My dealer actually IS a TRUCK tire dealer - last I was there, a big ol' dump truck pulled up, and they quickly had one of the duals off and changed it right there.
I went ahead and had them dismount the old tires and save the wheels and rims for me. I watched them dismount a couple of them. They lubricated the tire rim, then used a sledge hammer with a blunt blade (sorta like a pick axe) to break the bead. And I mean he was swingin' for the stands! Of course, he was bitchin' about what junk these old wheels are, and how dangerous. I think that's pretty tacky, in front of the customer especially. It pi$$ed me off some.
Anyway, I picked them up friday and took 'em to my shop. I discovered a nice, 4-inch gash in one of the rims, straight through. Funny . . . it seems to match the shape of the sledge blade they were using to de-bead the tires - go figure! :mad:
well, when I complained to the dealer, he went on for 10 minutes about how these wheels are like bombs ready to go off any minute, they weren't any good when they were NEW, and how I wouldn't want to hurt anybody, especially a child, or worse. I thanked him for his advice, and said his was one of many opinions I was considering. His urged me not to listen to sombody with no truck tire experience, like at Dobbs or something, but only to listen to a true truck dealer, and he listed 5 of his competitors.
Now, for the interesting part. He says I could convert to tubeless wheels, and put radials on it, 22.5R-somethin' or other. He said they would bolt right up, and be totally safe. He ALSO said it would cost over $2500 dollars, tires included. (That, by-the-way, is more than I paid for the truck).
Funny thing is, even though he would benefit from selling me expensive new wheels, I am convinced he honestly believes what he is telling me, and that he has integrity. I'm not immune to his, and myriad others', arguments about the danger of suicide rims. Especially when I saw the condition of the wheels and rims. I can't deny it - I have two small children of my own, and I would ABSOLUTELY CRUMBLE if anyone was ever hurt by my wheels, especially for the sake of saving money.
I just haven't decided what to do yet.
I took photos, but haven't learned how to post yet. I'll work on that. Sorry for the long vent.
-Michael
