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Bob's RV-8 Build Site
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Date:  5-19-2022
Number of Hours:  2.40
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Wheels & Tires Assembled

My goal was to assemble the wheels and tires tonight. As I got started I used every wrench I had in inventory to try to get a good hold on the bolt head to tighten and torque the bolts correctly. Because of the depth and the lack of clearance around the bolt head of the Grove disc you cannot get a thin wall socket, a crows foot, or an open end wrench around the head (which I have been able to do with Cleveland and Matco wheels although it's still not easily done).

So I diverted course and decided to modify an extra deep well 12 point socket I had in my toolbox. I brought it out to the shop and using a carbide insert mill tool I was able to machine away a portion of the socket to allow it to slip easily around the bolt head with the limited clearance. Sockets are tough material and I had to take small cuts but it was well worth the effort. I should have made one years ago!

With that done I proceeded to assemble the tires and wheels. The tires I have are retreads that I had made by Wilkerson tires here in Virginia. I had a couple of Michelin cores that I provided them and they made the retreads. The total for the two tires was around $100. My friend Ralph suggested I try them as he has had fantastic service out of them. So we will see how they work out but I figured it would be worth it for the initial pair of tires since I already had the worn Michelin cores. So at least the tires are ready to install when I get the gear ready.
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Modified Socket

Modified Socket

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Brake disc bolts in tight area

Brake disc bolts in tight area

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Tires & Wheels assembled

Tires & Wheels assembled

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