MTFCA Forum

What is the preferred procedure to install rim bolts into the fellows on a 1925 Model TT.

They just slide in from the back side.

Jack up the wheel, align the bolt holes with the holes on the wheel and slide in the bolts. If it’s hard to hold the rim and tire in place use a long taper punch to line up one hole and that will usually line up all the holes so you can install a bolt or two to get it started and seated on the wheel. Install the rest of the bolts.

They would not slide in. It appears they were previously locked into place with a chisel flaring the bolt's square shaft.
Thanks for your help.

Not a bad idea, I've had them get pushed out the back of the felloe when changing a rim/tire. You probably already know this, but the flats on the bolt head have to run parallel to the edge of the rim for the bolt to fit correctly. Try it both ways and you'll see the difference.

Les, those upsets on the square under the bolt head are not uncommon. I believe they were factory practice on some wheels. If you want to reuse those bolts, the upsets need to be filed down until they will fit into the felloe holes.

Allan from down under.

Sometimes it helps to explain what or if there is a problem doing something. Try what Allan suggests.
To add; Because the question was about something that seems normal to us, which in this case because of modifications, was not, once the photo was added and more information added, we were able to understand the question better and offer better advice. I can understand in this case the OP not knowing that because of circumstances was not the norm, them being new to Model T's.