Mario James, Gleaner Writer

Tyrone 'Pampy' Shaw is a master craftsman. In his 41-year career, the repairman has learnt to make punctured tyres whole and safe, giving motorists the chance to continue on their journey.

"You have to have experience," says the Kingston-born Shaw.

The 58-year-old, who operates from General Tyre Repairs on Hagley Park Road, outlines the steps in fixing a damaged sidewall.

"You have to be able to size the damage and cut patch to fit it," he says.

"You have to build back the sidewall. We use nylon [belts] as well, and we use enough patch to fill up the hole," he continues.

The process involves a special equipment holding the tyre in position while heat is applied. Two airbags are used - one moulded to the shape of the inside of the tyre while the other is moulded to the outside. The patch is then applied - usually several plies thick - and air is applied to the bags, but not before a cloth heating element is wrapped around them.

His encounters

Shaw recounts the changes he has seen since he began in 1968 after leaving Penwood Secondary School in Olympic Gardens, St Andrew.

"I learnt the trade while I was at John Crook," he said.

"In those days there was no air equipment. No tyre remover machine. We had to work by hand (with hand tools) and it was tough," he says.

"These young boys today have it easy."

Shaw remembers that most tyres back then sported the 'Made in Jamaica' tag.

"Most of the tyres back then were made right here in Jamaica. They were made with cord belts and they were more durable. Today's steel belted seem to give more problem," he says.

Methods of repairing tyres were different too.

"We used to hot-patch tyres with a mandrel and heating element. Later on, we found out this can warp the tyre. The system we have now is better, but experience still counts," says the father of 10.

Referring to the tyre sector as 'Black Gold', the technician says it has put his kids through school.

"One is already a teacher and another is studying law at UWI," he says proudly.

mario.james@gleanerjm.com