Breaking the bead!

[John Schmidt]

I tried it three more times with the 2x4 and two things happened: The bead didn't break but the 2x4 did. So, it's off to a local shop and let them bust it loose. What a PITA!   

And to top it off, one of the nuts was missing on the 90 deg. metal stem I'm installing. Found out the flat nuts used to mount a toggle switch or similar elec. device fit perfect, but no normal SAE or metric will, thread is too fine.

[Thunderbolt]

I have used that method several times John.  That tire must have been on for a long time. 

[John Schmidt]

I have used that method several times John.  That tire must have been on for a long time. 

No Terry, actually it's only been mounted for a couple months. I had new tires mounted....front and back. Found out the rear valve stem leaked air and the tire went flat over a couple days. While replacing bearings in the front wheel, the stem looked rather old so checked it out. It was cracked so was able to break the bead on it using the 2x4 method, probably due to being a smaller tire. I replaced it with a metal 90 deg. stem and want to do the same with the rear but it isn't cooperating. Kinda irritates me they didn't replace either valve stem when they sold/mounted the tires for me. I'm not in a big hurry to go back there now.

[John Schmidt]

Really took some energy to do it but finally got it broke loose. The energy involved picking up the wheel and tossing it in the car, then driving about 2 miles south where the guy tool all of 30 seconds to pop it loose. He didn't want any money but I gave him some cash anyway, worth it to me. He suggested cleaning the rim a bit, said it looked like some junk had collected there so will take his suggestion in case it has to come loose again. Meant to ask if he'd mount a car tire, but as an independent shop it probably doesn't matter to him anyway. Now to move on....what a PITA this has been, all because the shop that mounted the tires didn't replace the valve stems.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

I Am Glad To Hear That You Got The Valve Stem Changed, Now Is It Ready For A Ride ??

[John Schmidt]

I Am Glad To Hear That You Got The Valve Stem Changed, Now Is It Ready For A Ride ??

Not yet. Have some electrical work to do on it.....gauges, lights, etc.  Once I have the front calipers mounted, I will be able to measure what I need for brake lines. Got rid of the OEM braking system, will have it set up to operate like the Valk. Also need to install a line for the clutch so looks like a trip to J&P Cycles is in the near future for all that kind of stuff. Just installed my "new" front fender I got off Ebay($19), the silver is almost a perfect match to the tank and it's far enough away from the tank so I think I'll leave it alone. Have to see it in the sunlight for a final decision. Once I get the front calipers & brackets mounted I'll be able to get it down off the jack and will take a couple pix. Right now having some muscle spasms in my back so work is kinda slow.