Abstract: A center mechanism for a press for shaping and curing tires having a center post carrying an upper bladder clamp, a distensible bladder is secured to the upper bladder clamp and a lower bladder clamp such that a chamber for circulating curing medium is formed within the bladder, the center post moves relative to a lower bead ring for supporting the lower bead of an uncured tire, the lower bead ring being attached to the lower bladder clamp, and a cylinder mechanism positions the post such that the upper bladder clamp is opposite the upper bead of an uncured tire band when supported by a loading mechanism and when the press is closed about the uncured tire.