Splitting the split rim

[easo]

G'day all, today I had a go at splinting one of my split rims as the bar tread was stuffed. This is an epic journey. However through out I did take the necessary photos. Bear in mind these are Austin Champ split rims that are on my S1.

So for starters here are the standard and splitty,




As you can see there is an offset between the split and standard.

So the first thing was to attempt to break the bead. So deflated the tire and did the old drive over it trick. This was only so effective to a point.



Loosened all the bolts, left the nuts on in order to prevent damage to the threads when hitting them through and used a soft metal draft when hitting them through.



Once this was done the separation was next. This involved the use of brute TD5 force and a large tree. So I threaded some rope through the holes for the split bolts and tied one half to the tree. Then the other half to the bull bar. Then a safety rope through the center so when it popped the safety rope will catch both halves.





Then with a bit of low range, as you can see the safety rope caught both the tires and halves.


And finally the separated halves,












Rim Markings,






So all in all a very interesting effort in separating and now to fit the spare tire when I get a chance.

Easo

[87County]

thanks for recording & posting that easo - very instructive

IMHO would win the "most interesting" post tonight (or even over the last 7 days) if such a comp existed

[101RRS]

Do you have to actually have to split these rims to change the tyres - given the process you went through it would seem easier to simply change the tyre in the traditional way.

Garry

[stealth]

I don't think you can use a normal tyre changer. there is no dish in the rim for the bead to set in. I would sand blast and paint that rim before reassembly. You won't have te same problem next time. I have a few old military vehicles with various split rims. usually impossible to get old tyres off unless you have a press but recent tyre fits on clean rims are not too much trouble. Especially British War Department rims and appropriate tyres.

[easo]

Do you have to actually have to split these rims to change the tyres - given the process you went through it would seem easier to simply change the tyre in the traditional way.

Garry

Yeah, you can do it the conventional way. I just wanted to give it a go so I knew how to do it and that tire was the worst of them and I have a spare tire to fit. Still a good to know if I ever, maybe, might get a puncture out in the wilderness. .

Easo

[easo]

I don't think you can use a normal tyre changer. there is no dish in the rim for the bead to set in. I would sand blast and paint that rim before reassembly. You won't have te same problem next time. I have a few old military vehicles with various split rims. usually impossible to get old tyres off unless you have a press but recent tyre fits on clean rims are not too much trouble. Especially British War Department rims and appropriate tyres.

Dad and I fitted them in about 1995 after sand blasting and repainting. I am surprised at how good they are after 15 years untouched. I have a full set of 5.

I can take some comparison photos with the standard rim if you like?

Easo

[slug_burner]

Is that a split rim or a two piece rim?

What are the ones that have a big circlip like piece of metal seen on trucks? My understanding is that they are split rims and they have to be aired up in a metal cage to ensure the safety of nearby personnel as they can fly apart if not seated properly.

[dennisS1]

I am a bit puzzled, I have changed a number of these rims, never have I driven out the bolts, you need to break the bead properly then they have always come apart pretty easy. Have had to drive a screw driver into the gap a couple of times, but in general easer to change by hand then normal rims.
Have 5 on my 48 and we had them on a 86” for its working life as it was much simpler job to change 8ply tires by hand.
Dennis