I had a local 'Les Schwab' install my new 145/10's on stock rims with no problem whatsoever, (I actually did some grocery shopping at a nearby Fred Meyers while I was waiting). They called me on my cell a fairly short time later and said the Mini was all good to go. It was sitting pretty in the front parking spot when I got back over there. They also did 165/10's on genuine MiniLight Alloys as well with no problem and no scratches on one of my Mini Woody Wagons. I don't what all the fuss is about? Maybe it's just that I took the Minis over to their Shop expecting them to install the wheels and tires no problem. I did not ask them beforehand if they would be able to mount 10" wheels & tires. That to me is just setting yourself up. The Professionals ought to be able to handle it. Don't ask for any drama, and you shouldn't get any.                                                                                                Mini Estate

 

 

I guess that is what I was saying... in a long-winded kind of way. The 10 inch-ers didn't seem to be a big deal to my local shop. 

Why do you guys make a fuss over these wheels and tire sizes? Is there something im missing? Because they literally were like installing a bicycle tire with two bare hands...i almost went an hour out of my way to have them mounted somewhere when i said ,"lets try it by hand with spoons"

And then i pressed one on by hand and thought..wow,a lot of people are really over thinking this ..maybe its just new tires? But i dont get it ..MOUNTING is easy..bare rims...new tires..or if the old ones are junk cut off lol wish other tires were this easy.

Sounds like it may be time for a trip to the toy store (aka Harbor Freight)!

Like Malcom, I have used the Harbor Freight manual machine to mount my last set of 10" tires.  It was a fairly quick and easy task once the machine was bolted down.  I was given a rather tiny, somewhat useless bubble balancer.  I modified it for the Mini rims and bubble balanced them.  That took a long time but provided satisfactory results.  I would prefer to take the mounted tires/wheels somewhere and have them spun balanced.

On 10x5 ROH Contessa alloy wheels, I have had best balance results with placing weights in the centre, NOT on the inside and outside. If using thin weights they clear S calipers OK.

I’ve followed several Mini alignment & balance threads over the years and I expected to run into the usual complications when it came time for Rosebud’s turn at the tire shop. Rather than waste time at Costco, Pep Boys, etc. explaining the unique needs of our 10” wheels, I went straight to an old school wheel shop that specializes in split-wheel truck tires, tractors and earthmoving equipment. I showed up with my shinny-tiny 10 inch-ers and proceeded to tell these guy how to mount a tire—hand tools only, start with the inside bead, and don’t scratch my rims. I got my tires mounted okay but it wasn’t a  pleasant experience. I was happy to get out of there with my wheels… and my life.

I had 3 more wheel/tire sets to mount and thought I’d check with the shop that takes care of our daily drivers. It’s a medium size independent tire shop and I recall they did a great job on my 911. Nary a scratch on those ridiculously expensive Fuchs… and “chrome” wheel weights to boot!

Much to my surprise the shop said 10 inch-ers weren’t a problem. They did a great job on the other 3 sets w/ nitrogen in the tires and even computer-aligned Rosebud after fabbing a set of trick lug nuts for the job. Castor, camber, toe and a couple of perimeters I’ve never heard of. 

Sometimes overthinking a job is a bad thing. Lesson learned. 

I have used the ones Harbour Freight sell they have an inexpensive manual tire machine and static wheel balancer and stick on tire weights for that matter. I have used them all with good results (even the wheel balancer) but i do lay a rag over the machine so as not to damage the painted or aluminum rim and lots of soapy water to make things easier.

I too get my 10s done at the local Kal-Tire (BC). The former manager here was even able to track down some 10" tires for me once. as already stated, find a good tire guy that can do it by hand or a good tire guy that has an old tire machine and can handle it well. a smaller local shop rather than a chain is usually the best bet.

MOST important - the tires must be installed from the backside (as mentioned above)...AND with hand tools only - NO MACHINES.  Sidewall & bead damage is all too easy, especially with inexperienced installers using any machine.

Have balance weights (flat type) mounted on the inside/backside of the rim and be sure there is sufficient clearance between wheel rim and brake calipers.

You could use an internal puncture sealant ala Rally Cars...needs careful application.

I get my tires installed & balanced at Kal-Tire locally in British Columbia and when they see me coming they know that loving care & attention will be the order of the day!  They do a super job.

The suggestion to look for a shop with older equipment makes sense. (Most of the shops I've visited have probably upgraded.)  I'll give that a try and will also reach out to local SCCA.  Thanks!

 

I put soapy water on the tire and pushed mine on by hand,took 10 minutes all 4 tires on the golf carts..getting off we use a tire machine to break the bead and a saw lol they were junk tires pn the minilites i have

The tyres fit from the back of the wheel.

 

 

The tire shop I use does a fair bit of SCCA race stuff. I think there is still one class that uses 10" wheels. So if you can find your local SCCA group and ask there. 

The problem is youneed to find a shop with older equipment. Now that the wizards who design new vehicles have decided Doks are cool,, we have stock vehicles with 20 inch wheels. In order to make money many tire shops have had to upgrade equipment.

My old rim clamp could do 10's but I had to clamp from outside instead of insode for a good grip.  Balanceing wa no problem on my balancer either. but again.. that was older gear.  I'd say look for an older shop. You could use ATV gear, but it's manual, and a bear to break the bead on a Mini tire.

 

I live in the boonies and there are still a couple of tyre shops that have mounted and balanced 10's for me   3.5, 5 and 6"

Why can't your local shops do this?  ( not Walmart ! )

It's impractical and expensive, but I love running my (street) '62 Mini with 10" wheels and Yoko A032's.

The only problem is that I've had a few small punctures and I'm struggling to find a local shop to repair and spin balance.  Any suggestions for dealing with this issue?  (For example, should I be contacting ATV shops instead of auto shops?)

Or better yet, can anyone recommend some affordable tools that would allow me to mount/dismount and/or balance 10" tires myself? ( I put a lot of highway miles on the Mini and I'm also planning to run some track days so I need to balance 'em for high speeds.)

Any advice?