Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

[Bob S.]

Hello - Is any special technique required when mounting or dismounting tires with (Western repro) knock-offs to avoid wheel damage?

Thanks,
Bob S.

[Dennis C.]

Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

I would certainly have the tire shop use the plastic condom they insert on the mounting arm of the tire machine that seats the tire bead.

[Bob S.]

Re: Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

Thanks Dennis. Could someone please elaborate on this? I asked a very small nearby shop and was shown a "new style" part that removes the tire bead from the rim. It is appearently still metal, but the surface felt a little slippery compared to the "old" piece he showed me. Is this what I need to make sure is used?

I also called Tire Rack and what they described was basically the same as what I saw at my local shop.......nothing about a plastic insert......or are they just variations on the same theme?

Thanks,
Bob S.

[Paul D.]

Re: Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

I think I would check with a shop that sells high end aluminum and chrome plated aluminum wheels. They usually have machines that don't even touch the wheels. Also, I would use a shop tha has been around a while. The guys I used on my C-5 said when they got their new machine, they learned on some poor guy's Porsche. They had to eat 3 wheels at over a grand apiece they said. Expensive training.

[Bob S.]

Re: Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

To clarify, I guess my question is really whether the K-O's need any more careful handling than the other aluminum wheels I've had tires changed on in the past 10-20 years? The outer bead area of the K-O's just look thinner and therefore more fragile to me....

Bob

[Bob S.]

Re: Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

I think I would check with a shop that sells high end aluminum and chrome plated aluminum wheels. They usually have machines that don't even touch the wheels. Also, I would use a shop tha has been around a while. The guys I used on my C-5 said when they got their new machine, they learned on some poor guy's Porsche. They had to eat 3 wheels at over a grand apiece they said. Expensive training.

Paul - Good idea!! I'll look for a nearby store that has a "touchless" machine.

Thanks,
Bob

[Tim S.]

Re: Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

Bob,
the piece Dennis is referring to is a "shoe" that goes on to a touchless tire machine. A shop that specializes in higher end cars or custom wheels will probably have one. I recently had the tires on and off of my 65 P48 car to change the valve stems. I had one of my customers (who is VERY careful) do this for me. In fact, he has done others for me as well. A touchless machine is not hard to find at all. The tire retailers will have them and most garages will too. Hope this helps.
Tim

[Thomas N.]

Re: Tire mounting / dismounting with Knock-off wheels?

Tirerack has a recommended installer listing here:

http://www.tirerack.com/installer/index.jsp