21” split rims

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Oldrusty26
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2019 8:13 am
First Name: Travis
Last Name: Melnick
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Rpu 27 Tudor 25 TT etc...
Location: Waterford pa
Board Member Since: 2012

21” split rims

Post by Oldrusty26 » Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:20 pm

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 .

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Craig Leach
Posts: 1970
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 12:22 am
First Name: craig
Last Name: leach
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 Firetruck/1922 Speedster
Location: Laveen Az

Re: 21” split rims

Post by Craig Leach » Sat Sep 20, 2025 2:44 pm

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.


speedytinc
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Board Member Since: 2020

Re: 21” split rims

Post by speedytinc » Sat Sep 20, 2025 3:25 pm

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.

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John.Zibell
Posts: 372
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First Name: John
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Location: Huntsville, AL

Re: 21” split rims

Post by John.Zibell » Sun Sep 21, 2025 9:07 am

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.
1926 Tudor


Topic author
Oldrusty26
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2019 8:13 am
First Name: Travis
Last Name: Melnick
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 26 Rpu 27 Tudor 25 TT etc...
Location: Waterford pa
Board Member Since: 2012

Re: 21” split rims

Post by Oldrusty26 » Sun Sep 21, 2025 7:18 pm

Thanks for that idea ,

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