stickler64

Got the portawalls.. Took them to my local tire shop. They kept squeezing out when they tried to install 'em. They would not stay in. Called Lucas and they were surprised to hear that and suggested that all surfaces must be dry and grease free or they weren't centered properly. I'm gonna try to mess with em this weekend. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Fujiz_xb

dang that must have been rough.. post pics when done

stickler64

I was so disappointed. When they took me back in to the shop, I looked at them and they looked sooo good.
It's supposed to be nice this weekend. So, time for DIY.

Al-Truistic

Sorry to hear that Stick...it sounds like your getting closer to that look your after tho. Hang in there, because I think you will be on the cutting edge of a really different look from what we are seeing of Scions out there.

I know I can't wait to see how all your effort turns out !

aB

rollotomassi

Cool link, Man.

For those of you who would also want to do this and have actual permanent whitewall tires, go to Coker Tire.

http://www.cokertire.com/

They make modern radial whitewall tires for vintage and modern vehicles in many different sizes. I have used them and would recommend them. I've also had friends that Coker made custom whitewall tires for. Check it out.

TheBugBox

Unless they gave you the wrong ones, they should fit fine. I know this sounds stupid, but did they let the air of the tire first before installing?

stickler64

I didn't even think to ask! Could they be that stupid?! I'm just about to try to put'm on. Just need more coffee.

stickler64

Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Hopefully posting pics today.
Here's another crazy thought I've had. Sun visor! Like the ones you see on trucks. Perhaps that might be a little over the top.

TheBugBox

Check to make sure they gave you 15" ones. They make 14, 15 & 16" versions. Just jack up the car, let ALL of the air out of the tire so that you can 'squish' the sidewall away from the rim. Start from the top, sliding it in between the bead and the rim. Work your way out around the rim. Stand back, make sure they are centered on the rim. Air tire back up. Let down the jack, and tada! You've done one!

stickler64

I don't know how those yucks could mess up something so simple! Didn't see your instructions until now. But, I did it just like you said and it was easy and painless.I've got one that is pushing out. I'll make some adjustments.
Moons on or moons off? I can't decide. Wish I could put baby moons and trim rings on there

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Al-Truistic

Stick! Very nice job...and I vote moons off, personally (that's what I intend to do !) Is the profile shot showing a gap because the tire needs air?

Anyway, awesome instant old school vintage box right here! Good job!

(p.s. why don't your pix show?)

aB

stickler64

Don't know why the pics won't show. I did everything right. I've done this before and it took a while but eventually they showed up.

The profile shot is to show how they push out when I inflate them.

Now, the bad news. Took it for a spin around the block. Sure enough, 2 of them started squeezing out. I think maybe the idiots at the tire shop got'm greasy or gunky. I'll take em out and clean em tommorow. It's damn frustrating!

TheBugBox

Clean them good. I also don't think a few dabs of weatherstrip adhesive would hurt the balance of the wheel. Put it behind the white wall sticking to the tire. I vote no moons, but paint the rims red, heh. But that's just my opinion.

pkoule

AW S**T!
So I cleaned the winter salt off the xB, waxed and polished, put on the 15" spun racing disks from JCW.

Less than 50 miles later I park at home with one of the disks having popped off.
Not even enough time on the car to get a picture.

Damn!

stickler64: If you decide to not use the moons, let me know. I Like 'em!

stickler64

That sucks! Sorry, bro I have nevr had trouble with mine. Wish I could say the same about the portawalls. Spent 3 hours cleaning and pushin on em. My hands are raw and they're still squeezing out.

pkoule

That's rough; they look soo good!
Can the dealer help you out with tips?
Where did you get them?
Maybe you could call Lucas for install tips?.

rollotomassi

I don't work for these guys, but please visit their site. I hate to see fellow enthusiasts suffer.

http://www.cokertire.com/

OakToddler

TheBugBox

$39.99 vs. $656.00 is a HUGE difference. I love coker tires like the next guy, but the inserts vs. the actual whitewall radials are a huge gap in price.

stickler64

My thoughts exactly! I'll be callin Lucas tomorrow. It may have something to do with them being radial tires. Last time I talked to the guy @ Lucas, I think I heard his eyebrows raising when I told him they were radials.

Thanks to everyone for the help and support. Someday, somehow, my vision for the vintage box will be seen. Even if the pics won't post.