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Problem with wheels and axels

12K views 17 replies 6 participants last post by  rodolfo  
#1 ·
The idea of replacing the wheels on this model is perhaps a good one.

However, the axels on this model are extremely small diameter with a knurled end. Apparently there is a bushing within the wheel itself which allows the wheel to rotate around it while the axel's knurled end keeps the bushing from moving. With this being the case I felt it would be more efficient and practical to replace the missing wheel rather than try and adapt conventional wheels to these unusual axels.

Have you replaced the wheels on any of these Loc Riderz models?

If so, what wheels did you use and were the wheels still able to rotate?

The model is marketed by Malibu International Ltd.
The website listed on the packaging is inoperable. I called the company and have only gotten a message machine. No one ever returned my call regarding a request for model information, spare parts, customer service, etc..
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The Loc Riderz black 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible I just got a Wallyworld is missing the gold front wheel and tire as per the pic above !
And Wally doesn't have any models like this left to exchange with. It is a very nice model otherwise.

I know it is a long shot but if you have a spare wire wheel and tire from one of these Loc Riderz, would you let me know, please? Or if you might have wheel which would fit these small diameter axels so that the wheels would roll.

The model is in perfect condition except for that one missing gold wire wheel and tire!!!

HOWEVER

I will swap the wheels on this Malibu International Ltd. 1:24 scale model if I can. The wheels are currently mounted on fixed, non-rotating axels. The wheels are attached to the axels by way of a knurled end on the axel. Evidently, the wheel rotates around a bushing within the wheel and the fixed bushing has a hole wherein the knurled axel end resides, thereby holding the wheel to the axel. The axels are quite small diameter.

My question is: are there very many wheels that could be used for a swap that are configured with the wheel rotating around a fixed bushing within the wheel?

What brands of models would have these particular kinds of wheels?

Since the fixed, non-rotating axels are so small, either the hole in the bushing of a replacement wheel would need to be reduced in diameter OR the axel expanded in terms of diameter to accept the larger hole.

Many wheels that I have seen have just a mounting hole and the wheel as well as the axel both rotate together. This is not the case with this model's wheels and axels.

Appreciate the help!
 
#2 ·
As far as I remember, my Maisto Mercedes SLK in kit form had the bushing for the wheels. I recall having messed up fixing the bushes to the axles. The rear wheels had a bigger diameter bush than the rear. The swap was easy cause the bushes came off without much effort. The bushes had an inside diameter of approx 4 mm.
 
#4 ·
"Bubba" (are all Tire guys named "Bubba? :dizzy ) went to the backroom, which he found in complete disarray!
 

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#5 ·
Mind you, the wheels are not for sale, as the sign says that this is "Al's Tires & Wheels" :giggle

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#6 ·
Here is what they found:
These are Maistos and all Maistos are the same. The bushing (pink on the right) fit in the wheels snug and they rotate around the hub. All are 11/64" or 4.37mm.
 

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#7 ·
Here are some Ertls. Most Ertls are the same except a few. The inside bushing rotates inside the wheel but you can buy some plastic tubing at HomeDepot to reduce the ID.
They are 7/32" or 5.56mm.
 

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#8 ·
Here is a GMP Magnum 500. It also has a rotating hub that acts as the brake rotor. They work the best with the plastic tubbing trick. They are 11/64" or 4.37mm
 

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#9 ·
Now that I re-read your post it seems that Maisto would be the type that you need.
I would get a "Drill gauge" at HD (about $2) and take the guesswork out of it.

I have 'drilled' the Maisto Bushing to make them fit larger hubs as long as you have the same size drill.
 

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#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
This is a Maisto Studebaker with GMP Magnums (The center of the wheel was drilled out to the size of the Maisto Hub.
The Ertl Mustang has Maisto Wheels. The Maisto bushing on the wheels was replaced with 1/4 OD tubbing and then drilled to the size of the Ertl hub.

One thing that you want to leave alone, is the hub.
 

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#13 ·
Thanks Matt!

Here are the spacers that I use as hubs. I find them at HomeDepot in those drawers that they put all the oddball items.

They are $.98 for two 1" pieces. If you cut them to 1/4", you get enough to do two cars. They sell them already in 1/4" pieces, but you still only get two, so you would need two packages to do a car.
 

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#14 ·
Very informative, Al. Not only will I personally benefit greatly from this posting, but so will the entire diecast community. I really appreciate the fine photos that accompany the text. This makes it very easy to understand what is involved in wheel swapping and modifications. Will have to check out HD for the tubbing.

I have some Maisto lowrider wheels which I will experiment with. Right now I am absent from home so my projects are on hold. Will post pictures when I get the '54 Chevy riding on some new wheels, though.

Your Studebaker and Mustang look exceptional!
 
#15 ·
Great tutorial AL! Thanks for posting it!
 
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#16 ·
This is great as I am really into fitting new tires and wheels on my models. Those home depot spacers are a cool idea. I dinged up one of my ERTL bushings taking off the wheel and I need to replace it in order to make it run smoother. Problem is that the ERTL bushings have a lip on the front side to keep it from sliding in and out.