DIY Moto tire change

Who has one of those harbor freight motorcycle tire changers #42927?

I was hoping i could get some dimensions of the 2 posts without the screw. I mainly am interested in the hole spacing on the 2 arms that use pins. I am going to try and make my own. I am torn between trying to do that and getting something like this guy: http://www.mile-x.com/tsi-ch-22-23-tire-changing-station.aspx

I was going to use 1/2x13 threaded rod and drill for pins to hold nuts in place to secure the drive rod. I plan on using 1.5x1.5 tube for the leg with 2x2 tube for the adjustable mounting pads. The leg with the jack screw will have the screw inside with a slot on the bottom to allow the nut to be mounted to the 2x2 tube for the clamp.

Does anyone have experience using threaded rod as a jack screw? Would i be better off spending more money to get a legit acme jack screw?

I also plan on picking up a mojo lever (http://home.comcast.net/~prestondrake/mojoweb.htm) and have already scored the harbor freight base and bead breaker used.

It is a shame that Harbor Freight quit making the motorcycle tire changer, and it appears the normal tire changer as well.

For balancing i am seriously considering getting this Mark Parnes balance shaft (http://www.marcparnes.com/). I am a sucker for stuff machined in the states by little guys.

On the other hand if anyone has a tire machine they want to sell cheap send me a message.

I've done all my bike tires with just a set of tire bars and a big vice to break the beads. I won't say I enjoy it but I got no room for any more machines I only use once a year.

I find myself riding alot. like 2-3 sets of tires a year. I have done it on the ground with tire levers, that sucks. I just paid a local shop 45 bucks a rim to mount/ balance. I am thinking it is worth taking the time to get some nicer gear. Plus the challenge of building a rim clamp is of interest to me.

bengro wrote: It is a shame that Harbor Freight quit making the motorcycle tire changer, and it appears the normal tire changer as well.

I thought they stopped making the normal one also but my latest version of their flier shows a manual tire changer with a "new" label on it. Item number 69686 The old version was item number 34542. I have not checked the store yet to see if they are stocking them yet or not. Have not seen a replacement for the motorcycle tire changer yet.

And don't go by their web page these days. They've removed all kinds of things from it that they actually still carry.

As well, different retail stores will stock different items. The ones just north of me still stock the motorcycle tire changing add-on for example.

foxtrapper wrote: As well, different retail stores will stock different items. The ones just north of me still stock the motorcycle tire changing add-on for example.

What stores are those? I may need to stop in if I am in the area.

York and or Harrisburg. Couple of guys the other week at the swap meet were playing with their new motorcycle wheel changers they bought there.