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  • 1.  Inflating tires

    Posted 03-24-2016 04:42 PM

    Motorcyclepedia features over 500 motorcycles, motorized bikes and bicycles dating from the mid 1800's to mid 1900's. I was wondering how other museums keep the tires inflated on the vehicles and bikes on display? Any tips would be appreciated.

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    Chris Knasiak
    Museum Coordinator
    Motorcyclepedia
    Newburgh NY
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  • 2.  RE: Inflating tires

    Posted 03-25-2016 09:38 AM

    Hi Chris,

    From what I've seen the standard practice is to elevate the vehicle with jack stands or a mount to keep it from actually resting on the tires. Inflation of the tires usually isn't an issue and the rubber stays in better condition too.

    Hope that helps.

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    Suzanne McGarraugh
    Exhibit Design Specialist
    Mountmaking & Installation
    San Antonio, TX

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Inflating tires

    Posted 03-26-2016 11:06 AM

    Hi Chris:  Our vehicles are inspected annually by members of the American Truck Historical Society, Baltimore-Washington Chapter.  Our vehicles are up on jacks.  They check the tires and inflate as necessary to stay on the wheel but less than what the tire calls for.  

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    Jane Woltereck
    Registrar
    Baltimore Museum of Industry
    Baltimore MD

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Inflating tires

    Posted 03-28-2016 09:12 AM

    Hi Chris:

    I agree with what the others have said--all our vehicles are on jack stands with the tires off the ground.  We don't have any motorcycles, but our bicycles are treated the same way.  The one thing I would add is that rubber tires tend to break down over time and many of ours are so deteriorated that they couldn't hold air even if we wanted them to.  The rubber is cracked, has small pinholes in it, and even has pieces falling off in some cases.  Same with rubber/plastic gaskets and seals.  Once the process is started there isn't much you can do, but it's even more reason to keep the tires off the ground.

    Thanks, and have a great Monday.

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    Geoffrey Woodcox
    Assistant Curator of Collections
    State Historical Society of North Dakota
    Bismarck ND

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Inflating tires

    Posted 03-28-2016 10:31 AM

    Ditto jack stands.  If you have lots of wheeled vehicles, like at my former post, it gets kind of pricey, but it does extend the life/preserve the tires or wheel rims.  Even wooden wagon wheels get out of round from just sitting in one place.

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    David Beard
    Director
    Museum of the Gulf Coast
    Port Arthur TX

    Original Message