I need some advice on removing a ballon tire from a split rim. I've never done this before. I'm trying to remove the tire and tube from a split rim on my '26 sedan. It keeps loosing air. I have the three finger crank rim tool, and a bead breaker from the 1920's. I'm not sure how far I should compress the rim. Do I need tire irons/spoons????More important; Is there any danger in seperating the tire , tube, and rim and how do I remove the valve stem ????? I'd welcome any advice that anyone can provide. The tire size is 4.50 x 21 - 4.40 x 21.

Do a Chatter 'search' using the link at the top of the this page; there have been several good discussions about split rims and how to deal wilth them.

Good luck

Gator most of the discussion is about split rims for trucks, I think the one on the 26 sedan in question is a detachable rim. completely different species. I have taken them off several times and there are a couple of different approaches, basically: let all air out of tire (remove valve core and any valve stem cover) lay the tire and rim flat on the floor outside of the rim up, remove the cotter key from the rim latch, assemble the rim tool so that the single foot is about 7 inches past the rim latch, and the 2 spread feet are evenly spread actoss from the rim latch, Crank the rim tool to pull the rim into the center of the tire just enough to pull the rim off the tire with the tire irons, first one side then the other also be sure to push the valve stem up inside the tire, if you pull the rim in too far it may bend and be hard to spread back and latch the rim latch an replace the cotter key or nail whichever you use (I like this part) remove the flap and tube, and repair or replace the tube, insert it and the flap back into the tire using PLENTY of baby powder! Also the dot on the tire (green or red) should be even with the valve stem I put just enough air in the tube to keep it from wrinkling inside the tire and flap Then ( I really like this part) Assemble in reverse order, being careful to keep the valve stem straight out and not at an angle to the rim! after the tire is on the rim and the rim is properly latched air it up to the manufactors recommended pressure I use about 40 PSI on the 28,

Thank you Gator & MrMack for your responses.
I used the wrong term to describe the type of rim I have. I guess detachable is the correct term. The rim is split, but not like a truck. I'll follow the instructions as you wrote them MrMack. I thought that was the way to do it. I figured I'd ask questions before getting into something that I wasn't familiar with and ruined a tire or rim. I worked 21 years in a Caddy/Olds dealership, but never removed tires fron a rim like this. Thanks for the help.