I need to take off my repro Western KO wheels to have radial tires put on. I am told need to be very careful placing back on. Has anyone had any experience with these wheels coming loose?
Seth
Seth
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There are small pins......
that have to come out. Do not break these pins or loose them, else you will see your K.O's rolling by you as you stop at a light. These pins keep the wheels from comming off. -
Re: There are small pins......
Seth,
George is right, but actually the pin system is designed to keep the spinner from coming off first before the wheel. I'm not sure who is telling you what but the same precautions as always have applied, even when using the original KO's without the pins. The pin system makes it that much more fail-safe. TBarr #24014Comment
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Re: Reproduction KO wheels
I have a set of repo's on my 63 and do not use the pins...just a pain to deal with and a block of oak (to prevent damage to the spinner) and a five pound mallard does wonders to ensure the wheel does not come off.Comment
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Agree!
with Tom. Safety pins are belts and suspenders issue -- not intended as a substitute for following factory original installation method of these wheels.....
Com'on, George! Factory original Kelsey-Hayes wheels had NO safety pins, and, presuming correct installation, needed none. Only reason for safety pins on repro KO wheels is: (1) it's better/smarter than technology of the mid-'60s, and (2) it reduces wheel mfgr liability.
BUT, in my book, the safety pin issue has become a 'crutch' for newbie owners who haven't read the book on how to install use these optional wheels and it can be DANGEROUS presenting a false safeguard against the lack of owner/installer due diligence....Comment
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Jack, Jack, Jack,.....
The dude asked about Western K.O's, and Westerns have the safety pins. Now, if he would have asked about the factory rims, I would have kept my mouth shut.Comment
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George, George, George....
Point I'm making is safety pins are NO SUBSTITUTE for installing the wheels properly in the first place and, in my opinion, the old wife's tales about pins deforming, being hard to get out, Etc. results from improper installation (wrong initial torque, no subsequent re-torques).
I could care less whether we're talking original KH, early Westerns w/o Taiwan source ID marks or yesterday's Americans. The all install, basically, the same (get RH components on RK side of car, LH on LH side, wack 'em down SUPER tight and do NOT use the tiny emergency lead hammer GM packed with the jack, then drive and re-torque using the original method Chevy described in owner's/service manual. It's more important to know/practice the correct installation process than it is to query about where to find superior safety pins....Comment
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Jack, Jack, Jack,.....
It appears we're talking about the same thing but approaching the subject matter from opposite ends. Can't dispute what you're saying, 'cause that process is plain common sense and must be done regardless if pins are used or not. The pins provided by Western is an added safety measure, and if the pins are there why not use them? Like using seat belts. A lot of folks feel safe just by closing the door, u buckle up or u install the safety pins, an extra step in safety.
Now don't come back with a retort that it's the law to buckle up...you'd be splitting hairs on that one.Comment
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