Thank you for the pictures.
I am glad to see work progressing on 168.
I am sure this question will demonstrate my ignorance, but I'll ask it any way.
The post states that new tires will be manufactured. That indicates that the new tires have not been manufactured yet.
From replies to the post I have gathered that the exact specs for the new tires are known, so removing the old tires is not necessary to get specs for the new tires.
That being the case, what is the advantage of removing the old tires before the new tires have been manufactured and delivered?
To me it would make since to wait for the new tires and make sure they meet the specs before removing the old tires.
Perhaps it is a matter of doing what you can now to save time later?