Split rim mounting ..need to build a better spreader

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Split rim mounting ..need to build a better spreader
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Booth@ Bay City, Mi on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 07:20 am:

I'm in need of a better method of closing the rim after mounting the tire. Do any of you have pictures of a home-made mounting system ? I need some idea's of how to build a good one...Thanks for your time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 08:20 am:

Don,

There are some great photos of several types at: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/285189.html?1337808736 Along wiht how they are used.

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bud Holzschuh - Panama City, FL on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 08:48 am:

I have used the type that was advocated by Eugene Adams (Picture below is by Eugene, not me).
It worked very well and was simple to build. Thanks Eugene!



Cheers
schuh


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Booth@ Bay City, Mi on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 04:38 pm:

I've tried the Ford tool and the wood and jack system. The jack barely handled the pressure and began to fail. The tires are Ward Riverside's and don't flex at all. I ended up with bends and twists in the rim. There has to be a better tool to fabricate that will hold the rim true while the latches are paired. I admit to being ignorant on mounting these rims so any suggestions or tricks of the trade are welcome...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 05:02 pm:

Don, not meaning to be a smart a##, but are you sure you have the correct tire size? The rims shouldn't be hard to push into position at all. Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 05:54 pm:

I've used the two crescent shaped pieces of wood and a jack like Bud posted and it works great!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Booth@ Bay City, Mi on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 06:29 pm:

Tires are 4.50-21 on 21" rims. The rims are the original style (and age).


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hap Tucker on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 07:43 pm:

Don,

Like many things the first couple of times we do something it often takes longer etc. And then it is often much quicker and easier. But if we are missing a certain "trick/knowledge" or if the rims we are working on have an issue etc. then it may always be hard and we don't know why others say it easier. That was true for me one time when I was trying unsuccessfully to start a rental car. Until I discovered not only did the standard transmission have to be in neutral, the clutch also had to be depressed it would not even try to turn over when I moved the switch.

My number one recommendation would be to get someone who has mounted the 21 inch tires on the Model T split rims (or Chevy etc. 21 inch split rim) to stop by and work with you on one. Or go over and help him with his. In my own case everything is more difficult and takes more time than just 10 years ago. Part of growing older I guess. So the young guy that picks up the transmission and walks 20 feet across the garage with it used to be me -- but now I use a small wheeled handcart to move that same transmission around. So while I used to say it was easy to move that transmission I no longer say that anymore.

If you do not have anyone near you that has some 21 inch split rim experience, you can order the MTFCA DVD "Tires Part II" available from the club or the vendors (see: http://www.modeltford.com/item/DVD-1-3.aspx ) that specifically demonstrates mounting a tire on the 21 inch split rim. (DVD "Tires Part I" says it covers the types of rims and tires used on Model T's; tools and tips on repairing rims and mounting tires; how to mount a tire on a clincher rim." So I do not know if that one would be of any help or not.) Our local club has those in the library so members can check them out. Perhaps a club near you has a similar lending library?

Respectfully submitted,

Hap l9l5 cut off


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By lorenzo leon on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 07:46 pm:

Someone posted a way to do it but first they let the tire out in the sun [here in fla i just leave them inside the closed car]
so it would soften up the rubber
If i remember right?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Booth@ Bay City, Mi on Friday, July 27, 2012 - 08:01 pm:

Hap, I relate completely. I used to have the muscles to wrestle just about anything. Now I have spasms, cramps and pain. Lorenzo may be spot on with the heat treatment. The last time I argued with these tires was in January. Now, I have to do all four to put in the flaps...needless to say I'm dreading strain and pain for little gain. Thanks to all for their wisdom !


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Allan Richard Bennett on Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 04:39 am:

Don, 21" tyres have a wire re-inforcement in the bead which does not allow the tyre to be stretched like a clincher tyre. Hence the heat treatment to soften the rubber will not yield the same benefits.
You are stuck with collapsing the rim to get the tyre over it and then expanding it again to set the clamp at the join.

There was a tyre tool made specifically for the Ford rims. It engaged in the holes on either side of the rim at the join, and could be used to pull the rim in to fit the tyre and to push it out again to lock the joint. Perhaps some-one will post a picture of the device.

Hope this helps.

Allan from down under.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By keith g barrier on Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 07:25 am:

I use a simple turn buckle with a bolt welded in each end, simply instal in the two lugs closest to the stem and turn till expanded. A rim spreader will ruin a rim if your not careful and I also find they are heavy and awkward. The turn buckle can easily be carried with you. Have fun, KB


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bud Holzschuh - Panama City, FL on Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 08:11 am:




on Ebay now


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By steve miller- mississauga,ontario on Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 08:15 am:

Allan,
The rim tool you speak of is for Canadian production cars only.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Allan Richard Bennett on Sunday, July 29, 2012 - 06:30 am:

Steve, thanks for the advice re the tool for Canadian 21" rims only.It amazes me that such ideas were not shared among those producing the model T.
A classic example of this non-sharing of good ideas was the two ways to get RHD cars with generators for the electrical system.
The Canadians came up with a relocated generator driven by a flat belt. It was soon superseded with a modified lower steering bracket and offset steering column to allow the gear driven generator in the usual position. In England they reverted to LHD! Some years later they adopted the proven method pioneered in Canada. Incredible? Unbelievable?

Allan from down under.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Alexander in Albion, Maine on Sunday, July 29, 2012 - 07:01 am:

Don: Seems like something is amiss here. I mounted 5 for my '25 T with no problems. Certainly a hot, sunny day will soften the tires but may be harder on you. Might try using some lube on the tire and rim contact area like a soapy water solution. I used a turnbuckle I got at a local hardware store that had a hook in each end to pass thru the wheel bolt holes. I also used a heavy rubber hammer for persuasion on the rim all around the tire contact area. Hope you finally get the job done.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Don Booth@ Bay City, Mi on Sunday, July 29, 2012 - 03:18 pm:

I'm thinking the rims have swelled up over time...


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