DIY Network

'48 Indian Motorcycle: Mounting the Tire on the Rim Learn how to mount the '48 Indian Chief tire on the rim. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-302

Now that the rim is built and trued, host Craig Reynolds and antique motorcycle expert Chris Matthews mount a new tire and tube on the rim.

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Host Craig Reynolds (right) watches as Chris Matthews makes sure the new tire and tube have been mounted on the new rim properly.

Material/Tools for all Projects:

1948 Indian Chief Motorcycle
complete set of shop tools
bike jack

Materials/Tools for Mounting the Tire on the Rim:

new wheel
new tire
new tube
tire spoons
rim strip

	Figure A
	Figure B

Mounting the Tire on the Rim

1. Lay the wheel on its side on a carpeted floor. The floor will give you more leverage when working with the tire.
   
   
2. Install the rim strip (figure A) by lining up the spoke hole and stretching the strip on, so it covers all the spoke ends.
   
   
3. Once the strip is on, it's time for the tire. Lay the tire on its side, on top of the rim. The outer edge of the tire can easily be pushed over the rim lip and in place.

4. Once one side of the tire is one, pass the valve stem of the tube through the valve stem hole of the rim, and tighten its cap. Putting the cap on will prevent it from pulling out. Push all of the tube into the tire, being careful not to twist it or let it get pinched between the tire and the rim.
   
   
5. The remaining edge of the tire may be a little difficult to get over the rim lip, this is where the tire spoons (figure B) come into play. Slide the spoon into the tire edge and hook the end on the rim lip. Pry the tire over the lip and work around the rim.

6. Once the tire is on, give the wheel a couple of bounces to seat everything.
   Inflate.

RESOURCES :

Welders
Lincoln Electric
Website: www.lincolnelectric.com

Kiwi Indian
Website: www.kiwi-indian.com

V-Twin Mfg.
Rims, Spokes, Hubs, Tire Irons and Truing Stand
Website: www.vtwinmfg.com

Motorcycle Lift
Handy Lift
Website: www.handy-lift.com

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Hepavac Asbestos Vacuum
Bullseye
Website: www.bullseyecorp.com

Parts Washer
Safety Kleen
Website: www.safety-kleen.com

Chrome Polish
G & H Metal Finishers
282 Dakota St.
Paterson, NJ 07503

Belt Grinder
Ellis Manufacturing
Website: www.ellissaw.com

Powder Coating Shop
Best Signs
Phone: 865-922-5247
E-mail: bestsigns@tds.net

Coker Classic White Wall Tires, Tubes and Spoke Covers
Coker Tires
Website: www.coker.com