The table is a perfect 26" diameter for tires. |
I was able to smooth the puckered tire so it rests flat against the glass. |
We lived with the set for the summer. Previous owners had left paint splatters on the table. I was able to clean it off the glass, but spots remained on the green edge. It wasn't terribly noticeable and I could've lived with it's "character" or eventually sanded and repainted. However, when used tires entered the equation I put my "silly" idea to the test. My husband also wasn't around to offer an opinion.
I cleaned up the flexible tire; the other being a stiffer, flat-proof version I presumed wouldn't lend itself as easily to the task. First I tried folding the tire around the rim - exactly like you would on a wheel rim - but the 1.5" height was too thick. One last try: I cut the wire bead (1" into gumwall) off the rubber. This was just enough to stretch the rubber in place. The cut side is down. And, if I need to deal with rainwater collecting underneath, I have a leather hole punch that should do just the trick, adding unseen drainage holes.
When my youngest boy came home from school and admired my handiwork, he smiled and gave me a high five. Then I called a neighbor over - who also loves bikes. She gave her approval and immediately invited her husband to admire what I'd done. I felt better.
That's when I decided my husband is living with the "new" table.