[A/S] Another Wheel Question

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Chuck,

You asked about "something else I need to know." For me, here's something
that was and is a critical variable.

1 - In my view, one of the features to consider with your 1965 Tradewind
might be whether or not the NEW wheel and the NEW tire will slide up into
the wheel well, over the axle and line up so the nuts can be spun onto your
hub studs. This issue has been discussed previously at length so it may be
old hat to you.  If so, hit your delete button. There's no need to chew your
cabbage twice. 

2 - Many of us who travel extensively will do so only when we are rolling on
young tires whose birthdates are less than five years ago. Getting the old
tires off is not an issue for tire guys who are 20+ years old and can bench
press 200#s.  The problem comes with installing the new tires.

For me, that means showing the tire dealer how to get the wheel and tire up
and onto the axle WITHOUT buggering up either the tire or the aluminum
siding along the lower portion of the wheel well.

3 - Both our 1963 22' Flying Cloud and 1967 22' Safari taught me that
lesson. As a result, I now carry a "tire shoehorn" in my truck. A short
piece of thin plywood (12" by 3") is one possibility for a shoehorn.

With it, the installer can avoid catching and cutting into the tread or
sidewalls of the tires on sharp aluminum sheeting along the inside lower
portion of the wheel well. Remember, it's the same tire guy jamming the
wheel and tire back into the wheel well.  He's confident, he's strong and he
fully expects to be successful after grunting (even if it takes several
tries). 

Part of my process of buying new tires is telling the dealer there is a need
to be sure the replacements are EXACTLY the same dimensions as the old tires
and that new tires with the same raised numbers on the carcass may not have
the same dimensions (height and width).  Forewarned is forearmed.

By telling him this ahead of time, the tire dealer knows what he's up
against (if he believes me).  Any damages he does to the tires in his failed
efforts to install them are his responsibility.  That's quite different from
when I scuff up his (my) tires, then try to return them because they won't
fit into my wheel wells and also try to get my money back or trade them in
for tires with the right dimensions.

Some of this may be useful to know before you commit your money.

Terry

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