MTFCA Forum

I have McLaren wire wheels on my 1915 Runabout and need to change the tires out. The tires are standard 30" x 3-1/2" and the wheel diameter is 24". I can't find any rim strips that diameter and was wondering if any of you with wire wheels have used rim tape with any success or know of a supplier with the right size rim strips.
Thanks much!
Mike

If they were mine, I would put flaps in the tires but............... I have had great success using 10 mil pipe wrap tape used to wrap galvanized pipe when laying it underground. It is thick enough to be very durable and the adhesive does not seem to break down long term, and its inexpensive. I use the 2" wide tape on flat base and drop center wire wheels with no problems. Do not use cloth duct tape as it will harden and crumble over time.
You can get the pipe wrap tape at a plumbing supply or Lowes/Home Depot.

This is an ideal application for a rim liner cut from the outside diameter of a 13" inner tube or from a 20" bicycle tube
. They are a snap fit, cover all the spoke ends do not impede tyre fitting, do not migrate once fitted and are far cheaper than flaps
Allan from down under.

I run Budd wire wheels on my '14 roadster. When I respoked and trued my wheels I went a different direction and so far excellent results.

I bought a can of that rubber sealer advertised on TV. I sprayed a generous coat on the inside of the rim over the spoke ends and nipples and also sprayed up into the clincher part of the rim. I did this for a couple of reasons, 1st to insulate the spoke ends and nipples from the tire and tube. 2nd, as I live in the northwest I wanted to stop the wheels from bleeding rust on the tires(smooth greys) after driving in the rain(yes it does rain here even in the summer) So far I'm very pleased with the results.

just sayin'
frontyboy

Mike Royster wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 20, 2023 3:20 pm

I have McLaren wire wheels on my 1915 Runabout and need to change the tires out. The tires are standard 30" x 3-1/2" and the wheel diameter is 24". I can't find any rim strips that diameter and was wondering if any of you with wire wheels have used rim tape with any success or know of a supplier with the right size rim strips.
Thanks much!
Mike

If your rim takes a 30x3+1/2 tire, then it is a 23” rim.

If your rim takes a 30x3 tire, then it is a 24” rim.

You don’t need a rim strip or tape. You need a RIM FLAP just like any other clincher rim would take. Rim strips are for drop-center rims.

From above "Do not use cloth duct tape as it will harden and crumble over time."

What you NEED is something to isolate the tube from the ends of the spokes and nappies and any rust/irregularities in the rim.
Most tapes degrade over time, leaving various amounts of debris to be dealt with.
The spray-on rubber product should work, but removal/clean up later down the track might be a problem.
Flaps would work, but come at a premium cost, something Henry never contemplated.
The rim liners I use cover all these difficulties. They do not degrade. They are easily removed if necessary. They are a snap fit in the rim and do not migrate/ get out of position/ cause problems when fitting tyres. They are inexpensive, if not free from tyre shops. They are transferable to other rims if that becomes necessary.

Your choice.
Allan from down under.

Hi Mike,
I know flaps are expensive but do come recomended for wire wheels. I only have one set of 30x3 1/2 wheels but have two extra flaps. They are
supose to be new but have been hanging on a hook for a long time so would need to be set out in the sun for a while to return to round. If thats
the direction you want to go I would let them go for $20 each + shipping.
Craig.

Craig, you are fortunate. A mate of mine hanged his 4 new flaps on a hook in his shop After summer he found all four in a heap on the shop floor, broken through where the hung on the hook. I don't think the compound used in their manufacture is of any real quality.

Allan from down under.

Don’t ever use what’s normally called duct tape. The “cloth” tape. When I did the tires on the ‘27 Tudor that’s what I found on all 4 wheels. Deteriorated practically into dust. A real mess. I used flaps but I’d definitely use the “real” duct tape. The aluminum tape with the paper backing. I believe that would really do the job at bargain prices.

Here-s what duct tape does in a wheel long term.

I've had the same result with Duct tape - a bad solution, and I've peeled the stuff (actually it fell off) the inside of wooden wheels. Also I've had tubes want to bind on the stuff, and a couple even tear - I used to use it on touring bikes, but after a couple failures like that, well, on a motorcycle that's not a happy result!!! IF you can get rim bands that's best (and yes, I forgot about cutting them from an automotive tube, wich is a good trick)... I ALSO carry one of those small squeezy botles of J&J Baby Powder (can you still get that, or has it been banned yet??) and believe in liberally talcing tires and tubes.

Allen,
A hook is a bad term they are draped over the side pod on my old race kart that hangs on the wall. I know what you are talking about. I once
mounted a 30x3 1/2 that hung on a hook for 10 years on a Dayton wheel it looked like a teardrop, took a hole day to mount it.
Craig.

I've run the McLaren wheel 30x3.5

Didn't l I ne them nor run a flap
No issue here if maintain correct 60psi in the tire

Thanks fellows for all the good advice. I'll let you know how it went once I decide. Much appreciated.
Mike