Bead Lock Alternatives

[Angrey]

So, there's a desire to be able to run tires at lower pressure (for more grip).

The preferred solution is a beadlock wheel. The problem I'm having is that there are VERY few companies that offer bead lock wheels outside of typical drag wheel dimensions. 18" there's virtually none available and the only manufacturer I've found is Forgeline and they want an absurd amount (in my personal opinion).

So starting from the point that a true, functional bead lock is not available (practically) in 18"

what are the alternatives?

My wheel has bead knurling (which helps provide a rougher surface for the bead to fill in and grip) to prevent spinning.

I've read in various articles, forums, old war stories about all sorts of adhesives that can be applied at mounting. Everything from hair spray, high tack, various forms of glue, etc.

I've searched and can't find a true dedicated/engineered product for adhering the bead to the rim. All the products I've been able to find are either sealants (designed more for stopping leaks) or aids for mounting and removing (more like lubricant, which is opposite of what I'm looking for).

I'd like to be able to run 305 Drag Radials and dial the pressure down to say, low 20's or even high teens and NOT have the tire spin on the wheel.

Is anyone familiar with either a specific product or what a good redneck remedy would be for adding additional tack/grip to the bead-wheel bond? Also preferable would be a product that doesn't destroy or damage the wheel if the tire needs removal.

Thanks,

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[givemeadollar]

drill some self tappers through your wheel into the tire and have your redneck beadlocks!

 

[Angrey]

drill some self tappers through your wheel into the tire and have your redneck beadlocks!

Yeah, I guess I didn't mention that one, no, that's not a viable option for me. Aside from molesting the wheel, I'm not keen on doing high triple digits on a tire that's got several screws in it.

 

[givemeadollar]

Yeah, I guess I didn't mention that one, no, that's not a viable option for me. Aside from molesting the wheel, I'm not keen on doing high triple digits on a tire that's got several screws in it.

I don't blame you in the slightest but I saw redneck engineering so I figured I would throw it out there lol

 

[NGOT8R]

Can you mount the tires dry at the beads to prevent slippage?

 

[Angrey]

Can you mount the tires dry at the beads to prevent slippage?

Most tire shops are gonna wanna put some sort of soap or lube to get it over the lip, especially tires that have a crazy bead (like y rated). I suppose I could request they dry the beat before inflating. I want to go a step further and add an adhesive that will help bind the bead to the knurling.

 

[NGOT8R]

Most tire shops are gonna wanna put some sort of soap or lube to get it over the lip, especially tires that have a crazy bead (like y rated). I suppose I could request they dry the beat before inflating. I want to go a step further and add an adhesive that will help bind the bead to the knurling.

I gotcha. Maybe use Windex or alcohol as lube and it will eventually evaporate/dry up and you will have a dry seal…No?

 

[Angrey]

I gotcha. Maybe use Windex or alcohol as lube and it will eventually evaporate/dry up and you will have a dry seal…No?

True, although the mounting lube/compounds may be a culprit, I'm looking to go a step further and not just have a clean/dry seal. I'm looking to apply something that AIDS in grip and adhesion between the bead and the wheel.

Having them dry when inflated will most likely help. I'm looking to have them not just clean without slippery agents, I'm looking to have them tack to the bead knurling on the wheel.

 

[MikeW]

True, although the mounting lube/compounds may be a culprit, I'm looking to go a step further and not just have a clean/dry seal. I'm looking to apply something that AIDS in grip and adhesion between the bead and the wheel. Having them dry when inflated will most likely help. I'm looking to have them not just clean without slippery agents, I'm looking to have them tack to the bead knurling on the wheel. Not sure if it would help but you could try a tire sealer.

 

[K4fxd]

Hairspray works. Wet it is a lube when it sets up it is glue.

Screws are a valid method. Space them about 2 inches apart all the way around the rim on both sides.

Back in the day top fuel guys were doing this. Maybe still are.

 

[K4fxd]

If you do go the screw route do not use self tappers. Drill the wheel with the tire off then measure the width of the bead and use a proper length high quality screw.

Mount the tire and run the screw through each hole. I would use some kind of sealer/locker on the screws. Locktite?

 

[NGOT8R]

If you do go the screw route do not use self tappers. Drill the wheel with the tire off then measure the width of the bead and use a proper length high quality screw.

Mount the tire and run the screw through each hole. I would use some kind of sealer/locker on the screws. Locktite?

Good recommendation, although I wouldn’t dare want to attempt this myself. I would rather see if a good and I do mean “good” machine shop could drill the wheels and tap the holes for me.

 

[K4fxd]

I would rather see if a good and I do mean “good” machine shop could drill the wheels and tap the holes for me.

You don't want to tap the holes, they need to be slightly larger than the diameter of the screw.

This guy is using self tappers and the description calls then rim screws.

Anyway this is how you do it.

 

[Dana Pants]

You can clean the tires and wheels with alcohol and mount them absolutely bone dry. The tire machine might not like it, but you can do it by hand with 3 tire irons and a bead depressor pretty reasonably.

 

[K4fxd]

3 tire irons, reminds me of my farm days.

Do you use ether to set the bead?

I would struggle with those rubber band tires with a tire machine.

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