Bratton’s 19” Metal Stem Tube vs Rubber Stem Tube

[ODFever]

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!
:-)

[Mitch//pa]

its worth the extra money to buy the Brattons tubes

[diomed]

Brattons sells 2 types of tubes, metal stem and rubber stem

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

its worth the extra money to buy the Brattons tubes

[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.

[Scott Hall]

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.

[Steve Wastler]

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Brattons metal stem tubes are are not the clamp in style metal stem as stated above. They are manufacturer made vulcanized in metal stems.

[jkeesey]

I have always used rubber stem tubes from Universal Tire. Never had a failure and Ive installed dozens.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Steve Wastler

Brattons metal stem tubes are are not the clamp in style metal stem as stated above. They are manufacturer made vulcanized in metal stems.

that is correct i just bought a set

[Purdy Swoft]

I've always used rubber stem tubes because they are much easier to work with .

[Brother Hesekiel]

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.

[super flat]

Originally Posted by Brother Hesekiel

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.

I don't know what you are driving for new cars but every newer car I have is tubeless only. Gary

[newshirt]

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.

[LopezCarguy]

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

[portside]

Next time you are on a NEW car lot check and see how many new cars have metal valve stems.

[jkeesey]

Originally Posted by portside

Next time you are on a NEW car lot check and see how many new cars have metal valve stems.

1 ton trucks do. I just got a tahoe with metal stems.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by super flat

I don't know what you are driving for new cars but every newer car I have is tubeless only. Gary

Even though they are tubeless, they still have rubber stems. Years ago I could specify metal stems even on tubeless tires, but haven't seen any in a while.

[Tom Wesenberg]

My 1950 Studebaker has tubeless radial tires and steel stems in stock rims.
Many aluminum rims come with steel stems.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

My 1950 Studebaker has tubeless radial tires and steel stems in stock rims.
Many aluminum rims come with steel stems.

Tom
Are they bolt in stems or metal stem with rubber a rubber pull through base

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

Tom
Are they bolt in stems or metal stem with rubber a rubber pull through base

They are bolt in stems. I also saved a couple sets when I worked at the junk yard. The guy that restored the Stude 20 years ago installed the steel stems and radial tires.

[montanafordman]

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.