Dropping the spare tire on a deuce is extremely dangerous. Another thing to watch out for is the pawl skipping out. Never, never, never assume that the pawl is holding the wheel! It is not that difficult to unwind the crank safety. Do it slowly. Also, when cranking back up make sure the cables are winding separately, nice and neat and not just wadding up on top of each other. I always get help cranking up a spare if possible. Once cranked up, have someone start the two nuts to hold the wheel up before letting go of the crank. I always replace the tube when repairing a flat on a deuce. The cost of the tube is relatively low, while the labor is a real pain. Most of the tubes on deuces are many years old. Best of all, pay someone else $25.00 or so to mount/dismount and change out the tube. That's what I've done the last two times.
I drove to Mom and Dad's Friday evening so Dad and I could drive one of the Deuces to the IMVPA meeting at the Ropkey Armor Museum. Dad and I had done some spot painting and the usual pre-trip PMCS when we discovered we had a flat on the left rear outboard tire. We checked the TM and armed with the proper tools and knowledge, we performed our first tire change on an M35A2. The only drama that occurred was when we were ready to lower the spare tire. I have the lug wrench mere inches from the fitting when Dad lifts the pawl up releasing the spare tire. Well, the cable unwound, I stepped back and the spare was sitting there on the driveway. I look up at Dad and said " That's not the right way to do that, Dad." He looks at me and said " I guess not. Oops!" Well, we still have all our fingers and toes, and the only thing hurt is our pride and the install went well. Needless to say, it was a great learning experience and it was an enjoyable drive to and from the meeting.
