New wheels, brakes, and tires
This weekend we installed the wheels and brakes. I didn’t like the stock Weedhopper setup, so I came up with the following:
Main wheels/brakes - 8″ Azusa aluminum spinner wheel & brake kit - Includes wheels, brakes, drums, tires, tubes, and hardware (Aircraft Spruce P/N 06-03410, $218.20)
[zoomer]34|400|0|Azusa 8″ spinner wheels|0|0[/zoomer]
The original Weedhoppers used a piece of rubber that contacts the nose wheel when you press your foot on it. I dunno, I like these brakes better :)
[zoomer]32|400|0|Azusa drum brakes|0|0[/zoomer]
1″ 4130 chromoly main axle - ends step down to 5/8″ to fit wheel bearing ID. The original Weedhopper used a solid 1″ rod of aluminum. This one should be much stronger and only a pound or so heavier.
[zoomer]35|400|0|4130 main axle|0|0[/zoomer]
Custom nose fork - I designed it in CAD and then machined it from aluminum. It’s roughly the same shape and size as the original Weedhopper fork.
[zoomer]31|400|0|Nose wheel fork - CAD drawing|0|0[/zoomer]
Machining the nose fork on my new G0463:
[zoomer]37|400|0|Machining the nose fork base|0|0[/zoomer]
Nose wheel - 4″ Azusalite nylon wheel and 4.10 x 3.50 x 4 tire/tube (Aircraft spruce P/N 06-02600 and 06-02800, $34.00)
(the blue stuff is dykem. I need to clean this stuff off when I get a chance)
[zoomer]36|400|0|Front nosewheel assembly - mockup|0|0[/zoomer]
Up next is the seat, control stick, foot pedals, and teleflex control cabling. We’re hoping to have a somewhat complete cabin by March 10 or so.
