14 fastlane techtorque
BEAD LOCKS
Typically , bead lock devices are used on high horsepower cars with funny car tyres , although they ’ ve come into vogue on high horsepower DOT ( tyre ) racecars . The clamping ring on a bead lock along with the nuts and bolts increase the weight of the wheel , which in turn , increases unsprung and rotational weight . The point is bead locks add reinforcement to the extremely soft sidewalls found on several different applications .
According to Mickey Thompson Tyres : “ Mickey Thompson recommends that wheel widths should not exceed 1 ” wider than the tread width . If you elect to use rim widths 1-2 ” wider than the tyres tread width , M / T strongly suggests increasing the number of rim screws to 16 per side or beadlocks . Beadlocks only are recommended on any wheel widths that exceed 2 ” wider than the tyre tread width or if speeds exceed 200 MPH . Some M / T tyres have “ Beadlocks Recommended ” stamped on the sidewall of the tyre .”
M / T goes on to state : “ If continued or excessive ( more than ½ ” to 1 ” per run ) wheel / slip is experienced , Mickey Thompson recommends the use of “ Beadlock ” wheels for ET Street Radials . Bead screws are not recommended and could lead to tyre failure and or damage .”
GLUE
Another option that has gained in popularity is the use of glue to keep the tyre bead stuck to the wheel rim . While some folks use weatherstrip adhesive , the most common glue used for this job is Permatex High Tack . It ’ s available right here in Summit ’ s catalog , under part number 80062 ( priced at under $ 7 per can ). The accepted way to apply it is to mount the tyre on the wheel before the High Tack is applied , but don ’ t air it up . Next lightly clean the rim
and tyre surface with acetone . The cleaner the surface , the better the bond . Apply the glue and wait for it to tack up before setting the bead on the rim . Brake cleaner will work to clean up the excess residue on the outside of the wheel and the tyre .
When mounting the tyre ( tubeless ), it ’ s still a good idea to apply soap to the inside of the tyre to seal the sidewall . What about tubes ? High Tack still works . But in this case , simply appliy a light dust of talcom powder of the inside of the tyre before installing the tube .
Finally , a tyre that has been glued on the wheel rim can be dismounted just as easily as one that hasn ’ t been glued . While the High Tack prevents the tyre from rotating on the rim , it won ’ t stop a tyre machine from breaking the bead . When remounting , just be sure to clean up the tyre and the rim ( once again , acetone or brake cleaner cleans it ).
You ’ ll find bead locks on everything from Top Fuel cars through Pro Stock on down to drag radial combinations . According to Mickey Thompson , for drag radials , when the wheel width is 2-inches wider than the tyre width , you need a bead lock