I am trying to carefully replace the tubes without scratching the paint on the rims. I have tried several variations of bead removal but none really succesful. I am pulling off only the back side bead and replacing the tub. I am not pulling off the whole tire from the rim. I did not think it would be such a problem but even with four tire irons and lots of lubricant, no good luck.

If you use lubricant, dish soap and water works well, and nylon or other soft but strong tools you can take the tires off. It is necessary to break both beads from the rims and put them into the center depression to get enough of a space to pull the tire bead over the rim.

agree with chipper. most fairly new Hunter or Coats tire changing machines have hard nylon guards on the tire tools to prevent paint displacement. take the rim/tire assemblies to a good tire shop and they can do the job without paint removal, mike