first flat tire

[Monster Man]

dang! How'd I already get a flat? I was doing a pre-trip inspection and found the right rear with a sheetmetal screw in it. Luckily it was the owrst tire out of the whole set of ten, if that's any consolation. <img src="emoticons/icon_smilie_bitchin.gif" alt="Bitchin">

then I discovered you have no chance in hell of getting the wheel off using a bar that's only a couple feet long. You're looking at a mandatory four foot or more, with a jackstand to steady it. And, I haven't rigged up my air coupling yet for the impact- doh!

Hopefully I can make it home without it departing from the truck, and I can start making my tire cage since nobody in town will touch them <img src="emoticons/icon_smile_angry.gif" alt="Angry">

 

[da_sgt]

Bummer, I drove around for a week both on and off road before I discovered my flat (inside tire)<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_sad.gif" alt="Sad"> I'm lucky I have a guy I've been using for about fifteen years and he's not afraid of nothing<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_smashed.gif" alt="Smashed"> and he does'nt even use a cage<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_shock.gif" alt="Shock"> But the best part is he's mobile so I can stay put and he comes to me<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_thumzup.gif" alt="Thumb Up"> He'll even go out to some property I own 25 miles down the road at no extra charge<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_smokin.gif" alt="Smokin'">

 

[da_sgt]

My tire guy Kevin working on one of my Grader tires, my deuce rim is off to the side waiting it's turn<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_wink.gif" alt="Wink"> Gee if I could only get those Grader tires to fit on the deuce<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_headbanger.gif" alt="Headbanger">

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/da_sgt/1969%20Kaiser%20M35A2/Tire_Guy_Kevin.jpg" border="0">

 

[steelsoldiers]

Anyone who works on split rim wheels without a cage has to have some screwws loose! I saw a tire shop once where the cage was blown apart. Also one where they were doing it without a cage and it blew the ring 20 feet in the air and put a hole through the metal roof. Watch em close guys and if your guy will work on it without a cage, I would hide behind the truck until he is done and have the EMS on speed-dial!

 

[da_sgt]

You sure don't see me in that picture<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_dead.gif" alt="Dead"> That guys been doing my split rim grader tires for a long time, you would think he would at least use a loooonnnggg air hose when he's airing up<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_question.gif" alt="Question"> His choice I guess, if it all looks good thats his call, at least I don't pay into his medical or LIFE insurance<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_shock.gif" alt="Shock">

 

[da_sgt]

SS;

I to have seen the carnage that happens when things go wrong with split rims! I think the difference between my tire guy and others is he has chosen this as his profession. If you think about it "bust'in tires" is a job given to kids just starting at a shop....just a entry level job. I will always stand back when my guy's doing a split rim, but I think he really knows whats safe and whats not<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_wink.gif" alt="Wink"> But for the rest of us....I think we should leave it to the PRO'S

 

[brgmchevy]

I have a friend that works in a tire store and he is the big truck tire changer. I've watched him change slit rims with big tires quickly with no cage. He has been doing it for a few years. He is a small guy. Probably 5'-7" and 115#! He is not a muscular guy. He does know his job though! He is the main tire guy at the chain store and he is not 30 years old yet! He doesn't have a death wish, he just knows what he can and can't do when changing these dangerous rims. I let him change my tires as he knows what he is doing, even though I feel a little wierd about it<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_shrug.gif" alt="Shrug"> as I am about twice the size of him.<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_thumzup.gif" alt="Thumb Up">

 

[steelsoldiers]

Not trying to start a fight here, because that's not my thing, but accidents happen. Even the most competent tire busting professional can have a bad day. When the bad day means getting your head lopped off, it's pretty bad. I know these guys know what they are doing, but you just never know when something might let go. I think some of these folks have been doing for so long without a mishap that they get too comfortable around them and then "bam", stuff happens.

Like I said, not picking fights, just my <img src="emoticons/icon_smile_.gif" alt="My 2 Cents"><img src="emoticons/icon_smile_wink.gif" alt="Wink">

 

[big mike]

im one of those guys that like doin everything myself. i wont even let people help me unless i physically cannot complete the job without more hands. but those tires and rims are one thing i wont have anything to do with. my well being while workin on my trucks is more important to me than my pride.

 

[da_sgt]

No fight from me <img src="emoticons/icon_smile_smashed.gif" alt="Smashed"> like I said I always stand back, and let my guy do what he does best<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_wink.gif" alt="Wink"> Splits are not toy's a novice should play with<img src="emoticons/icon_smile_warn.gif" alt="Warning!">