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wheels

Posted: April 11th, 2015, 3:15 pm
by Pasaa
Hello all,
My AA is, unfortunately, a 'doodlebug'. It began its life as a 1930 or 31 ton-and-a-half flatbed. It was my grandfather's. I have been using it for wood hauling and snow plowing for over fifty years. While attempting to replace a couple of rotted tires, I discovered that the wheels were bad enough to be unsafe. I have several extras around, but they are as bad or worse. The wheels are the 20 inch Budds that originally held the 32x6 tire. As a matter of fact, when I first got it, there was one original Firestone still on it. One option is to have the wheels rebuilt to a functional level. Since it won't be road driven, there wouldn't be any balance concerns. But, I would have to pay for that to be done as I have had a stroke and some of those things I just can't do anymore.
My questions are:
Is there a narrow (6") 20 inch truck wheel that will fit my bolt pattern that might be available in a junk yard?
Is there a source for original equipment wheels.

Thanks for the help,
Charlie

Re: wheels

Posted: April 11th, 2015, 4:05 pm
by Brady
Hey Charlie: What's unfortunate about a doodlebug ? They're the greatest expression of personal freedom in this whole hobby. Wheels. I don't know of any that will just 'bolt' on - and I've tried hard to find out... A method used by many is to torch out the centers of the AA wheel, or chisel off the rivets to remove. A similar wheel can be welded to the center and down the trail you go. Just DON"T weld to a wheel with a tire on it. You can do whatever makes you happy, and the doodlebug will just love it.

Re: wheels

Posted: April 11th, 2015, 5:11 pm
by spectria
Charlie, I think the Budds you could use are available, but pricey. Try Burts in Colorado.
They ought to be 20 inch like these:
Cropped 30 Budd Wheel.jpg
Cropped 30 Budd Wheel.jpg (19.44 KiB) Viewed 2981 times

Re: wheels

Posted: April 11th, 2015, 6:30 pm
by Pasaa
Hey, guys.
Thanks for the quick reply. Brady: you are right. There is nothing wrong with the doodle bug. But I can just remember having one ride in the old truck before it was cut down. I was real little and I cried when I saw it. Once a long while back I did the center transplant thing. It certainly is an option; thanks.
Spectria: that's the one. I'll check out that source. Being a doodlebug, I will probably be going with Brady's solution; cheaper.

Thanks again,
Charlie