Looking for a duck head kit for HF tire changer

[JellyBeanDriver]

Anyone have a recommendation for a decent duck head kit for the HF tire changer? I already own one of the red ones from years ago and just learned about the duck head modification for it this past week. I see a lot of cheap offerings and some really expensive ones.

Anyone have one they like?

 

[ripcord]

Anyone have a recommendation for a decent duck head kit for the HF tire changer? I already own one of the red ones from years ago and just learned about the duck head modification for it this past week. I see a lot of cheap offerings and some really expensive ones.

Anyone have one they like?

I bought a generic one off eBay. It works OK once you get the hang of it. Some professional, purpose made tire lube helps a lot and works much better than dish soap. You'll want some tire spoons/levers to go with it.

 

[D60]

All I can really tell you is you absolutely need a way to hold the center bore concentric. I'm assuming the kits cover that, but IME it's difficult to find a solution for cars and trucks, alloy (thicker, easy) and steel (very thin, difficult)

 

[ripcord]

All I can really tell you is you absolutely need a way to hold the center bore concentric. I'm assuming the kits cover that, but IME it's difficult to find a solution for cars and trucks, alloy (thicker, easy) and steel (very thin, difficult)

My kit came with some aluminum cones, but holding the wheel securely centered is most definitely a huge requirement for making it work.

 

[JellyBeanDriver]

Thanks everyone for your input! I have a cone on order, not realizing some kits come with them.

I see a few kits use a bearing on the center post, or have a captive center post nut/shaft with bushings. Is that a ‘nice to have’ or necessary in your opinion?.

 

[ripcord]

Thanks everyone for your input! I have a cone on order, not realizing some kits come with them.

I see a few kits use a bearing on the center post, or have a captive center post nut/shaft with bushings. Is that a ‘nice to have’ or necessary in your opinion?.

However it's achieved, you gotta get the wheel mounted securely and centered. I could see some wheels not working with my setup, so more options are better than fewer.

 

[D60]

My homebrew booty fab setup doesn't have a way to keep the arm from riding up the main shaft, which is obnoxious. Sometimes the duck head will just ride up on the bead and push the whole arm up

So, you want a bolt/plate washer on the main shaft after you slip the arm on. Again, I think most kits have this covered.

I keep meaning to correct mine, but never have the time.