Say, 'yall...

I am about to change the tires on my TT.. Yep, the old mothers finally cracked.. one of them I can see the tube, so no driving till I get 'em changed..

I have changed tires on normal rims, but never on the De-Mounts.. I would assume that I just need to remove the rims, then the old tires, and then mount it all up (flaps, tubes, tires) on the rims and bolt 'em back on (after putting in air !!).

So, since the rim is latched, do I deflate the old tire, separate the rim at the latch, and here comes the question: Do I mount everything with the rim unlatched and then latch it up and blow, or do I latch first?

Thanks for your experience and wisdom!

Michael

Michael if you do a web search here in the 2009 and 2010 forums there are many articles and descriptions on how to use the Ford demountable tool basicly a three forked tool that expands the rim to unlock it. It is also in the Ford Maintenance manual The important part is to do it properly so as to not bend the wheel out of round

correction the tool decreases the diameter of the rim, allowing the tire to be removed

you'll develop a technique after you've done a couple- have a couple good sized pry bars with rounded edges- and I dont think it's hardly possible without the above described rim jack- you have to be careful with them too because it's possible to bend the rim if the 3 legs aren't spaced equi-distance apart

put the tube in the tire w/a little air in it then put the flap in the tire, then insert the valve stem through the hole in the rim and begin to work the tire onto the rim. when you have it on the rim, then use the rim jack to expand the rim so you can latch it again.

first one's tricky, then you'll be fine. If your rims are nice do it on top of an old blanket

I have the rim tool. You NEED it with non-Ford rims because they are stiffer and tougher. I don't usually use it on the standard 21 inch Ford rims.
Air out. Pop the rim so that it overlaps itself. CAREFULLY using tire irons (so as to not distort the rim) work the one end in and over to the outside of the tire. Once the one end is outside, I can usually pull it the rest of the way off with my bare hands.
Putting it onto the tire is sort of the reverse, but a little more difficult. I usually do a lot of kicking with my feet (ruined a perfectly good shoe one time). The final snap requires a pry with a tire iron and another good kick or two.
Drive safe, W2

Michael where are you at? If close I have a tool you need you can borrow

The most important safety consideration with a demountable rim is to not put more than 15 or 20 pounds of air in the tire without it bolted back on the wheel or on a spare wheel kept handy for that use.

Those latches do not always hold the rim in place and the pressure can pop the latch and the rapidly deflating tube can cause considerable damage to people or equipment.

The pressure quickly builds higher than expected, especially in the smaller volume 30 inch tires.

One friend had a 21 inch rim laying in the the back of his T pickup and when the rim latch let go, while adding air, the tire jumped almost four feet off the bed and hit him under the nose, leaving a bloody nose and very fat lip, along with a quite red face.

Thanks, All... David... I live in the mountains in Northern California.. Hey Wayne! You are close... want to change my tires?!! ;o)

And tomorrow, I get to go see that Barn Find I posted on earlier in the winter! 1914 car and supposedly a small warehouse with lots of Model T parts and such, neatly organized and on walls... or so I am told.. That will be FUN and I will document it with photos and post what I can.

As for changing the tires, I will wear a Hockey mask and a bomb suit.

Michael

Michael, you are about two hours up the road from me. Do you ever come down to the Grass Valley area? Send me a message if you're interested and I'll send you my phone number to call and make sure of a good time for it. I don't think I will be up Quincy way anytime soon. I would love to get a better look at those Ts, though.
Drive safe, W2

There is a music festival in GV that I would like to go see this summer.. maybe I will make it.. if I do, I will give you a call. Doubt that I would drive any of the Ts that far though... all through mountains... Graeagle-Bassets-Downieville-GV and BACK!! OoomPaaah!! Michael

Although I would like to think of that as a great day trip, it has been a few years since I've driven a T more than a little bit. So I won't put anyone down for not being eager to do such a drive. I am trying to change that and there is no time like the present. Last year I don't think I drove 50 miles total. This year I am planning on two 200 mile endurance runs to start.
You are probably referring to "Music in the Mountains" coming up in a couple months. I don't know just when it is, but I know there are posters around town, so I could find out. I would hope you have your tires done before then. But if not, and you would like to spend another hour here in G.V. let me know.
Drive safe, W2

Naw, Wayne... I will have them WAY done by then.. As soon as the front tires get here I will do them. I tried a vendor for front tires but the ones they sent me were too narrow as compared to the Goodyears I have on it. So I called the main tire company who told me who did carry them and I found exactly what I wanted and will send the too-thin ones back. The only ones made for the rear of a TT now appears to be Royal.. But the Goodyear all weathers are still available for the front!

M.