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hihosilvr · 08-26-2005, 02:57 PM

Looking for a set of 13" rims for a 61 Bambi. 4 bolt pattern with 4.5" diag. center to center. Can anyone help me find rims like this or is it possible to change the hubs to a 5 bolt pattern that would be easier to find?

Inland RV Center, In · 08-26-2005, 04:22 PM

You will have much greater luck by changing the drums to 5 lug. However finding a drum that uses the small bearings will add to the hunt.

Andy

hihosilvr · 08-26-2005, 06:11 PM

Andy,

Any ideas as to where I might look for the 5 bolt hubs that use small bearings?

Inland RV Center, In · 08-26-2005, 06:30 PM

Get the bearing numbers.

Then make a post on this site of what you want.

There could be someone out there with them.

Or, find and old parts only Airstream. Where? Who knows.

If everything fails, you could, but at a large expense, upgrade with a new axle.

Andy

wkerfoot · 08-26-2005, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hihosilvr

Looking for a set of 13" rims for a 61 Bambi. 4 bolt pattern with 4.5" diag. center to center. Can anyone help me find rims like this or is it possible to change the hubs to a 5 bolt pattern that would be easier to find?

I would try Southwest Wheel in Dallas, TX. Call them, the sales people have more information than the website. I found them knowledgeable and helpful. If you decide to change bolt pattern, you may find it easier to replace the axles with new, your axle is spring and not torsion, correct. Then you can obtain new brakes and any bolt pattern you want. On my 1954 Liner, I decided to replace the axles since I could not easily locate brakes for the 1954 axles and eventually want to upgrade to discs.

Bill

RichardT · 08-26-2005, 08:38 PM

What kind of rims do you have currently? Are they damaged?

hihosilvr · 08-27-2005, 08:24 AM

The axle is torsion. Looks as though it has been welded to the frame. I have two rims now but they are not the same and I would like to have a spare. Maybe a new axle is in order. Any ideas on axle type?

greg176 · 08-27-2005, 08:49 AM

I would check the axle condition first.Check the axle info at inlandrv.com.I got a great deal on a new axle from Standens in Calgary.Or maybe a trip to Axis see this thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=16811

61Bambi · 08-27-2005, 07:50 PM

The Bambi 4 bolt wheels are early Ford Falcon and 6 cylinder Mustang wheels. You can get them in both 13" and 14" sizes from vintage car part suppliers. I believe that they were only rated for 1100lbs. I recently put 14's on my Bambi. Its a tight fit but they work. (Going to 5 bolt would certainly be better).

Anon · 08-29-2005, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg176

I would check the axle condition first.Check the axle info at inlandrv.com.I got a great deal on a new axle from Standens in Calgary.Or maybe a trip to Axis see this thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=16811

Investigate all of your options before doing anything.
A few questions you can ask yourself are:
What condition is the axle?
If it is good, do I want to replace it?
Can I get the wheels?
If I can, how much are they in relation to a new axle and new wheels.

The cost of a new axle does not have to be expensive. I know, I have done it. Several others on here have done it and most have used local axle shops to do it. You can get an axle at a reasonable price and it is worth it whether you decide to keep the trailer or sell it.

**Action** · 08-31-2005, 08:57 AM

If you change the axle you will still have to buy rims. Although you will find it is easier to get the 5 hole rims.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

Anon · 08-31-2005, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action

If you change the axle you will still have to buy rims. Although you will find it is easier to get the 5 hole rims.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

I believe that is what I had said in my last question....

RichardT · 12-01-2005, 11:11 PM

What lug pattern were 63 Bambis, also what is a 1963 Bambi tire size when new?
Thanks

PS: I need a 5 lug 13" wheel to use as a spare for my 1963 Bambi if you have one PM me.

marypie · 06-05-2006, 04:55 PM

hi
did you get n ansewer to this. Im in the similar posotion have a 1963 bambi want to get her new wheels... what did you do ?let me know ! Thanks Mary

scottanlily · 06-05-2006, 09:18 PM

Stockton Wheel in Sacramento CA makes wheels.Thats what they do .The wheels are professionally made .They have all the tooling and machines needed to build wheels.GreenBall tires in Long Beach CA that offers trailer wheels for all types of applications ,industrial ,commercial,trailer ,many many applications ,you can go to GreenBallTires online and look for your size of wheel .the towmaster tire is a good tire also they sell ,comes on many boat trailers .pattersontoo's advice is correct ,first thing to do.

Scott