[MikeK]

Originally Posted by ODFever

. . .I don’t plan on ever having the car Blue Ribbon judged. . . 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. [/COLOR][/SIZE]

Today the metal stem tubes are simply the rubber stem tubes with the stem cut out and replaced with the metal stem assembly. They are not manufactured as a separate item. The reliability of metal stems is dependent on the skill of the person that installed them in the tubes. Changing a metal stem tube on the side of the road is a little bit more complicated as you have to unscrew the long locking nut holding the stem to the rim. Use the Bratton's rubber stem tubes. If/when you ever decide that you want the look of the metal stems you can remove the rubber stems from the tubes you have. You can buy and install just the metal stems in any tube.

Side note- If you plan to use balance beads it is easier to install them with the tubes in hand on a workbench.