I now have an extra set of '99 16" Firebird wheels that will eventually become my autox wheels. I have decided to strip and polish my stock 95 5-spoke wheels for daily use, for a lil bit of a "bling" factor since the paint is bad on them anyway. I would rather spend the $20 or so it will cost to dismount them somewhere else, on polishing equipment. So, how do I dismount the tires from the old rims at home? These tires are nearly slicks and will be disposed of anyway, I already have the 99 wheels and tires mounted. Does anyone have some suggestions as how to dismount these tires at home?

 

start cuttin the tire

There is really no easy way of getting it off without the right equipment. Like i said start cutting
Marcin

 

I think that's what I'm going to do. Just wanted to see if there was an easier way.

 

you wouldnt even be able to break the bead without damaging the wheel and tire. then comes the part of getting the tire off the wheel itself. more scratches on the face of the wheel.

its not even easy for a first timer to do it on the proper machine, i cant imagine someone trying it for the first time and not even using a machine!

i cant see cutting it off even worth it. You most likely wouldnt be able to cut the bead off witout, again, damaging the wheel, and I have a lot of trouble trying to break a bead with no tire on it.

 

I wouldn't even think about attempting something like that without an actual "machine" made to do it. Well, maybe the donut spare... or maybe not. LOL!

Take it to your local Tire Rack or something... I think my local place charges around $5 to dismount a tire from a wheel if you take it in there.

 

Definetly take it to your local shop. The shop i work at will only charge maybe $25 for all four wheels and it will only take bout 5 minutes.

 

I think that's what I'm going to end up doing, I forgot about the bead, that would definitely be a lil tough to get off. BTW, any suggestions for removing the stock powdercoating? I've tried some paint stripper, but that stock powdercoat is tough, plus I dont want to sand into the metal if I dont have to, it would be nice if the surface under the paint ends up being fairly smooth already.

 

When I painted my wheels, I used some kleen strip aircraft paint remover from autozone. That stuff was very effective. Took all paint and clearcoat off within 2 coats, but it was vey messy.