(Let me start off by saying I didn't have time to take picts but, they will follow after STAR07 and NCSTOC)
I had my first chance to use my No-Mar tire changer on Saturday. As a novice tire changer my first tire was removed and replaced in under 10 mins with very little sweating. You could barely even tell where the rim had been clamped (only displaced brake dust). I guess that's why they call it No-Mar. Since I am floor space limited right now, I used their reciever hitch adapter (great for track days and friends house's).
With their supplied DVD (you can see everything here: http://www.nomartirechanger.com/ ) I was able to assemble the unit (15 mins maximum) and change a front tire. My only issue was, I didn't watch the instal video as close as I should have. I had a little difficulty getting the last bead over the rim. When I started having a problem I reviewed the video and determined that I was trying to get the wrong bead into the drop in the rim (Silly Neil). Back out to the changer with my new knowledge and the last bead was over the rim in a few moments (damn those directions ;+}).
I also balanced my tire/rim with their static balancer and then had it checked a local shop with their spin balancer and static balancer. Their equipment agreed with my balance.
The only down side to the whole experience is the cash out lay of $900 for the "Classic" model kit. With three tire changes a year, it will take me a few years to recover the cost. My friends will really appreciate my purchase and the convienance of not having to run 30-60 mins to a shop, is really the bottom line for me. What once took 3 hours, now takes me 30 mins. max! If you factor in that time to the equation then, my ROI will be in under 2 years.
My rating on this is:
If your ever in the Nashville area, give me ashout and we can get those tires changed now!
Later
Neil S.
I had my first chance to use my No-Mar tire changer on Saturday. As a novice tire changer my first tire was removed and replaced in under 10 mins with very little sweating. You could barely even tell where the rim had been clamped (only displaced brake dust). I guess that's why they call it No-Mar. Since I am floor space limited right now, I used their reciever hitch adapter (great for track days and friends house's).
With their supplied DVD (you can see everything here: http://www.nomartirechanger.com/ ) I was able to assemble the unit (15 mins maximum) and change a front tire. My only issue was, I didn't watch the instal video as close as I should have. I had a little difficulty getting the last bead over the rim. When I started having a problem I reviewed the video and determined that I was trying to get the wrong bead into the drop in the rim (Silly Neil). Back out to the changer with my new knowledge and the last bead was over the rim in a few moments (damn those directions ;+}).
I also balanced my tire/rim with their static balancer and then had it checked a local shop with their spin balancer and static balancer. Their equipment agreed with my balance.
The only down side to the whole experience is the cash out lay of $900 for the "Classic" model kit. With three tire changes a year, it will take me a few years to recover the cost. My friends will really appreciate my purchase and the convienance of not having to run 30-60 mins to a shop, is really the bottom line for me. What once took 3 hours, now takes me 30 mins. max! If you factor in that time to the equation then, my ROI will be in under 2 years.
My rating on this is:
+ powder coating
+ equipment design
+ equipment function
++ ease of use
++ instructions
- cost.
+ equipment design
+ equipment function
++ ease of use
++ instructions
- cost.
If your ever in the Nashville area, give me ashout and we can get those tires changed now!
Later
Neil S.