Rickson wheel/tire advice
I was hoping to get some advice here on a set of Rickson wheels that have come up on craigslist. A set of 4 for $700. I'm interested in getting them, but not sure what size tire to get. I have ...
Forum Discussion
BigToe wrote:skipro3 wrote:
How were you able to mount the tires yourself? You have some sort of tire mounting machine at home?
No machine. In the old days tires were mounted on wheels by hand, before machines were invented to mount tires on wheels.
I use two tire irons, a hunk of brass, some bead lubricant, and a piece of carpet to protect the wheel finish. Sometimes I cheat and use the rear hitch on my truck and a block of wood to help keep the tire seated as I pop the last bit of bead into place.
Keep in mind these are 19.5" tires. As "half size" tires and rim assemblies, the bead taper is shallower, at 15 degrees, then the bead taper of a "whole size" tire and rim like 16", 17", 18" or 20" tires and rims which have a much steeper 5 degree bead taper.
Big truck and bus tires, like 22.5" and 24.5" tires are routinely mounted by hand in the field. These all have 15 degree bead tapers. This is one reason why half size rims are not good if you plan on "airing down" significantly for beach and dune driving. But for over the road driving they are just fine.
I would not be able to hand mount whole size tire and rims by hand, but half size 19.5" tires and rims are doable, because of the shallower bead taper.
Very interesting, I would've thought the stiffer steel belted sidewall of 19.5's would've made it a real bear even with the half size rim taper.
