Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

DelArmy

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Dec 27, 2007
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Been working on my 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 and I?ve got some down time waiting for parts. In the mean time I?m working on the boat trailer. The trailer is in good shape except for the tires. The tires are dry rotted and I also find that the wheels are split rims. When I tried to remove the tires, the tires would not break off the rim bead, so, after unbolting and separating the aluminum wheel I took a utility knife and cut loose half the wheel and tire (see photos). It appears the tires were adhered to the rim and there are no rim beads. What to do? How do you get the tires off? Where can a person get new tires? What?s the procedure for mounting the new tire? Alternatively, is there an adapter that I could use to mount current day wheels on to the 4 bolt vintage axle? Measurements: From outside lug bolt to outside lug bolt the measurement is 4 ??. The diameter of the hub is 2 ??. The size of the tire is 5.70/5.00 x 8.00 Any thoughts?
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DelArmy

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Dec 27, 2007
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Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

I placed this post in the non-engine section of the forum, but, you guys seem to have a wealth of knowledge. Anyone have any experience with the following? Been working on my 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 and I?ve got some down time waiting for parts. In the mean time I?m working on the boat trailer (same vintage). The trailer is in good shape except for the tires. The tires are dry rotted and I also find that the wheels are split rims. When I tried to remove the tires, the tires would not break off the rim bead, so, after unbolting and separating the aluminum wheel I took a utility knife and cut loose half the wheel and tire (see photos). It appears the tires were adhered to the rim and there are no rim beads. What to do? How do you get the tires off? Where can a person get new tires? What?s the procedure for mounting the new tire? Alternatively, is there an adapter that I could use to mount current day wheels on to the 4 bolt vintage axle? From outside lug bolt to outside lug bolt the measurement is 4 ??. The diameter of the hub is 2 ??. The size of the tire is 5.70/5.00 x 8.00 Any thoughts?

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IMG_0064.jpg
 

guy74

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 12, 2007
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794
Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

That is a strange size bolt pattern your wheels have. I had a utility trailer with wheels like that, my guess is that the tire beads are just stuck to the wheel halves. If the wheel halves are not rusted out then you can probably put new tires on those wheels, you just have to get the old beads loose from the wheels and use tubes in the tires. Otherwise, if your trailer has common spindles, you can replace the hubs with common 4 hole on 4" pattern hubs. Then you can use tires and wheels that are commonly available. At the worst you could replace the whole axle assembly.
 

guy74

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

You really should post this in the trailer and towing section.
 

DelArmy

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Joined
Dec 27, 2007
Messages
18
Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

Been working on my 1958 Evinrude Fastwin 18 and I?ve got some down time waiting for parts. In the mean time I?m working on the boat trailer. The trailer is in good shape except for the tires. The tires are dry rotted and I also find that the wheels are split rims. When I tried to remove the tires, the tires would not break off the rim bead, so, after unbolting and separating the aluminum wheel I took a utility knife and cut loose half the wheel and tire (see photos). It appears the tires were adhered to the rim and there are no rim beads. What to do? How do you get the tires off? Where can a person get new tires? What?s the procedure for mounting the new tire? Alternatively, is there an adapter that I could use to mount current day wheels on to the 4 bolt vintage axle? From outside lug bolt to outside lug bolt the measurement is 4 ??. The diameter of the hub is 2 ??. The size of the tire is 5.70/5.00 x 8.00 Any thoughts?

IMG_0067.jpg


IMG_0064.jpg
 

Mike722

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Messages
370
Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

I am assuming that there was a tube as well? I have seen old tire that appear welded to the rim. I have had to take them to the tire shop to have them break the bead down.

If they were not to bad, you could have used a short sledge hammer. Looks like the rims have some kind of corrsion on them that would need cleaned off before a new tube is installed.

Unless you have to have the orginal rims, I would look for a new set of rims and tires that will fit your fender wells and axle.
 

ezeke

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Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

You might want to consider just replacing the tires and wheels as units because it is cheaper than you think. Try kmtparts. com for example.
 

DelArmy

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

You're probably correct. However, I'm doing my best to keep this thing as close to original as possible. There must be someone out there who has walked the same path.....
 

DelArmy

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Yes, there is a tube. There is virtually no bead. Where the bead is suppose to be it is flat and the tire is glued to the rim. I tried all sorts of ways to break the tire off the bead. No luck. I have not cleaned the corrosion off. that will happen if I'm able to use these rims again.
 

F_R

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Take a carpenter's ripping (crowbar) bar and jam the end between the tire and flange and hammer away. Or take it to a tire store and they can probably shove it off with their bead breaker....maybe.

A place that sells go-kart wheels may have some split rims.
 

wncrjb

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Aug 29, 2006
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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

I may be wrong, but last I knew tire shops could NOT mount tires to split rims anymore. Many years ago I worked in a truck tire shop and we couldn't touch anything with split rims.
just my $.02

wncrjb
 

Mike722

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

You could try to cut the tire along the diameter and strip it off. You would need to be carefull not to damage the rim. I would only do it as a last resort.

I had my tractor done last year. You might be thinking about the ones that have a bead ring that comes off one side only. Some tire shop will not work with them.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

Buy new rims and tires. You'll ruin the tires trying to seperate them. Tire/rim assemblies are just a few dollars more than just tires.

That is a common size bolt hole pattern.
 

wncrjb

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

I had my tractor done last year. You might be thinking about the ones that have a bead ring that comes off one side only. Some tire shop will not work with them.

That was the rim I was referring, split rims that used to be used on class 8 trucks. Thanks for clearing that up for me...

wncrjb
 

Silvertip

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Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

On a four-bolt rim, the bolt pattern is measured from the center of each bolt hole and that dimension is 4 inches. You need whats called a standard four on four (four bolt holes on 4 inch spacing). They are cheap and you can get them right here on iBoats, WalMart, or any other store including most farm stores, that sell trailer parts. You can buy the tires and rims separately or already mounted. Although mounting an 8-inch tire is no big deal, if you've not done it before and have no idea of the process, save yourself the headache and buy the tires mounted. If the rims are ok, the place you buy replacement tires can mount them for you.
 

Vic.S

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

I cannot believe you'll have difficulty finding the tires to fit those wheels. A Google search for "Trailer tyres" quickly found them in the UK. Third one down, TYR104, on this page "http://www.trailertek.com/acatalog/8__Tyres.html"

8" rims have always been the size for small trailers although more usually 400/480 than 500/570

I cant say about finding different wheel rims to fit. I make the PCD (pitch circle diameter) of the studs 3?" Ours are usually 4", with 3/8" studs, (You should measure centre to center not outside edge to outside edge)

Try a search on your side of the pond for "trailer tires"

I reckon the rubber is so well "welded" to the rims its just going tobe hard work cleaning it off.

You'll need tubes in the new tires won't you?

YEP Choice of 4ply or 6ply (a lot cheaper than UK prices too) here: "http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.catalog&categoryID=163"
 

scoutabout

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

I'd just toss the wheels. Split rims like the kind mentioned above have killed more than a few poor folks when they've let go under pressure -- usually while being mounted or topped upwith air. Split truck wheels letting go will take your head off or cut you in half. A smaller wheel like that may just take half your head or maybe an arm. I know it may be a different type, but anything that designed to come apart, may do so suddenly if bolts, etc fail.

wncrjb is right -- there are probably few shops that will touch that kind of setup. If you can't get an adapter for the hub, maybe you can swap out the entire axle, spring assembly for something that will fit.
 

Gary H NC

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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

They sell those and many other rims at Northern Tool.If they have those stores in your area.If not look at their website.
Also Tractor Supply sells a lot of that type tire and rims.
If it were mine i would buy new rims and tires and be done with it.
Its kind of like the old split rims they used to run on tractor trailer rigs years ago_Outdated and an accident waiting to happen..;)
 

External Combustion

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Aug 21, 2007
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Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

Re: Split Rim Wheels ? How can I replace tires?

This should be under trailering. replace the hubs and get new wheels as well as the tires. It will be money well spent, especially if you ned road service and can't get it due to the dated design of your wheels.
 

bruceb58

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30,581
Re: Split Rim Wheels (1958) ? How can I replace tires?

I have seperated tire beads from rims by jacking up a car with a floor jack and lowering it's tire onto the sidewall of the tire I am trying to seperate from the rim.

That being said, I would ditch the split rims. There is a good reason they don't use those anymore.
 
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