Re: [SilverStreak] Split ring

["waymark1@xxxxxxxx" <waymark1@xxxxxxxx>]

You're right, Eddie.
One might find a farm implement shop that will work on them as they work on a lot of 
old equipment, but split ring or lock ring wheels are totally obsolete and illegal 
for new installation.
I bought an old pickup truck some years ago that had splits on it and when I went to 
get new tires from Les Schwab I had to get new well rim wheels at the same time (I 
wanted them anyway).
For those who are keeping original for show purposes, split rings are not hard to work 
on. The ring pops right off with the proper prybar and the tires slip off and on the 
wheel. As long as the ring is not bent or warped, like from running on a flat, and the 
rim where the lock ring groove is not dented, splits work well as they did for decades. 
Still, it is imperative that the tire be inflated inside a cage just in case something 
goes wrong.
Modern tires should not be inflated until the wheel is mounted on a tire changer or on 
the hub. When initially inflating a tire a lock-on air chuck should be used so the 
mechanic can stand back away from the tire.
I had a bicycle tire come off the rim while inflating it (defective tire bead) and the 
blast left my ears ringing for a while. The blast of air knocked me off balance!
Antique trucks for show keep their splits. There are some who work on them.

Al