New Rims for K5 Z50 ('74)

Hi there

I just had my first experience taking apart the rear wheel to put a replacement tube and tire on. Needless to say it didn't go as planned and the tire is absolutely stuck onto the rim and it is impossible to get off. Yay.

I'm looking for rims that are as close to the original as possible. By that I mean I don't want shiny rims when the originals were a dull silver color. They also need to be the same dimensions as the original.


Does anyone have any good recommendations? I'm hoping I don't have to spend an absolute ton on them either, but at this point I don't really have a choice.

Did you damage your rims or is the tire still stuck? If they're undamaged, it CAN be done.

Basically I had to cut the tire off and there is about 2" of rubber still attached to the rim all around the edges that won't come off. Rims are fine though if I could just get the rubber off, but I don't see that happening and would rather just get new rims at this point.

In my case, it was the rust on the inside of the rim that held them on. Scrape off as much rust as you can on the inside edge of the bead. Maybe lube it up with some WD40.

I got my ct70 tires off by stepping on them all the way around the bead first to break it loose (sounds like its too late for that). Actually I used a 2x4 so i could pust right up next to the rim. Then I used a 2 foot crowbar with a wide tip on the straight end and stuck it between the rim and tire bead. I tried to get it all the way down to the base of the bead, then twist the crowbar to widen the gap. In some cases I had to use a large straight screwdriver to get the gap ooened enough for the bar. If you can get the screwdriver in to the base of the bead, you can inch it along or pry to break the bead loose. It just too patience and swearing.

I also stepped on the tire and pulled like hell on the rim, turning the tire inside out a bit. Clamp your tire remnant in a vise and pull that rim. Unclamp and turn it a bit, reclamp, repeat.

From the inside, since you cut the tire, you can use the screwdriver to get under the bead and stretch it to break free. Just hammer it down in there if necessary and pry. You need a BIG screwdriver.

If you cut the tires off, why not just cut the bead in one spot from the inside to relieve the pressure and peel it off? A good fresh utility knife should do it. You still might need to work around it to break it loose inch by inch.

Worth the effort, I think, as new wheels will run $150. Then again, you'll have to sandblast and paint the old ones, and that's $.

I think the bead has a wire or 3 running thru it. BUT, if you cut that bead with a angle grinder, Dremel, even a pair of side cutters might nibble thru it, the remains will come off easily. Cut the bead, remove the tire, then make a decision if you still want a new wheel.

Z50 tires are the absolute worst to get off the wheel. Ct70's are easy by comparison imo

Right now I'm looking at these for replacements: http://tboltusa.com/store/tbparts-rim-set-silver-z50-k0-79-stock-p-2309.html

I honestly don't think that's a bad price. Especially if it keeps me from cursing out these old rims!





This is kinda where I'm at with the old rims, it's very hard to do with out any useful tools:

That tire will come off. I like to cut down into the tire as far as I can toward the rim. Grab on one side of the slice with vice grips , twist and add a parallel cut along the rim nearly exposing the wire bead integral to the tire. Small Dremel bit, grind through the rubber until you hit the wires. Grind through each one then peel it back out of the way with needle nose pliers, then go after the next wire. When the last one is cut, the tire pops and it comes right off. Even if you decide to do new rims, I'd get the tires off and salvage the rims

scooter said:

That tire will come off. I like to cut down into the tire as far as I can toward the rim. Grab on one side of the slice with vice grips , twist and add a parallel cut along the rim nearly exposing the wire bead integral to the tire. Small Dremel bit, grind through the rubber until you hit the wires. Grind through each one then peel it back out of the way with needle nose pliers, then go after the next wire. When the last one is cut, the tire pops and it comes right off. Even if you decide to do new rims, I'd get the tires off and salvage the rims

Click to expand...

I second that. Worth salvaging either way. Don't toss them if they aren't bent.

Yeah either way I will be keeping them. Eventually if I get access to the right tools I'll probably get the rubber off but for now I bought the rims that I linked to in a previous post. Hope they are as good as they look.

Heat with a torch.

Z50 rims ARE the worst. I use an angle grinder. Just cut down to and then thru the inner bead. There are wires in there. Only way I do it anymore. After tire removal, the rims need to be inspected for holes or thin areas. They also need to be reinspected after blasting.

Most would prefer root canal over removing a set of these tires. Having just done some, I get your frustration. Never remove a set of these when women and children are present. Sounds like you've done much of the work of cutting away as much of the tires as possible. Next step is to take an angle grinder or dremel cutting tool and cut through the wire bands and the tire will pop off. Be careful not to cut into the wheel itself. Once done, you'll be sweaty, exhausted and wondering why you want a mini bike anyway. If you're hell bent on getting new wheels, check out hondanuts for some high quality repros. Good luck.