8.50 x 6.0 Tire STC

[patrickstromberg]

Hey all,

I just joined the group and recently purchased a 1946 7AC. My problem is that I want to mount 8.50 x 6.0 tires on it and I can't seem to find an STC for that. If anyone has any info on how I might go about finding such a think, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Oh, and I also need a new oil pan for the C-65 and they seem to be tough to come by. Any info on that would be great too.

[MikeB]

Hi Patrick,
Welcome to the group. I don't believe it's necessary to have an STC for 8.50 X 6 tires (or so I've been led to believe). My Champ came with them on although I've since switched to 6:00 X 6 tires but to be honest with you I always thought my Champ handled better on the ground with the 8:50's. I intend to use them on my L16 when I finish it. Someone may chime in and correct me but that's my understanding.
Regarding the oil pan, I'd keep my eye on EBAY as they pop up on there occasionally.

( Edit: On second thought, I just went to the A-759 type certificates and I only see 8:00 X 6 tires listed...not 8:50's)

MikeB

[CptKelly]

I am wondering why you would like to add such large tires on such a small aircraft? We also have a Champ. Ours has 6:00x6 on it, with wheel pants. I have landed on grass strips, and paved. Our tires work just fine. I happen to also own an experimental Supercub that I put 8:50's on. I noticed a fairly significant reduction in cruise when I added them. Your Champ would also be effected in the same direction. Lets face it, who would want to slow a 65hp Champ down? I wouldn't call it a speed demon with the 6:00's to start with.
My advice is to leave it alone. Champs are wonderfully honest planes in their original configuration. If you want to do something that is really useful, add a C-85. This is just my 2c worth.

Mike

[joea]

Talk with the Alaskan Bushwheel folks and believe that they have info on that.

[jkvincent]

Welcome Pat,
Enjoy the site, it's a great place for "tons" of help.
I have 700's and love them, personally, I think they're the perfect all around size,
but if you want 8.50's ? hey, that's why they make all sizes.
anyway, welcome aboard.
Jim

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Hiya Patrick

I would install them and not worry about it; but thats me. Seems like it's a minor alteration going from 800's to 850's.
And I think 850's look sexy on a Champ... 31's are even better.

As for an oil tank; they get snatched up by overhaul shops. Check around places like Barnstormers and Trade-A-Plane and some of the O/H shops. This guy advertises on Barnstormers quite often;
Tom Romanchik located Nesq, PA USA • Telephone: 570-956-2385 Be ready for some sticker shock.

nkh

[Dusty]

Approval is required. (But you could "test fly" it while waiting on that...)

There is a checklist (which I cannot find online - your mechanic should be able to find it) by which you can get field approved any PMA tire less than 35" diameter on most any airplane. If your mechanic tells you it can't be done, you need a new mechanic. I've done it a couple times, and always had a signoff within 24 hours.

[CptKelly]

There is an oil tank for a A-65 on Ebay right now.

Mike

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Continen ... rtsQ5fGear