Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

[Paul D.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

I think the pins you are speaking of are only found on the reproduction wheels and were never used on factory wheels. A search on this board will give more details. Many folks advise against using them as it seems they are easy to be used incorrectly. Chip.

[Mike Z.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

Michael-you got several opinions about how big the hammer needs to be to get your wheels off-I say no hammer! I have restored several sets of these wheels and one of the biggest problems that is the most difficult to cure is: spinners that have been absolutely beat to death with a "big" hammer. Most of the large suppliers carry properly designed wrenches to install and remove the spinners: one version is an aluminum head and separate wrench w/extension and the other is a poly lined head with integrated handle. Both of these wrenches do a great job of properly installing and removing the spinner without the damage-they also allow a more even torque procedure.
When it comes to the tire removal and installing of the new tires, the next biggest repair issue is loose hub damage from spinners getting loose (goes back to proper torque of the spinner) and broken or bent lips from improper or uncaring installers. Go the extra effort and find a shop that uses the Hunter TC 3500 or equivalent. This equipment is almost "touchless", but the parts that actually touch the wheel are high impact plastic and will not damage the wheel. I do not believe the cones will have to be removed for this process, but if they are still attached with the factory "goop", you will probably have to destroy them getting them off-try slow even pressure from the back through the lug nut relief holes. I reinstall using 3M caulk, which stays pliable, but is sticky enough to hold the cone onto the wheel and keeps the cone from rattle. FYI: original wheels did not use locking pins, which is why so many come loose if not torque properly on install. Good luck!
Mike Zamora
#12455

[Clark K.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

I have looked around other threads on this topic and they mention locking pins on the spinner of the KO wheels. Mine don't have any. Do they make KO wheels without locking pins you can see on the spinner?

Michael, the pins are more-correctly called "anti-theft pins" and in no way guarantee that a KO wheel will stay on if the wheel is improperly installed. I bought my 1965 rare Rally red/red L76 A/C Coupe about a year ago. It came with the Western repro KO wheels. I then read all the horror stories about them coming off on the highway, took the alarming stories to heart, and educated myself about these KO wheels. The repro spinners that came on my car were "beaten to death" to the point that the chrome was coming off the ends. I have since bought new repro spinners.

The anti-theft pins go into the tiny holes made when the machined half-moon-shaped slots in BOTH the threaded hub and the spinner are aligned (indexed). You can only see the "index holes" when the center cap is removed. My Western KO wheels have these machined slots for the anti-theft pins. But, some former owner has had some machinist cut threads for set screws installed into the threaded hub, eliminating the need for the anti-theft pins. Just like the anti-theft pins, the set screws will NOT prevent an improperly installed KO wheel from coming loose/off.
-Clark

[Clark K.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

Well, I don't know, but the description at Corvette Central says this:

1965-1966TIRE - 775-15 FIRESTONE GOLD LINE (ND) HAS DOT RATING 642120

Michael, all tires made after a certain date are required to have a Dept. of Transportation (DOT) number. This is a number molded into the tire, usually near the bead on the inside of the tire. There are some NCRS members who will go to great lengths to hide the fact that their repro tires look like original 40 something year old tires. Some will elaborately abraid the repro tire to remove the DOT number. But, a determined NCRS judge will find evidence of this abrasion removal technique. Then the owners jack up the car and position the tire's abraded area in whatever position to make it most difficult for the judge to look at that area. Most recently, owners are taking black rubberized substances to cover the area, disguising the DOT number.

If you want to get the minimum originality point deductions for your car without going the deception route, examine the 1966 JG and determine who sells a repro tire that is correct for your car EXCEPT for having that DOT number. Installed on the correct wheels, these new tires will take only the standard deduction of 10% (3 of 30) originality points. If you abhor the 3 point deduction for the DOT number, see the deceptions, above and good luck. -Clark

[R N.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

I have decided to bite the bullet and gain some points by installing Firestone SS Gold stripe tires (with proper DOT stamp) on my '66 coupe which has the knock-offs. Since I have never had the wheels off (lead hammer still pristine), let alone had tires changed on them, I am looking for some pointers when I take it in to my local tire shop for mounting and balancing. I understand the cone is attached with an adhesive strip, after it comes off so the wheels can go on the tire mounting machine, how does it go back on? I am pretty sure the shop can handle the wheels and tires, they have changed the huge MB and Porsche tires for me in the past. Anything else I should look for to help the mechanic? Thanks.

If it were me, I'd jack my car up at home and put it on stands, then take the rims to the tire store and have them put the tires on there - bring the new tires home on your rims and install them yourself. This way you can take your time and be sure it's done right. Well worth the extra effort IMO.

[Clark K.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

If it were me, I'd jack my car up at home and put it on stands, then take the rims to the tire store and have them put the tires on there - bring the new tires home on your rims and install them yourself. This way you can take your time and be sure it's done right. Well worth the extra effort IMO.

I agree whole-heartedly with Mr. Neiman! -Clark

[Michael J.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

Thanks for even more useful advice and info. I have seen the polyurethane torque wrenches for the spinners and think that is the way to go. My spinners look brand new, not even a scratch, so would like to keep them that way. I also like the idea of taking just the wheels in to get tires put on and doing the removal/install myself with the proper tools, knowledge, and care for alignment and marking the wheels off and on. Thanks all, wish me luck!

[R N.]

Re: Changing tires on Quick-take-off wheels

Once your home and have the rims mounted, drive the car around the block, then tighten the spinners again.