[TR] Tires and Rims

[Randall]

> Wasn't there a List discussion at one time concerning the use 
> of a tubeless 
> tire on a rim that was originally intended for use with a 
> tube? ISTR that 
> such a rim could be safely used with a tubeless tire. Correct?

There has been lots of discussion on that point over the years.  The issue
involves the lack of "safety beads", which were added to many car wheels at
about the same time as the transition from tube to tubeless tires.  In
theory, the beads help keep the tire from coming off the rim after a total
loss of pressure.

But IMO, using a tubeless tire (without a tube) on a rim without safety
beads is no worse (and possibly even better) than using a tube-type tire on
it.  The beads only help a little, to prevent a situation that is unlikely
to arise with our cars; plus tubeless tires are much less prone to a sudden
loss of pressure (blowout) than tubed tires are. 

But I wouldn't put them on a Ford Explorer <G>

Randall