Any tricks to getting a split rim to re-lock after putting a now (or another tire) on it? Yes, I do have a regular rim spreader. I know I am not the only guy with this issue as a buddy of mine down the road is having the same problem getting a new tire on his split rim on his '25 coupe. My tire is a good used vintage Kelly Springfield. Granted, it is a hard, stiff old beast (the tire, that is), but I should be able to expand the rim with the spreader and lock it without distorting the rim. Any ideas??
Spread the rim with a bottle jack. Place a 2x4 cut to fit the rim on top of the jack and one on bottom.
Kevin; I was having the same problem so I let the tire sit in the driveway and ate lunch came back out the rim expanded easily and locked... of course this was in July in Florida and the tire was hot so maybe if you can warm it up safely
Here are a couple of Eugene Adams pictures of a setup like Dennis was suggesting, using two cut boards and a jack.