaced the recap with a new tire and the gap to the fuel line did increase.
Each P-51 is a little different as stock the fuel line is 3/4" alum with a fuel shut off valve in the L/H wheel well. Many are changed to 3/4" or even 1" Mil-6000 rubber hose with the shut off removed.
I personally want as much clearance between the fuel line and the tire. I will run new tires only on the P-51. My preference.
I will remove a tire from the P-51 with a little tread left and then run them on the SNJ. With the low usage it sees I then get a couple years more use from them.
Just don't ask how much fun removing and installing tires on the P-51 and T-6 wheels is.

Glenn Wegman · **Posted:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 11:48 am

51fixer wrote:

Just don't ask how much fun removing and installing tires on the P-51 and T-6 wheels is.

Installing new 27" Good-Years is about as much fun as a guy could have... :roll:

EDowning · **Posted:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 2:39 pm

Quote:

51fixer wrote:
Just don't ask how much fun removing and installing tires on the P-51 and T-6 wheels is.

Installing new 27" Good-Years is about as much fun as a guy could have... ]

For a really interesting day try changing the 24 ply 32 X 8.8s on my Skyraider. The bead is like concrete. I use Desser retreads ( no clearance issues) and they last 50 -70% longer, The Spad is H$ll ON TIRES!

51fixer · **Posted:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 2:49 pm

EDowning wrote:

Quote:

51fixer wrote:
Just don't ask how much fun removing and installing tires on the P-51 and T-6 wheels is.

Installing new 27" Good-Years is about as much fun as a guy could have... ]

For a really interesting day try changing the 24 ply 32 X 8.8s on my Skyraider. The bead is like concrete. I use Desser retreads ( no clearance issues) and they last 50 -70% longer, The Spad is H$ll ON TIRES!

I remember assisting with a B-25 tire once. Bad memories!
All the AD's I worked on had the 2 piece later type of rims. I believe we used the B-52 outrigger tires. You couldn't tell if you forgot to inflate them they were so stout.

Glenn Wegman · **Posted:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 3:14 pm

EDowning wrote:

Quote:

For a really interesting day try changing the 24 ply 32 X 8.8s on my Skyraider. !

Done that...

I also flew a Hellcat a bit with those on it.

Pre-flight required a tire pressure gauge to verify they were inflated!

Mike Robinson · **Joined:** Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:26 am **Posts:** 76

My father and I helping him at a young age rebuit the F6F-3 at Kermits.

I remember that trip to pick it up like it was yesterday.

It was a perfect rebuild to 90% finished with the engine being rebuilt by American Airmotive.

-----------------

Thanks for the thoughts about not wanting to use the tubeless config.

I can pass that along to this friend to back up my thoughts.

.

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Glenn Wegman · **Posted:** Wed Sep 29, 2010 5:10 pm

I used to go look at it occasionally when it was in the fenced lot on the NW corner of MIA when Dave Robinson (I believe that was his name) owned it. IIRC either one or both wings were removed.

Probably got a pic of it sitting there...

I believe there was a T-6/SNJ there as well.

b747cf · **Posted:** Wed Sep 29, 2010 5:46 pm

Hi Glenn

I think this is what you are talking about.

Mark F.

Glenn Wegman · **Posted:** Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:07 pm

That's the one!

Thanks!

Mike Robinson · **Joined:** Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:26 am **Posts:** 76

Yeah... That is where I grew up black from head to toe.

Dave, or what everyone referred to him as, Robby was my Dad.

The T-6 or (SNJ) is sitting five feet from where I write this now.

Thanks for the picture. Any more would be greatly appreciated.

I moved everything away from there single handedly in 1993

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T-6 SNJ Tires available... ?

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