07-26-2017, 10:53 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Yakima, WA
Posts: 4
|
Split rim wheels
Does anybody work on split rims anymore? I've heard some truck stops will handle them but I don't know where to start. Are they even legal anymore? I'm thinking they probably don't meet DOT regs anyway. My old beast still has the factory split rims and I don't want to get rid of them if I don't have to. I needed new tires and wheels so I just got a set of cheap replacements in the meantime. If I can find a place to work on them I'd prefer that.
On a related note, has anyone done their own split rim work? I know the danger is in reseating the bead but wouldn't wrapping the wheel with chain eliminate most of the danger? It's been years since I worked in a tire shop and even then we weren't taking these jobs. Anyone got insight? |
07-26-2017, 10:56 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: East Tn (In the heart of the Smoky Mtns)
Posts: 1,887
|
Re: Split rim wheels
To do it safely, you need a tire cage. You might try a farm equipment place.
|
07-26-2017, 11:15 PM | #3 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 6,873
|
Re: Split rim wheels
There is less danger in a split rim than you think if the wheel and ring are clean as in sandblasted or like new condition. Lube the tire and rim well with tire lube before inflating and inflate with the split flat on the ground using a screw on adapter to the tube, regulate the inflow of air remotely, if you need to check the bead use a large mirror. Borrow a mirror from a door inside the house.
Changing a split rim tire is easy if you have the right tools or some decent pry bars. |
07-26-2017, 11:17 PM | #4 |
Its a Truck Thing......
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Posts: 3,179
|
Re: Split rim wheels
I have built many split ring wheels in my time. I wouldn't even touch it without the proper inflation extension hose and a cage.
People are just scarred to death to work on them, but if you are properly trained, it is not that big of a deal. Smitty
__________________
71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van" |
07-27-2017, 12:37 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Lake Forest, CA
Posts: 2,177
|
Re: Split rim wheels
__________________
"Work hard, use your vacation days." 1970 C15 GMC Long Bed 1986 C20 Scottsdale 1983 K2500 Sierra Classic Suburban 6.2 Instagram: C10sofOC |
07-27-2017, 12:56 PM | #6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 65
|
Re: Split rim wheels
Quote:
Legislation here reads as follows: 107. (3) Whenever work is to be performed on a rubber tire with a split rim wheel, a device shall be used to prevent injury to a worker. (4) The device mentioned in subsection (3) is not required when topping off the air pressure in a tire. R.R.O. 1980, Reg. 694, s. 102. So it's pretty easy for a shop. Don't carry the "equipment". Then you can tell your customer "we can't legally do it, as we don't have the equipment required by law. Why don't you get a different rim?" That way you get to sell new rims to the customer ($) and your 19 year old tech doesn't kill himself because he's not the brightest (less liability). 99% of people around here would swap to a different rim anyway...only people I've ever heard talking about it are the numbers-matching 100% correct restoration crowd.... |
|
07-28-2017, 08:24 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: bisbee, arizona
Posts: 1,529
|
Re: Split rim wheels
I've done them. There are two types. one is a split rim and is used on 69 and later rims. they are easier to work on breaking down but are the ones more likely to blow apart.
the 68 and earlier two piece rims , the outer ring is not split and is a tougher beast to break down but not as prone to blow apart regardless safety is important and a cage is a good idea. but if you dont have a cage you cane wrap a chain around the entire assembly several times, then place the rim assembly under the frame of your truck, with the split rim facing up and inflate it very carefully using an air valve that clamps to the stem of the tube. clamp it on, slide the rim under the frame and air it up while standing back about 10 feet. inflate it to about 10psi then very carefully whack around the outer rim a few times to see if it comes apart. Then if it does not blow apart at 10 psi Fill it to about 50 psi, go to lunch for an hour and then return, if the rim has not blown apart deflate it back to 35 psi or what every your tire pressure should be. remove it from under the truck frame, remove your chain and install it on the vehicle. drive the vehicle around making slow and moderate speed turns to the left and right. if it does not blow then its usually good the biggest risk is reassembling rimes that have been damaged by muppets who dont know how to disassemble them to begin with. they usually tweek or bend the outer ring and thats what makes reassembly a bit dicey. really over rated in terms of danger |
07-28-2017, 09:17 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: kearney nebraska
Posts: 613
|
Re: Split rim wheels
I have worked on a lot of split rims for years in an ag shop. Actually changing them is not very hard usually. You will get a stubborn one occasionally.
The danger is when it is being inflated. Make sure you use a cage. Do not air it.up any other way..while you might be "just fine for now" these can have catastrophic failures and have the power to kill you. Is this worth risking.to save a few bucks on tires? Use a cage. And while you may be perfectly.able to do.this yourself, I don't recommend it. If this is a question that you are asking online here, no offense, but are you confident in knowing that everything is in proper condition and not.going to fail? Do you know what signs to watch and.listen for while inflating that indicate it is not seating properly and starting.to come loose? Just please be safe
__________________
1972 GMC C20 Custom Camper 350/TH350 |
07-29-2017, 10:57 PM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: bisbee, arizona
Posts: 1,529
|
Re: Split rim wheels
not sure what year rim you are using. there are the two piece rims from 68 and earlier and the "split rims" from 69-72.
I am totally into the two piece rim thing as my 68 k20 is 100% origonal. and that is important. I took one rim to a tire shop and they pretty much ruined it. rely on others and you might prepare for that eventuality. Oh and those rims are date coded too . better to take control of the cituation and do it your self. If you use common sense and a little imagination along with a bit of survival instinct and you wont need a cage. |
07-30-2017, 01:11 PM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: west coast
Posts: 3,396
|
Re: Split rim wheels
Truck tire shops only, don't waste your time at a car tire tire shops. They are more expensive to deal with ( tubes, liners extra labor costs), but you'll retain a genuine old school look that you just don't see anymore.
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|