Hardwood Tire Irons

[29Cabriolet]

The recent thread regarding tire changing and the fear of scratching and chipping paint on the wheels reminded my of this. I was certain I saw a thread about a Barner who made his own tire irons from hardwood. I searched the forum but came up empty. Can any one point me to that? Looking for how they were made i.e. mostly dimensions and what type of wood was used, etc.

[Floats]

29 Cabrio,
I bet he used Iron wood.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[rscardina]

I have a '30 coupe and changed mine with no tools. I didn't even remove the wheels from the car. I used vegetable oil soap (it can be found around the furniture polish area of Wal-Mart) to help get the tires off and back on using a large plastic bag. No damage to the paint.

[Bulligen]

Yes, You have to be patient and work in small increments, however I have done it a number of times. Lubrication is the key and leverage. If it is off the car lay it on some good thick cardboard as well.

[The Master Cylinder]

I always have used tire irons and rim protectors similar to these for M/C http://www.amazon.com/MOTORCYCLE-WHE...ors+motorcycle Never any scratches.

I have seen the trash bag trick and want to try it... next time.

[Vic in E-TN]

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I have used pieces of an old inner tube underneath the tire irons. Never any problems. For the price the motorcycle things look good.

Vic

[160B]

I like the plastic bag method. Here is a video, but is uses a lighter tire and they put the tube in the tire.

With a Model A tire I put the rim on a piece of carpet on the floor, use the bag to put one side of the tire on the rim, then put the tube in the tire and use the bag to put the second side of the tire on the rim. It works very well. I have done at least 5 sets of tires and in the worst case you may have to walk on the tire side wall to get it in place.

It also works very well for removing the tire.

ps
With doing one side at a time you do not have the bag removal problem shown in the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6sH8WRl6yI

[springerpete]

I made my own using local Maine red oak. It was seasoned so it was quite dry and hard. They are 3/8" thick, 1.5" wide and 12" long sanded well so the edges are easy on your hands. One end is tapered down to quite a fine edge over a length of 2" and the end has a radius. I made 3 as I figured one might break but I ended up using all three to pry with and use all at the same time. Plus I used a spray bottle of Joy liquid mixed with plenty of water. No paint chips at all.

[Kurt in NJ]

I have some made from teak --they were leftovers from some shutters made for a boat