Dave----You can tip the tire in at the bottom to get the top out----I used to have to not only do that for the slicks on my 59 ford but had to reach behind the wheel and get out the brake drum for a little more clearance---then when the slick was up in the fender well, put the brake drum back on the axle and then the wheel---might not work for you but just thinking---of course back in those days (early 60s) nuclear stuff was at the height of every country's priorities---