Split Rim Tire Replacement ? any tips?

elmo · July 28, 2008, 03:12:01 AM

it is a tyre spreader , it was used to spread the tyre (after it was removed from the rim )to allow the easy repair of the inside of the tyre if it had been damaged some how . remember they weren't travelling at high speeds back then so there was no need for the tyre to be balanced .so if a tyre was holed or was split they applied a patch to the inside.

TodFitch · July 27, 2008, 11:31:37 AM

Quote from: Wayne on July 27, 2008, 03:03:20 AM
IT'S A BEAD BREAKER.? ?WAYNE OF CALIFORNIA

At 12 inches or so long, it seems inadequate for use as a bead breaker. It does look a bit more like the "tire spreader" I see in my old Dyke's Automobile Encyclopedia. I haven't got a clue about how or why it was to be used.

Wayne · July 27, 2008, 03:03:20 AM

IT'S A BEAD BREAKER.? ?WAYNE OF CALIFORNIA

Bill James · July 26, 2008, 02:54:39 PM

Hello, I went back to this post about splt rims to find info on the Atlas special tool. Sooo, I need help, I found this neat old tire tool and can't ID it, hope someone can help me find what it was for. On one side of the handle it says "The Springfield" on the other "for tires 3 to 5 inches" Hmmmm? now i'll try to post some pictures. Bill James

chetbrz · May 09, 2007, 05:31:57 PM

Quote from: CHALTEN on May 08, 2007, 11:11:00 PM
Hello everyone!
Just one question, is this tool specific for a tire size? I searched eBay and is always related to Ford Ts. Is this so?
Thks!

Martin

Martin,

I think that's because there are more Fords around then any other survivors.? The Model T wheel is similar in size so it should work fine with your Plymouth.

Right now I see two on eBay.? You are looking for one similar to the pictured below.

Chet...

CHALTEN · May 08, 2007, 11:11:00 PM

Hello everyone!
Just one question, is this tool specific for a tire size? I searched eBay and is always related to Ford Ts. Is this so?
Thks!

Martin

chetbrz · May 08, 2007, 08:29:13 PM

I used the Atlas Split Rim tool that I picked up on eBay tonight to remove two tires.? It made short work of the task.? You guys were right on in that this tool is definitely the way to go.?

Thanks for the advice.., now to get the rims blasted and painted before I install my new tires.?

Many Thanks Chet?

PS... Money well spent.

chetbrz · April 30, 2007, 04:18:39 PM

Good news.., after watching one of these Rim Spreaders go on eBay for 80+ Dollars with $20 for shipping.? A couple of three days later..,? I was able to pick up a nice clean one with original paint for $15.50 + $10.00 for shipping.? It seems after a feeding frenzy the waters clamed.

eBay and expensive place for impatient people.? ?Chet??

David Pollock · April 19, 2007, 11:20:32 AM

Some very good advice has been offered on this topic.

I recall performing this very operation when I was about ten years old. Nobody told me about a special tool so I just went ahead and did it. It seems to me that I was probably in search of an inner tube for swimming. Later on, I got the rim back together but not without some difficulty. The rim spreader makes it easier. Of course not having an angry father supervising the reassembly takes a lot of stress away. (our farm trucks and trailers were always cut down cars of the late 20s)

A safety tip which I think is important is to mount the rim back onto the car before finishing full inflation. This would lessen any accidents should the tire or tire bead blow out.

30 Ply 30U · April 18, 2007, 12:09:18 AM

Anyone in need of this tool should ask a friend or club member that attends Hershey in the fall to pick one up. There are dozens aval between $30-$45 USD. You just have to know what size rim you will be using it on as mentioned previously. I grabbed a VERY VERY nice one for $30 last fall. Prior to that I just held the tire between my legs and used brute force with a pair of gloves on. Not real bad, but it sure gets you dirty!

chetbrz · April 17, 2007, 11:18:09 PM

Quote from: Richard Dryman on April 17, 2007, 10:11:38 PM
RIM TOOL INSTRUCTIONS ATTACHED
These are available on Bay very frequently--but there are different arm lengths for the different size tires. type the various terms into your 'favorites' and you will get an email to check it out. My '31 Franklin uses this tool on 19" wooden spoke wheels !!! OK, I just check eBay and there are 3 on there right now--type in 'rim tool' and select 'all catagories' The photo of one attached is from there.
attached instructions.

Richad.., Manny Thanks for the info.?

Tod..., thanks for the copy offer. If can get one of these tools I think I can manage the job. I have already changed two wheels with just a bottle jack, some pry bars, and a lot of luck.

tks to all, Chet....

Richard Dryman · April 17, 2007, 10:11:38 PM

RIM TOOL INSTRUCTIONS ATTACHED
These are available on Bay very frequently--but there are different arm lengths for the different size tires. type the various terms into your 'favorites' and you will get an email to check it out. My '31 Franklin uses this tool on 19" wooden spoke wheels !!! OK, I just check eBay and there are 3 on there right now--type in 'rim tool' and select 'all catagories' The photo of one attached is from there.
attached instructions.

12905 · April 17, 2007, 06:17:54 PM

The split rim tool is the way to go if at all possible. It turns an ugly job into one that is no sweat - one might even say it is pleasurable. In addition, you can use it with confidence that it will not mar the paint or other finish on the rims. I spent hours fixing damage to split rims caused by hamfists with hammers bigger and heavier than their brains. That's no fun at all.

The tool is probably getting pretty rare by now, but if you do find one it is quite likely the person selling it will not know what it is. I bought mine from a guy at a swap meet that wasn't even sure it was something to use on a car - and he was an old timer, but just not old enough.

TodFitch · April 17, 2007, 04:36:38 PM

I don't think that Model A Fords used split rims. Maybe for some trucks, but I don't recall seeing cars so equipped. You might check with the Model T guys though. I think some of those used split rims.

I've got a late 1930s edition of Dyke's. I could probably find the pages for you and photocopy them. The problem with Dyke's is that neither index really show the topics in the book and the page numbers are always way off. So finding a specific item can be tough.

chetbrz · April 17, 2007, 02:06:35 PM

Thanks John,

I will definitely keep an eye out for the book:? Dyke's Automobile Encyclopedia (Edition 19, 1940).

Also the tool sounds like the way to go.., if I can find one.? My neighbor has a Modal A and is a member of our local Ford A club.? Maybe they might have a tool to lend.??

Chet?

johnRFain29U · April 15, 2007, 12:31:45 AM

Chet,
? ? ?I have changed my 29's tires and tubes several times without the benefit of the tire tool.? I used the methods and tips found in a Dyke's Automobile Encyclopedia (Edition 19, 1940).? It is not as easy as when the tool is available, but it does work.?
? ? ?I recommend you get an old Dykes Manual, they are available on ebay.

1) Lay the tire with rim flat with the show side down on a clean sheet of corregated cardboard (so as not to mar it up) and then let all the air out.
2) Remove the split rim pin and take a screw driver between the locking plates and pry it up to force the rim apart.? (If your rims have the swing over clamp, use a short piece of pipe and slide it over the lever and flip it over.)? Once the rims are split, pry the rim up so one side telescopes inside the other.? If you have trouble here, use a tire spoon iron between the rim and the tire to force the rim in.
3) Now step on the tire opposite the spilt and pull the inner telescoped rim up and inward (use gloves), working around the tire.? An alternative method is to stand the tire up right with the split to the top, then push down on the telescoped split rim with one hand and with the other pull the tire and rim apart.?

To mount the new tire:
1) Use plenty of plain talcum powder insided the tire, then put in the new tube.? Add a little air to hold the shape - (this also helps with the valve stem later).? I recommend putting a flap in at this point.? You can make one easily using an old used inner tube of the same size.
2) Place the split rim outer side down (on cardboard).? Insert the valve stem into the rim hole.? Work the tire on by hand, working in the direction of the outer portion of the telescoped rim.? This is so as you work your way around, the split rim diameter is getting smaller as you go.?
3) Check carefully to ensure the tube (with flap) are inside the tire and will not get pinched.? ?Use a srewdriver as a prybar to force the rim ends together (ther reverse of how they were pryed apart.) Reinsert the pin.
4)? If you have trouble with this last step, you can use a jack to force the rim wider so you can get the rim ends to meet.? I recommend using a small wood block on each end of the jack to prevent maring or damage to the rim.? (Consoder the split as 12 O'clock, the jack should be at 3 and 9 O'clock.)

Good luck -
The tire tool mentioned is the way to do it if you can find one.? Othewise, a Dykes Auto Encyclopedia will run about $20 plus shipping on ebay, and they are often available.

?

chetbrz · April 13, 2007, 01:46:07 PM

Yes I have seen this device but don't have one. I was looking for any other possible shade tree methods besides my current screw with it till it works method.

Chet...

FourDoor · April 13, 2007, 01:11:39 PM

There's a tool called a 'rim jack'. It has 3 arms on it and 2 of them are articulated so they can be hooked equal distance either side of the split. The 3rd arm is a worm gear jack with a hook on it and it's placed 180 degrees opposite the split on the rim edge. Then the jack handle is turned and the split collaspes inward with one side of the split sliding in under the other side. Finally the rim's diameter is smaller than the tire and it falls out to the floor. (You're doing this with the tire and rim flat on the floor.) Then you just lift the rim and jack out of the tire. Voila! Set the rim and jack aside and work on the flat tire or in your case drop the rim into the new tire and tube. Turn the jack handle backwards and the rim expands back out to fit the new tire and tube. The jack lets go when the rim is finally 'home' and you lift it out and put it on the shelf for the next time. A rim jack is a must for some one with your type set up. They were used on pretty near all the cars of the 20s. All Model A Fords had wires but Ts had split rims so If you know some one with a T (or a club in your area) you might ask them. You don't need to find just a Plymouth owner. They only cost a few bucks at meets when you find them.

chetbrz · April 13, 2007, 12:22:49 PM

In November I replaced the two front dry rotted tires on my 29.? It took all day and a lot of expletives.? Four skinned knuckles later I had two new Coker Tires on the front.? Now..., I ordered two new ones for the back since I am doing the brakes and seals I might just as well clean up the rims and put on good tires.

So any tips on removing and installing tires on these dang split rims?!!!? ?

PS... I only have the standard car tools nothing designed for tire replacement.? Also is there a tool that fits on that little arm on the rim.?? When I did it last time I knocked the pin out and compressed the rim.

Chet?