Willys Wheeler Tires - Remaking them

[Pintopower]

So I picked up an amazing Wheeler from a member on here. The car is sensational save for the tires; They are pretty sad. I have decided to remake them and have them 3D printed in rubber. I am planning to contact RC4WD to have them made in mass but I don't think this is a good idea. From what I can tell, only the Wheeler had those wheels. I do have a set of original HiLux wheels that I will design soon but even that could be cost prohibitive as not many would be purchased. Am I wrong? I was thinking that RC4WD would make them once I provide the CAD model as well as funding. We could set up a www.kickstarter.com fund for what it would cost to make, say, 100 sets, and then once the amount is hit, they are made and automatically sent to those that funded the build. This would ensure that no one loses money. 3D printing the tires would be in the $120 range (USD) whereas having a low volume made would be in the $60 range. The tires would vary slightly so that they are not going to trick anyone into thinking they are originals and that big "T" wont get angry. These of course would essentially be hop-ups for the cars. Let me know.

[waterbok]

You could make a mix out of the wheeler and quatro/ascona rally tires (expand the market) and while your at it how about sandpaddles for the hilux and Will'y M38 (even bigger me think).

60$ for usable (4?) new tires that are good enough quality dont sound to bad.

[Pintopower]

You could make a mix out of the wheeler and quatro/ascona rally tires (expand the market) and while your at it how about sandpaddles for the hilux and Will'y M38 (even bigger me think).

60$ for usable (4?) new tires that are good enough quality dont sound to bad.

Hey now thats not a bad idea! Are the rims dimensions the same? I think the Wheeler has unique rims to the other 3. I also think the Wild Willy needs a new hop up wheel set.

[waterbok]

I think they are the same (rims look identical) as you see a lot of 'custom' Willy wheeler with the ascona/quatro tires.

[Cplus]

Interested in buying a set that may be in better condition than the ones you have?

I know for a fact that the wheeler tyres fit perfect on the lancia rally wheels.

[Grastens]

I can confirm the similar size, as the Quattro/Ascona has the same wheel as the original Willys Wheeler.

The rally cars (Quattro, Ascona, and 037 Rally) all had tires based on the Michelin TRX pattern, a popular off-road tire at the time. Willys Wheeler had a special asymmetric Advan HF-derived pattern.

Best of luck with this project!

[Cooltoys]

Wheeler advan tires would be great to remake. It would fit both ascona & audi rims.. At 60 that would be great i'll get a few sets for my wheelers & opel. Lucky one of my wheeler has good tires on it still..

[Pintopower]

I will keep you posted. I am still thinking that the quantity needed to manufacture them wont be satisfied. At worst, they will be east to 3D print. On top of that, I cannot make them exactly the same. These must be a hop-up option for the cars as this could be out of compliance with Tamiya.

[nodtec]

I'm not sure about the fronts but the Quattro/Ascona rears are about 8mm (approx.) bigger OD in diameter than the wheeler ones.

[Grastens]

Do you mean tires or actual wheels? I could believe it if the Wheeler's tires were lower profile than those of the rally cars.

[nodtec]

The rims same size, the quattro/ascona rear tyres are higher 'profile'

[supranick1000hp]

Did u end up getting them done?

[Pintopower]

Did u end up getting them done?

Well, yes. Problem is that the rubber material that is cost effective is still kind of pricy, plus it is way to hard. I am thinking about going a different path and using standard TC tires with a custom, faux sidewalled rim. I will keep you posted. I have been working on full size car stuff.