I own a 64 convertible and am looking to replace the current old tires with new white wall Diamond Backs. My car has original knock-off wheels that I want to protect. I am concerned about a potentially "uncareful" mechanic scratching up my car's undercarriage on their lifts and/or them not knowing how to remove and install knock-off wheels. So, I am thinking of removing the current wheels/tires myself at home and bringing them somewhere to get the new tires mounted, though I would rather that the shop do it only if I was confident that they were not going to scratch the underside and they knew how to handle real knock-offs. I am trying to figure out the process for doing this and would appreciate any inputs:

1) For my scenario, would you also take the wheels off yourself instead of at the tire shop?
2) Any recommendations for a tire shop that knows how to take care of valuable wheels in the Seattle area (ideally, northern Seattle area)?
3) For anyone who has done something like this: Do I order the tires myself, have them shipped to my home, and then bring them with me, or do I have them shipped directly to the tire shop? (I will of course coordinate this with the TBD tire shop, so just trying to understand other people's experiences and recommendations)

 

When I received my new KRNC Forged Wheels, I wanted a CENTER POST Mounting Machine that did
not touch the outer edge of the wheel (inside or outside edge)

REGAL Auto Care in Auburn has one of the only very expensive HUNTER Machine's in Western WA
that will do Tires/Wheels that werent purchased at the shop..............

Contact owner KOREY at 253-735-3363 to discuss your needs....................

In these pics I supplied the Blue Adhesive Edge Film (Amazon) for extra insurance...............

REGAL also has the HUNTER ROAD FORCE Balancing Machine

 

Thank you for that recommendation, Chuck / @CamarosRus ! Cool to see the photos of your tire mounting process, too.

 

I just contacted Regal Auto Care in Auburn, per @CamarosRus's recommendation. They have much more reasonable pricing than HKP Customs in Bellevue. Both shops have the Hunter touchless tire mounting machine.

 

I wouldn't expect any regular shop to know how to remove and install knock-offs or understand there's a left and right side to the hubs & spinners. Best to remove and install them yourself, either at your home or their shop. In my town the local guys wouldn't mind at all for me to do this since it relieves them of financial responsibility for wheel/hub damage and proper installation.

 

Unless the shop can get you a good price or match the price, buy the tires and have them shipped to your place. I recently ordered a set from Summit Racing. They were offering free shipping at the time.