OK Shorty, I can stop bugging you now.  My wheels are fianlly done.

If you guys like Shorty's PERMANENT Big Wheels I have replicated the feat on American Soil (with Canadian wheels).

So here goes the details:

1)  Wheel purchase- Northern Tool + Equipment: 12 1/2 x 2 1/4 Inch Wheels $12.99 EA + Shipping (my bill in AZ was $39.68)

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_13794_13794>

2)  White Non-Marking Tires to replace the standard black ones.  I got mine at the local Perfomance Bike Shop- cost (including tax)- $14.68.  Running total- $54.36

The tires ARE NOT Performance Bikes web site so here is another source for the same tire-

http://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikeparts/item/01-136058/tire-12_1_2_inch/Kenda--12-12x2-14%2C-%2862-203%29%2C-MX-3%2C-WhiteWhite%2C-40psi%2C-Tire&category=tire-12_1_2_inch>

You will need to pop of the stock chrome center  hub by prying it of as Shorty has described- You will hear popping/creaking noises- it is OK (it freaked me out a little).  The hub is held on by tabs for a pressure fit.

The Cimex has a smooth axle.

You will need to pull the metal bearings out of the nylon wheel.  They will simply pop out with a screwdriver.

Flip the wheel over and pop out the other side- 2 bearings per wheeel.

I decided to strengthen the Nylon wheels hubs by filling in the empty space around them with a plastic/resin epoxy called Plastic Welder.  My cost at Wal-Mart for 5 tubes of Plastic Welder (including the Tax Man)- $15.55.  Running cost- $69.91

When expoxied the wheels looks like this:

Then I used a black permanant marker to color the epoxy black.

You will have to get the nylon hubs bored out to 1 Inch as they are VERY slightly smaller then what will fit on the  stock axle.  I would recommend either a drill press and a 1 Inch spade bit or a machine shop if you want a REALLY good job.  I however winged it with my Craftsmen Cordless and the 1 Inch spade bit.  One wheel is perfect, one is just slightly off, but not a REAL big deal so far.

Then changing the black tires out for the white non-marking tires.

After that I put them on the axle.  On my mex there were 2 large washers on the inside of the stock wheels.  I left one on the inside and placed the epoxied side of the wheels inside and the non epoxied out with a washer on the outside.

Here is the end result:

Make your own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

Looks WHEELIE good young fella, I'm proud o' ya'.

Now get out there & show them wheels off'n make some loot.

Ooroo,

Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.
www.get.shorty.com.au

AWESOME! Great post. I have been waiting for somebody this side of "Down Under" to find the right stuff. Really appreciate the pics and instructions.

My only concern would be keeping the white tires looking good. Are you positive that the black ones would mark up the carpet?

Once again, great job!

Nicely done!

I am going to put that into a PDF file that can be shared. Thanks for putting that info together for everyone!






Rick Gelinas

Joe, there is no guarantee that the black tires would not mark the carpet, however, since I used a solvent on a carpet once and it took the black color out of my shoe soles, I have been very wary of this ever since.

Turning the Mex; on the carpet could compound the problem, and if by chance the tires do leave black marks, then you are stuck with those tires and more spotting to do.

I would rather err on the side of caution and be confident that I will not have a problem.

I wonder if it is a coincidence that the Mex; comes out with white tires as standard on the solid tires ??

Cheers,

Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.
www.get.shorty.com.au

Can you pick up the same size/color tire in a solid in case the tire does not hold air?

Worst case scenario: Your on a job, and it is a big job and you have to climb two, three flight of stairs and the tire is punctured, boy the Cimex will be heavy to carry. What do you think?


Thanx :~}
MA

Afterglow Carpet Care

You probably can, but I feel that would be defeating the purpose.

My tires are never fully inflated, I purposely leave them that way so that they "give" on each tread.

I have not had a problem with mine since they have been on, plus I carry a small bicycle pump in the van to pump them up occassionaly.

Where do you envisage taking the Mex; to puncture the tires ??

Ooroo,

Shorty.

I've seen the light, and changed my wicked ways.
www.get.shorty.com.au

One bunus I have found already.

With the stock wheels it was VERY hard to push my Cimex up my ramps, I always pulled it.

With the new big wheels it pushes right up, so now I can push or pull quite easily.

Make your own luck,

Del Scrivner
Owner/Operator
Cowboy's Carpet Care

Great Post.
If your worried about a flat just carry your stock tires with you, the cap that holds the tire on is easy to take off. If you had to change on a job it would be very easy.

Thanks

Brad Lewis
Surface Solutions Inc

Some great ideas.

Thanx :~}
MA

Afterglow Carpet Care