Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

[wowbird]

I am about to order the Motorspot wires for my bird. I think they are fantastic looking. However, I just spoke with Discount Tire here in Dallas and they refuse to install a tube int he recommended Micheline Pilot Sport tires. They said that they would cause friction and make the tire explode. Honestly the guy was a jack ass. What do you know or think?

Chas.

[Guest]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

Chas.

I had talked about this concern with my tire installer when I got my wire wheels from Motorspot. He had no concerns about using inner tubes, and I have driven with them for about 18 months with no problems.

But I did hear about this potential risk when talking to others in the past, so I am not surprised you got this perspective.

For me, I have gone to the same tire installer for a long time - always got great advice from him, and that is why I decided to get the wire wheels and use inner tubes. At the end of the day, it is your choice whether or not you feel comfortable having inner tubes installed. You definitely need them as stated by Motorspot on their web-site otherwise you could get leaks. By the way, I am using Michelin Pilots (wide whitewall version).

[wowbird]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

Mark,

I realize that you live in Canada and I am in Dallas Texas. I have talked with three Michelin dealers that will not install. Is your guy an independent? Can I call him for advice?

[Guest]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

Chas, sent you a PM.

[Leroy]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

I don't get it. what's going to explode? What are you going to fill them up with, Hydrogen? Fill them with Nitrogen, it's an inert gas that can't burn and will not blow-up. You're only talking about 30 psi anyway. Sounds to me like the guy just doesn't want to mess with the wire wheels. Leroy

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[Bruce]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

I think Leroy is correct. It is getting harder and harder to find shops willing to mess with wire wheel and the same is true for some of the more exotic alloy wheels as well.

I have Dayton Wire Wheels, but they don't require tubes.

[tbird6t4]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

The only major concern that I am aware of when installing an inner tube in any tire is to make sure that if there are any stickers (labels) inside the tires that they could cause rubbing and cause the inner tube to blow. This condition is often found when there is a metal foil sticker left inside the tire which inturn rubs and will damage the inner tube.

The Michelin dealers want to sell their tires only so it would only seem that it makes sense to deal with an independent repair garage and make sure there are no foreign objects inside the tire or on the inner tube that might cause an inner tube blow out.

I would not suggest that anyone run wire wheels without inner tubes since they are likely to leak. The same problems exists on older T-Birds with K.H. wheels so our Retro's shouldn't be any different.

Gord R.

[fums6]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

Just use tubes made for radial tires and have the installer put some talcum powder in the tire to reduce friction.

[5bird7]

Re: Motorspot Wire Wheels - Potential problem

I'm around owners that have wire wheels and tubes on the classic tbirds. When they experience a flat, it just goes flat by leakage from holes forming in the tube ie, slow leaks. We haven't heard of anyone having a blowout for years.