Mounting tires on one piece wheels?

[droptopmaro]

Purchased a kart that has one piece wheels on the rear. Will I be able to mount new tires myself? If so, are there any tricks to make it easier? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ramairgtz]

The worst part is breaking the bead on the old tires. Once they are separated from the rim a couple pry bars (or tire irons from HF) and some wd40 and they will come off with some work. I made a bead breaker like the ones at harbor freight and it makes life a whole lot easier changing tires

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Yes you can. First few times may be infuriating, but it gets easier with practice. Having no special tools, you can use two large flathead screwdrivers or small flat prybars. Make a dishsoap and water solution, and use it generously as a lubricant.

EDIT- I wouldn't use WD40. Petroleum oils and rubber tend not to mix well.

Ramair, can I see your bead breaker? I was thinking about building one...

 

[droptopmaro]

Ok, thanks!!! Doesn't sound like fun, but I'll see what I can do!

 

[r97]

one thing i did, when you mount the new tires i wrapped a piece of webbing around the outside of the tire to act as a makeshift one of these things,

and use soap! if you have an air compressor it will help a good bit, bike pump can get challenging, trust me...

EDIT: you will likely need a valve tool too, also, try putting the tire in the sun first.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS8flfX4jC4


EDIT2:

you can do it the fun way too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLtBojvDEyc

 

[droptopmaro]

I'm using tubes in them, that should add to the fun. I'll probably puncture the old tubes in the process of removing the tires.

 

[devino246]

Ramair, can I see your bead breaker? I was thinking about building one...

Probably something like this:

Would be very easy to make.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Basically what I had in mind- I jusy wanted to see somebody else's homebrew version.

 

[ramairgtz]

It's rough looking but works well done 8 tires with it