Kelsey-Hayes rims

[robert G. smits]

I am getting ready to have new radials mounted on my 58 Barritz rims.  Are there ant precautions that need to be followed by the tire jockey?  thanks, Bob

[Carfreak]

Just had two brand new tires destroyed by a local service station;  seems the flunkie didn't think it was necessary to use lube and he tore chunks out of the beads. 

STAND THERE AND WATCH.   

Explain how much the rims are worth and tell the tire jockey if he doesn't feel competent to install them without damaging the rim or tire then go elsewhere. 

Coats says:   'Proper lubrication must be used when mounting & dismounting tires'.   Every time. 

[Otto Skorzeny]

Right, Right, Right.


Most of these numbskulls working in the auto repair industry today have no conception of the different methods of repair required for a 50 year old car.

Call the place you bought your tires and ask if they have any installers near you that they recommend. Don't be afraid to tell people how to do the job on your old car. Most will be grateful for pointers and tips because they really don't want to damage anything.

Make sure you tell them / draw pictures about the Left Hand Threads on the car or they'll twist your lugs off or strip the threads!

Think about anything that could go wrong and tell them how to do it.

Leave your hubcaps and fender skirts at home. Better yet, leave the whole car at home and take the wheels and tires in the trunk / backseat of your wife's car and put them on the Cadillac yourself.

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

I can't imagine some moron trying to mount a tire without lubing the bead first.
That's one of the first things you learn (I learned this more years ago than I like to
remember).

I agree with Otto -- better to take the ties / wheels with you without the car.  That
gives them less of an opportunity to screw anything up.

A good garage that you know and trust is a much better place than the typical
"tire store".

Mike

[Eric S. Maypother #15104]

Most places have them now but if you have a wire, chrome or aluminum rim make sure they have a tire machine that holds tire by 4 points from the inside, instead of the ones that the spindle goes through the center of tire and holds it down. And yes lube does wonders.

My friend has a tire machine so I can still mount and dismount my own tires, I just bring them to Gas Station to balance them.

[robert G. smits]

Thank you everybody.  Yes, I have the wheels off the car and I will be present during the whole procedure.  Years ago I had a 34 Pontiac wire wheel bent at a Goodyear Tire store and have been wary ever since.  Bob