Sperry Rand Tricub

[wildman]

I’ve just added another SPD trike to my family of 2 Tricarts. This one is the tamer Tricub. It’s similar to the Tricarts except has a steel frame under the fiberglass body and Briggs 5 hp engine. This one even has the front ski kit. I intend to restore this one also, but it’s together and running so I may just keep it together for a while and get to work on my other Tricart. The one thing that has me most worried (regarding restoration) is the rear tires. These tires seem to be the same or similar to what you AATVers refer to as balloons. They may even be the same tires as used on the SPD Wedges and other AATVs. I don’t know if they came in different sizes and there’s no size indicated on the sidewalls. One tire on this trike is in very tough shape with patches on the outside, but does hold air for a day or so. I’ll probably be making so more posts in the “Tires” and “Wanted” sections when I get deeper into this project. I’ll definitely be looking for a nice, serviceable pair of these, if I can find any.

Anyway, I appreciate you AATVers indulging me with my trike talk on this forum. I know that these funny little carts are not the primary focus of this board, but there seems to be a few fans on here. Hopefully I’ll be introducing you to my 2nd Tricart restoration project soon. This one has an interesting history.

I haven’t picked up the Tricub yet, but here are a few pics that the seller sent me.
Tricub.jpgTricub (1).jpgTricub (13).jpg

[Mike]

I like the ski! Looks like another fun project. Keep us updated.

[jpswift1]

Very cool machine and thanks for posting up the pics! Those tires are the earlier, and more aggressive style than the more common Firestone balloon tires. These were made by Uniroyal. Uniroyal also made these with the "Attex" logo molded on them as well. My very first Attex 297 (first generation machine) had these same exact tires on it. You probably be able to find the less aggressive Firestone balloon tires rather easily, but the Uniroyals are significantly more difficult to come by.

[wildman]

Very cool machine and thanks for posting up the pics! Those tires are the earlier, and more aggressive style than the more common Firestone balloon tires. These were made by Uniroyal. Uniroyal also made these with the "Attex" logo molded on them as well. My very first Attex 297 (first generation machine) had these same exact tires on it. You probably be able to find the less aggressive Firestone balloon tires rather easily, but the Uniroyals are significantly more difficult to come by.

Other than tread aggressiveness, are all these balloons about the same size? I know that it's a 3 bolt pattern on the hub.

[jpswift1]

Other than tread aggressiveness, are all these balloons about the same size? I know that it's a 3 bolt pattern on the hub.

The 3 bolt pattern is universal with all of the balloon tires. The only thing is that some machines like early Amphicats and early Scramblers used smaller mounting studs. If you happen to get one of these tire/rims with the smaller holes for the smaller studs, all you have to do is drill them out and you're all set. Don't worry though because these smaller hole hole wheel/tires are much less common than the others and making them fit your application is not difficult at all.

[wildman]

The 3 bolt pattern is universal with all of the balloon tires. The only thing is that some machines like early Amphicats and early Scramblers used smaller mounting studs. If you happen to get one of these tire/rims with the smaller holes for the smaller studs, all you have to do is drill them out and you're all set. Don't worry though because these smaller hole hole wheel/tires are much less common than the others and making them fit your application is not difficult at all.

Great... thanks.

[rungmc]

I have to same tricub as you do. my tires run with the point of the tread to the front like a farm tractor. I like the ski idea. it looks like an old snowmobile ski, is it? Know anybody with a seat for sale? Thanks, John

[wildman]

I have to same tricub as you do. my tires run with the point of the tread to the front like a farm tractor. I like the ski idea. it looks like an old snowmobile ski, is it? Know anybody with a seat for sale? Thanks, John

Hey John... The original Tricubs that I have seen in person and in early ad photos all have the tire chevrons pointing toward rear as viewed from top. The general consensus is that this configuration is best for more fluid-like surfaces... sand, snow, wet mud, water (AATVs). The more traditional tractor config (chevron pointing forward) is better for firmer surfaces like turf, dirt, thick mud, etc. The ski on mine is SPD factory ski kit. It looks very close to sled skis from that era, but I have not yet seen exact match on any production sled. I believe that SPD bought this ski as shelf item and added the axle bracket to create their kit. They offered this kit on Tricarts and Tricubs... only added spacers for Tricarts to make up for longer axle length.

Regarding the seat, there are at least 2 different Tricub versions. One, as in some of my earlier Tricub photos, with unpleated, smooth cover sewn directly to a plastic shell that snaps to the body. The 2nd type is a pleated seat cover, as shown on some of my later photos, that snaps directly to the body with no shell. I had one of these made at an upholstery shop from photos and it looks good and works well. I've never seen a loose Tricub seat for sale and even most Tricubs I've seen for sale have no seat at all.

Good luck with your project... let's see some photos

Tricart/Tricub ski kit

[HyperXCF]

I'm finally getting around to putting my Tri-Cub back together. Just dropped off the body to our local fiberglass marine repair shop for a complete restoration. Not going to be cheap but will be like brand new. No pics yet but getting there!

[wildman]

Good to hear the your Tricub project is back on track, Hyper. I know as well as anyone that the priority on these projects can get sidetracked in the normal course of life. Make sure that you post photos of your progress.

I added 3 Tricubs to my fleet in 2014. One is a nice all-original survivor 5hp… even has original balloon rear tires still holding air! The 2nd one, an original 8hp roller, which I finally was able to pry away from dkesonset. The 3rd one I haven’t even taken delivery of yet, but has made part of the journey back to PA, now residing at a buddy’s house in OH. This one is in the toughest shape of the 3, but is also 8hp still with the original elect start Briggs. I think that I can save it.

At your disposal for consultation on your project.