Guys, I have a friend in NYC that needs 4 tires and tube mounted for his model T. He lives in NYC but I'm sure he would be happy to bring them to you within the tri state area. He would be very happy to pay someone to do this for him. If anyone can help this first time Model T owner please let me know and I will pass the info to him.
I don't know about all T wheels and tires, but on the "improved car" it's a piece of cake. Note: If you are anal as am I, what turns this into a bigger job is finding serious rust on the inside of the rim, bad flaps (actually missing flaps on four of the five I mounted on my '27), bent wheel rims (1), loose parts (2), and other stuff that adds to the time involved.
He bought 4 brand new Hays rims. Everything is clean and new. I'd help him but he's too far from me. Im sure he will express his gratitude very monetary for help.
Will: I would bel glad to help but I am in Northern California, however I have only been thru NYC going to Germany for Army Duty. He will find someone in the NYC area. There is a Micheal Tanksley listed in NYC (917)364-4781, as shown in the 2010 Resource Guide
Believe it or not, some tire shops will actually do that. Have him check around first.
A motorcycle shop would be my first choice to ask if I didn't have the ability to put them on myself - motorcycle tires are much closer to T tires than modern car tires are..
Here is a video showing one way to mount clincher tires. Takes the guy about 3 minutes to put a tire on a rim using a thin trash bag and no tire irons.
https://youtu.be/P6sH8WRl6yI
Cycle shop as suggested or watch some videos and get dirty.
Will
I watched the video and offer three suggestions. We have mounted a number of new tires suing the plastic bags shown in the video.
1. put the tube in the tire and inflate to 15# and let it sit a few days before mounting the tire. then pull the stem out and deflate prior to mounting..This forces the tire to take its shape as many tires are squeezed together during storage/shipping.
2. use heavier contractor level plastic bags, they don't rip as easily and are better for removal.
3. after mounting air up the tire and then let the air out and then air it up again, bouncing it a few times as you bring it up to pressure. This helps eliminate pinches and tube/tire seating and clinching irregularities.
Follow the video, and with an air line handy, he should have all four tires mounted in a half hour..almost fun.
One of the common mistakes that modern day old car enthusiasts make is to attempt mounting clincher tires with the wheel removed from the car. No one would have ever considered doing a tire change this way back in the day. Here's how to do it right - the easy way.
http://modelt.org/discus/messages/2/32845.html?1314150377
Will. Have your friend give Sam a call at Custom Auto in New Hyde Park, NY (Long Island)@ 516-279-6170. He has done all the work on my 23 and is a terrific guy. Honest and extremely knowledgeable.
Trevor