<VV> Tired

[Padgett]

I have a problem with Harbor Freight in that just about everything in the 
store is made in China. Still I get their flyers and usually there is 
something really oddball that is hard to resist like 18" needle nose 
pliers, everybody oughta have one.

At the same time I hate the bother of taking tires to be changed. Have had 
some 215x65x15s that seemed good for the rear of the Monza to bring the 
3.55 revs down a bit but they are on 115x5 GM FWD wheels and not any of my 
Snowflakes.

The latest caught my eye - a portable tire changer on sale for $34.99. 
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34542
Could not resist.

When picked up the box seemed rather small and most of the reviews I found 
showed it being used for motorcycle tires so was not sure. Assembly showed 
it to be "compact" which goes along with the portability but had no problem 
with a 15x8" wheel and removal of the 215s from the 15x6 Buick wheels was 
even pretty easy - sprayed the rim edge with vinyl protectorant (was at 
hand and is real slippery) was not at all difficult to break the bead (one 
of the benefits of living in central Florida) on both sides and remove the 
tire.

Before starting I had made one addition - used three lengths of 2x4 to make 
legs on the channels. This was actually the hardest part as the U-channels 
were 1/2" narrower than the 2x4 so some creative sawing was required.
http://padgett.ws/files/tirechanger.jpg

The assembly is light and did want to turn when removing the tire but by 
standing on the leg I was able to remove the tire without much difficulty 
and the unit would be easy to take to an Autocross by just removing the lag 
bolts (3/8x1.5")

For $35 bucks it seems a deal compared to $10 for a station to change a 
tire . Anyone else ever used one ?

Padgett