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*Alum. Wheels

10/13/02*

 
This is what we use to mount tires on the wide rims. It's easy to make and works better then any system we have tried.

Start with some light sheet metal about 12" wide x about 5 feet long and bend it in a circle around a wheel rim. You will have quite a lot of overlap that makes it easier to weld. What you want to end up with is a 16 1/2" inside diameter. Then glue some 1/4" thick sponge type rubber to the inside with a couple inches wrapped over one end. This will reduce the inside diameter so you end up with a snug fit on the stock 15" rim. The 15" rim  is actually about 16 3/8" diameter. Next weld a piece of tubing across one end so you have something to hold on to. 

To use this tool first lube the inside rubber of  your tire inflator with liquid soap. Then put the tire on the rim and center it, slide the changer over the rim and down against the tire and while putting a little weight against the changer start putting the air in. As the tire inflates the changer will be pushed up until the bead seats on the top.

The other way you always hear about is using starter fluid and a match. I have never tried it and only saw it done once. The idea of  holding a can of starter fluid in one hand and a lighter in the other never did seem quite right to me. 

If you would rather run inner tubes, here's a tip that might help. Tube's to fit those 15" x 12" rim's can be hard to find or they can cost a fortune. Buy 16" or 17" tubes that are made for a smaller width tire. You will notice the new tube is quite thick and is not as large as the tire until it is used the first time. These can work quite well in the 15" tire if you start with a good new tube.               

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