MTFCA Forum

Trying to get my tires on split rims ( demountable ) to no avail , have used the rim tool , have used the turn buckle and the wooden plates with a Jack between them to help spread open to be able to latch them , but cannot get them to open up enough without them twisting . Any other ideas ?
Thanks .

Hi Travis,
I have found that some rims have been twisted & need straightened to spread out round. I think this has to do with the rim tool pulls the rim
from one side pulling the rim in a conical direction. I find this more common on Chevrolet rims ( the rims may have been all made by the same
Maker.) I have found a need to use two rim spreaders one on each side to get them together straight enough to latch but they have to be straight
to start with.
Craig.

I think Craig hit it. Rims must be round & sit flat before mounting a new tire.
I have not had any problems using one rim spreader.
Look for past posts on where to mount & how to use.
New tires can be tight & need some screwdriver work to get the rim ends to meet.
Takes practice & patience. Dont force the rim spreader & bend a rim.

Since I have motorcycles, I also have a Coats 220 tire machine. I use the tire machine to collapse the rim and to remove the old tire and install the new tire. Then a rim spreader to expand the rim. The tire machine keeps the rim in one plane so it doesn't get twisted. If you can find someone with a manual machine, it makes tire changes much easier.

Thanks for that idea ,