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Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I am very close to purchasing my first Model A from a friend. The current owner told me the car needs 6 new tires, and it might need new tubes. In my research, I discovered that most of the tubes produced today are junk. The current owner keeps 2 spare tubes with him at all times, and has replaced failed tubes on the side of the road. He said the tubes split at the base of the stem. This is a major concern for me as I live in the city and have absolutely no desire to end up with a flat because of a failed tube. I don’t plan on ever having the car Blue Ribbon judged. I am concerned about safety.
I read on a previous thread that Bratton’s tubes are higher quality. Is it worth the extra expense for the metal stem tubes? Are they better than the rubber stem tubes? Are there other suppliers of high quality tubes? I’m open for suggestions. Thanks! :-) |
Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube its worth the extra money to buy the Brattons tubes
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Brattons sells 2 types of tubes, metal stem and rubber stem
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Quote:
Side note- If you plan to use balance beads it is easier to install them with the tubes in hand on a workbench. |
Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I have replaced 9 tires and tubes with rubber stems (5 on my fordor and 4 on my Tudor) they were all purchesed from Coker tire and I have not had any failures in three years of use.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Brattons metal stem tubes are are not the clamp in style metal stem as stated above. They are manufacturer made vulcanized in metal stems.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I have always used rubber stem tubes from Universal Tire. Never had a failure and Ive installed dozens.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I've always used rubber stem tubes because they are much easier to work with .
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I have a 1963 Lambretta scooter that was a virgin when I bought it, having sat 49 years in a blacksmith shop. I bought new tires and tubes for it since I drive/ride everything I own, and one of the new tubes was faulty, so I put the old Italian Ceat tube from 1963 back in. It's still in there, leak free.
When I bought new tires and tubes for my Model A, I paid extra for the Brattons tubes, following the recommendations on this board. One of the five was faulty, so I had to order one from Lucas in Long Beach. Informed Brattons but they didn't give a rat's behind, so that was the first and last time I ordered anything there. How often do you have a flat with your modern car? I drive about a 100 different cars per year, and I haven't had a flat on any car as long as I can think back, until last Sunday when the right front of the 1961 Jaguar I was driving was flat. I will probably not be on this Earth anymore by the time the new tube we installed yesterday goes flat again. I think you worry way too much about this. All modern cars have rubber stem tubes now, and if they were prone to early failure, that would not be the case. |
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Metal stems add to the old-timey look of your car.
I once had a guy point down and ask, "What are those?" He was so surprised by those odd looking metal things that he could not get it out of his head. He didn't think they were valve stems, and just had to ask. :) |
Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I just installed five tubes (metal stems) and tires a short time ago from Coker and have not had a once of trouble, nice people to deal with..even have the metal covers from coker to be authentic
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Next time you are on a NEW car lot check and see how many new cars have metal valve stems.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube My 1950 Studebaker has tubeless radial tires and steel stems in stock rims.
Many aluminum rims come with steel stems. |
Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Quote:
Are they bolt in stems or metal stem with rubber a rubber pull through base |
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I went with the Brattons metal stem tubes a few years ago and have not had any problems. I have not even had to add any air in that time frame.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube My 1965 tubes on the sport coupe still hold air except for the one on which the rubber stem cracked. Does that mean if I had used metal stems that tube would still be good? Maybe.
I put metal stems on the standard coupe five years ago, but that has to do with my desire for authenticity, not reliability. As is said above, you can always add metal stems later if you want them--but I guess not the Bratton-style vulcanized-in stems, only the clamp-in style. And yes, it is easier to work with the rubber stems. W. Michael |
Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I ordered and bought new Goodyear tires and metal stem tubes from Lucas in Long Beach, about a year ago. I was very happy with the tires, but every one of the tubes leaks, all about 1-2 lb per week, plus two of the valves are very difficult to put air in. Whomever supplied these tubes to Lucas must have bought them from China. Now I need to order 5 new tubes from Bratton's and replace these.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube 1 Attachment(s)
Rubber stems let in water, which rusts out the wheel.:eek:
Actually I saw this poor wheel at the last swap meet of the year. It's still good as a yard ornament, or get 3 more like it and weld up a lawn chair.:) |
Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Post # 4 from MikeK has the answer that I support whole heartedly. It is what I would suggest.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube Thanks for all of the advice. I really appreciate it. I will go with either Coker or Bratton's tubes with rubber stems.
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Re: Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube I installed original metal stems in my cars for over forty years ago and have had no problems. They won't give you problems if installed correctly. I also made sure that the inside of my rims were free of rust scale and sharp metal. A little baby powder works well as a lubricant for the tubes.
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