Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for assembling and bonding a pre-cured tread strip to the carcass of a new tire or the casing of a tire to be retreaded wherein the tread is preheated and that heat is utilized to assist in the final bonding of the tread to the carcass. A heated drum is utilized, with the tread being wrapped around the periphery thereof and brought to an elevated temperature following which a roller type transfer mechanism is used to transfer the tread to a tire support and assembly apparatus where a stitcher and locking and sealing ring temporarily secure the tread to the periphery of the carcass with previously applied cushion gum material sandwiched therebetween. A shifting mechanism is then activated to transfer the tire and the tire support and assembly apparatus to a curing chamber where the tread is engaged by a heated belt which, together with the residual heat in the tread, serves to complete bonding of the tread to the carcass.