Coker Tyres for Replicas/reproducitons

Kurtis Studer · 4 November 2020, 10:54 AM

Hi, I'm considering using Coker 28 x 3 clincer tyres for a replica sopwith triplane. I looked at the info for the tyres and from what I can tell, their max weight is 450 lbs per tyre. maybe I misunderstood it. The plane would exceed that by quite a bit

I know people have used them for reproductions/replicas. Will I have an issue with strength of the tyre with them supporting say 1,200 lbs or so.

Thank you to anyone who can respond.

CMawson · 4 November 2020, 12:29 PM

Hi Kurtis,
I am also building a Sopwith Triplane and have run into the same problem.
The only tyres that I can find, that have an adequate load rating, are from The Vintage Aviator in New Zealand. Their tyres have a 500kg load rating, which is more than enough.
Chris

Kurtis Studer · 4 November 2020, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the reply Chris.

The reason, I was looking at the Coker tyres is because I am trying to avoid using the vintage aviator tyres. They seem to be closed for business. I've emailed them several times and got no response.

What are you doing for wheels? I'm considering making my own if I can find the correct rims. I know kip aero makes some, but I don't know how accurate they are for the price they want.

It will be a while before I actually start any construction. For now, I'm seeing what I can get for major parts and what I can't.

Kurtis

US95Damiani · 5 November 2020, 09:45 AM

We've been using the Coker Firestone 28x3's for years on our Sopwith Pup and Fokker Dr. 1

Kurtis Studer · 5 November 2020, 10:30 AM

So, do you feel the coker 28x3 tires would be strong enough to take the weight of a sopwith triplane? It seems like if they would take the weight of a Dr1., they would take the weight of the tripe. It weighed a little more, but not too much.

CMawson · 5 November 2020, 12:09 PM

I had some wheels made, but the guy I used seems incapable of reading simple instructions and following fully dimensioned drawings. So, I ended up with wheels that are useless to me.
I will probably end up making my own.
Chris

US95Damiani · 5 November 2020, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurtis Studer

So, do you feel the coker 28x3 tires would be strong enough to take the weight of a sopwith triplane? It seems like if they would take the weight of a Dr1., they would take the weight of the tripe. It weighed a little more, but not too much.

Like I said we’ve been using them for years with an empty wt. The Pup of 916 lbs and gross at 1320.

The Triplane is 853 empty with 102 lbs of fuel, 200 lb. pilot and 21 Lbs of castor oil.

I think you can make a decision based on that info.

Kurtis Studer · 5 November 2020, 02:13 PM

Yes Chris, I am getting the same impression about wheels myself. I also contacted some spoked wheel makers here in the U.S., and I got the distinct impression they may not be able to handle it.

I guess it's best to figure out which tyre will work and then start looking for a rim to fit it and go from there.

By the way, something else I want to start considering is a cowl. Have you gotten to that point yet. I looked at Kip aero's cowl, but I'm not sure about it.

Nick · 6 November 2020, 12:55 PM

Same set on the Snipe for years with no problem

Maxim08 · 6 November 2020, 02:42 PM

Kurtis, different aircraft, but I have a pair of 30x3-1/2 smooth clincher tires on a D VII replica. Made my own wheels using rims bought from Coker, my hubs and spoked by Buchanan in California.
My issue is that I opted for the gray rubber tires and they now have fissures in them large enough to lose a dime in. While the gray tires are known to have UV issues, mine have rarely exposed to sunlight and still degraded. Stick to black!

Regards
John