MTFCA Forum

Seriously, I always had hard time changing a tube on my old tires from demountable ( my tires come from 60's-70's). They are Firestone with a white wall, they are hard no matter I let them warming up in the sun all day... Took me arround an hour and half all the time no matter what I'm doing to change the tube and the tire. Maybe I'm a slow learner without any skills...

I found a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s-iD-CH7yg and I do not have easy time like this gentlemen when I changed my tire. If someone have a better technic than mine I would aprreciated if you could share.

My actual technic come from the forum couple years ago is:

I used two 12" tire irons from Lang's. I Removed the demountable and place it on a work table. I Removed the air from the tire. Starting furthest from the valve stem, inserted the smooth end of the tire iron all the way through both tire beads and pry both beads off of the rim. I Inserted the second iron about 20 degrees from the first iron and repeat. The idea is to remove both beads at the same time until the tire pops off of the rim.

After I inserted a new tube in to the old tire, I Inflating just enough so the tube inflates without expanding the tire. I Placed the tire and valve stem into the hole in the rim carefully . I did not use flaps as I don't believe they are needed because my old tire come together from the inside of the tire. I took a ratcheting strap and place it around the tire and rim next to the valve stem. I tighten the strap while working both beads into the rim. I'm using only my hands, I work both beads into the rim until I have about 30 percent of the tire mounted. I Place the hooked end of the tire iron between the rim and the tire and slide it toward the valve stem. After I pry both beads onto the rim. While holding that iron, I repeat the process on the opposite side of the rim. All these steps taking me an hour and half to do it...

Thank you for any comments or better technic some of you may have.

I agree with Quick. I have not attempted to do both sides together, I do one side at a time. I use at least two and even better three tire irons. I also with demountable rims remove the tire from the inside of the rim so that if I should happen to scratch the rim it will not show as much as from the front. After letting out the air, I put in the iron and stretch the tire over the rim. Then holding that iron in place, I put in the second one about 6 inches from the first, then the third one, after which I remove the iron in the middle and move about 6 inches from the nearest. Last I remove the tube and start removing the other side.
I do use flaps. And if installing new tires, I cut a notch in the bead for the valve stem.
Norm

Being from Canada, I’m sure you have, or can borrow a space heater or heat lamp. They do a much better job of softening the tire than the sun in a shorter time. Jim Patrick

When dismounting a tyre, I prise one side off first. Once that is off, it is easier to insert a tyre lever from the back side, under the still mounted side of the tyre and out to the opposite side of the rim. Then the lever is pulled right over , taking the mounted side of the tyre with it. A rubber mallet will make short work of the rest.
When remounting, I fit the tube in the tyre, clamp both beads and the valve stem in the rim at the valve stem hole, and lever both sides on at once. Then there is no need to cut/notch the tyre bead.
I like to work on a bench at a bit above waist height. My levers are 18", making the job easier. I use 4 levers, often tucking one in an armpit while setting another. The whole deal is easier with proper lubricant from a tyre shop.
It works for me.
Allan from down under.