The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Dismounting 47' 3600 17x7.5 tires

I'm looking for some bias ply white wall tires that will fit my stock split Firestone AR rims. I believe these are not the 'widowmaker' style rims, and estimates to have them dismounted and remounted are around $30 each go around. $240 for labor seems like a lot considering I might go with a bed mounted spare (now $300). These rims need to be restored, so I'm thinking of dismounting the tires myself...sawsall? Anyone seen 17x7.5 whites? Where? Advice?

If you are talking about 7.50x17, it was always a truck tire and I doubt that you will find white walls. They are not that hard to change. Most of the 17" were 3 piece rims. You knock the bead down with a duck bill hammer and remove the lock rim. Then knock the other side down. Put a lot of lubricant, either Ruglyde or just plain soapy water, on the rim. Walking around on the tire will help loosening it. Then you can knock the rim out of the tire. Be sure you push the stem in so it doesn't get caught. Most tire shops say they don't change them because they are dangerous. The truth is, they don't have anyone who knows how to change a tire that won't go on a tire changer. There are still tire shops in farming areas that change them pretty reasonably.

Thanks, I'll be trying this for sure. I take it that I can install with this technique as well, great news! I'm bummed to hear about the lack of availability for 7.5x17 whites, but thanks for the insight.