The lock ring on the tires is the dished metal ring that goes all the way round the rim just at the edge of the tire. You will notice that it has a little gap between the ends. That is what locks everything up.
If'n it ain't all locked up right, under pressure (in the tires) the lock ring can spring off and the whole shebang (maybe that's where that word came from) comes apart in a fraction of a second and parts go wherever.
Tire repair shops put these tires/wheels together and air the up in a cage. If you are forced to air a tire with out the cage (like when it is on the truck) exercise more than due caution.
The big danger occurs if a tire goes flat. The tire/wheel/lock rim gets loose, even though it may not look like it, and when you put air to the tire, everything starts to tighten up again. If things ain't just right, she-BANG!
I had a tire on my '46 go flat not too long ago. I put just enough air in it so the tire wouldn't come off the wheel and took it to a shop with a cage.
People (so I've heard) have lost legs, arms and even been killed when improper repair procedures are used. Just a dark thought, but if you loose a leg, you'll either have a tough time double-clutchin' or you'll end up havin' someone else reach his foot through the shifter and the brake handle to mash the starter and get 'er goin' then run the foot feed for ya.
