Dayton Fayette Rim 14" Round Circle in Middle
Hi- I have restored a 1973 Aristocrat (not even sure of model have not found an exact picture of the same on internet) think it may be a Landliner. My problem is it came with 3 14" rims and I need a 4...
Forum Discussion
Gdetrailer wrote:westend wrote:
Etrailer carries these Dexstars that should fit. If you want the circle cutout for cosmetic reasons, you'll need to shop the recyclers. I have both of them and use the circle cutout to carry my spare.
At the price of those I would highly suggest changing the drums to the standard Ford bolt pattern (which is used on trailer axles now days)and get standard off the shelf rims which can be bought anywhere for $30 each and be done with it.
Take a look at the current drums, if they have Dexter in the casting you simply can contact Dexter, ask for technical assistance and they will check to see if the axle will cross to newer modern drums. You will need the casting numbers on the drums and they will be able to determine if modern drums can be used on your axles.
That IS what I did on my TT, much better than messing with expensive obsolete rims and drums..
If that is not possible then changing the axles may be your best bet, if it is true "Fayette" axles you might find it next to impossible to get internal brake hardware..
Granted, you could buy those rims but keep in mind that if you plan to travel a lot, newer modern rims are far easier to get if you damage one on a trip.
I haven't pursued replacing the rims and hubs since I'm fairly certain, in my case, that would mean an axle change. An axle change is probably inevitable for an axle built in '71 and a torsion axle, at that.
What I have now (torsion axles and shocks) gives me such great stability and towing that I dread replacing them. FWIW, I left a half finished soda can on the table and took off one day, towing 100 mi. before stopping. The can had slid a few inches on the table but was still upright when I stopped. That 100 mi. without a WDH was on two lane with significant truck traffic but not many severe curves or elevation differences. Still, it speaks to the ride quality, IMO.
Certainly, if I knew that bearings, brakes, and hubs could be changed to newer conventional hardware, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Thanks for the impetus, I'll be checking that out.
