Does anyone have info on modernizing the rim on a Watsonian Cambridge to a rim size with a more common tire size? I have one of these old rigs with the small 4x4 style rim and 10" tire. I was looking for info on more modern rim/tire combos that could be installed for more modern/common tire sizes then the small 10" which only seems to have a 2-3 options still available. I thought that maybe the whole axle, hub and rim might be swapped but that would be a big project and I'm concerned it may throw off the suspension geometry/functioning. Hopefully there are some other rims available to fit the hub.
Also I need to find a source for the lock washer in the hub. I tried contacting Watsonian but they never responded. Anyone know of a source for the lock washer?
If anyone has info on this please post. Thanks.
Your main issue is fitting a different wheel and tire under the fender. A bigger wheel and tire will not fit and you would also need to align the rig for the taller ride height. While I am not an expert on Watsonian sidecars You might find that on the last series of "mini's" before the new modern mini (which is large enough it should be called a maxi) they went to a 12 inch wheel. It could be the same bolt pattern as your Watsonian, again I do not know in which case by going with a 12 inch wheel you have a few more tire options including trailer tires. In the long run you may be better off to simply buy a tire from coker tire. As long as the alignment is correct on your rig, it should last you quite a long time and be a lot simpler then making changes to a wheel size with a slightly easier tire size to find but still more then likely require contacting coker tire. https://www.cokertire.com
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Thanks for the response Jay. Its all good food for thought. I fell into this sidecar by chance and am deciding if I want to change it up to better match my needs or swap it for something else. I think maybe a smaller car with a larger tire may be a better option as I do get off road with my rigs now and again. This Watsonian is more of a road vehicle then I need probably. The suspension is just so beautiful on the rig that I loathe to give it up. Compared to my jarring California Friendship rig with its torsion bar suspension the Watsonian rig feels like its riding on air.
