Went to the tire shop today to have my Douglas 8x8 rims mounted and wouldn't you know it, they trashed one of my rims. Waited a long time to get these because they were on back order and now I have to order a replacement. Pissed off is an understatement! One of them mounted up just fine while the other obviously couldn't handle the pressure of the machine and the lip crushed. At least they were nice about it and agreed to pay me for a new one when it arrives. In the mean time, out another 50 bucks untill they refund me. These aluminum rims are really nice and light but I'm now afraid it's gonna happen again. These are mounted all the time on ATV's since they are popular, so what's the deal? Do motorsports shops have diff mounting procedures or something? I went to a reputable tire shop and they told me they have never mounted small aluminum rims like this before so I took a chance and guess what, I got burned. Crossing my fingers it doesn't happen again.

Go to a Land&Coates or other lawn tractor dealer.Different equipment used. I did mine by hand w/18" spoons,and it sucked .

I would take it to an ATV shop. Not only do they have machines designed for these sized rims. But people that live to work on such things. You'll be happy you chose a bike or ATV shop. And I bet when you tell them what you use the rims for you will make great friend. I did with a local shop owner and his mechanics. They ended up setting me up with my Black Tail tires at there cost. It's good to make friends.

Yes, I'll have an ATV shop mount my other rim when it comes in. This other place only gets one shot and that's it. I guess I was their guinnepig......I don't blame them because they have never handled such delicate rims before and didn't know any better either, so I learn the hard way this time.

So, is that bug almost finished? I want to see it. Maybe time to get a few guys together.

I mounted mine with a pair of screw drivers .. it wasn't too hard. The car place can't mount those small rims because their machine is not designed to hold those rims. Go to a motorcycle shop. Most motorcycle shop also work on ATV's so they have the correct machine.

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Originally posted by thanson2001ok So, is that bug almost finished? I want to see it. Maybe time to get a few guys together.

You mean the "Eternal buggy project" as I call it. It's been slow going, working on it bits at a time. Half way there and a ways to go. Maybe by this fall I'll finally get it done, lol. So many things to do and so little time and money to do it. I'll have to get some pics up of what I've got done so far. Suprising enough the wife isn't upset at all about me building one, it's almost like she expected I would do this at some point and figured it was just a matter of time. It's awesome! I could have just bought one on line and been done with it but it's been so rewarding building my own, it's almost like therapy if that makes any sense.

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Originally posted by Cheddarhead I could have just bought one on line and been done with it but it's been so rewarding building my own, it's almost like therapy if that makes any sense.

Zen and the Art of Making



ATB,
Sam

Thanks indi, that pretty much sums it up in a "zen nutshell". Someone needs to write a book called: Zen and the art of buggy building

Welcome to the zen world of building your own,it's second only to ridin' in a buggy YOU built. :singing::bigok::wee:

For your info COOLBREEZE had a tyre changing station made up to slide into the tow bar on his truck

Wicked piece of gear.

Maybe he may share the design ????????

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Originally posted by nocando For your info COOLBREEZE had a tyre changing station made up to slide into the tow bar on his truck Wicked piece of gear. Maybe he may share the design ????????

I piked up the tire changer CB made, it is for sale. Nice set up, hooks to the receiver of your truck or car. works best with the 20mm PL wheels, but can be adapted to most other wheels. Best thing about it is it gets it off the floor to a workable height and the wheel locks on the bar, like having a second pair of hands as you work the tire.
I can take pics and post if any wants it.

I'd love to see some close ups of that. Very nice having it up off the ground waist high.

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Originally posted by BeamerBob I'd love to see some close ups of that. Very nice having it up off the ground waist high.

my hitch is shin high, but still makes it easier to work.
come to think about it, a couple of cuts, a couple welds and it is waist high, thanks BB. you are an inspiration.

Big kid some pics would be greatly appreciated

Wow, an inspiration! I'm honored. Best name I was called all day.

Yeah that was when it was mounted on Grants truck in 2011 that it was up where you can work with ease and leverage.

I gave up on people changing tires for me. 2 sets of wheels damaged. I bought tools and protective gear and can take my time and do them myself now even on the aluminum rims.

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Originally posted by BeamerBob Wow, an inspiration! I'm honored. Best name I was called all day. Yeah that was when it was mounted on Grants truck in 2011 that it was up where you can work with ease and leverage. I gave up on people changing tires for me. 2 sets of wheels damaged. I bought tools and protective gear and can take my time and do them myself now even on the aluminum rims.

I agree, do my own. I like the fact grant machine is set for 20mm wheels, the changers fingers don't get in the way as I am working, I like that. it does as I tell it to, with no back talk.

That certainly would be a nice contraption to have when a tire goes and your in the middle of the desert. Shin high, waist high, I would have to bump it up another notch......I'm still 6'5" and even though I turn 42 in a couple days, I still haven't shrunk an inch

Received my replacement rim today, getting it mounted at the ATV shop, next tires and rims will be mounted by yours truly.