Original 28-29 AA Tire Valve stems

[Mike Peters]

I'm attempting to install original valve stems on our 29 AA truck. The stems shown were mounted on rusted out 28 wire wheels and only survived because they are brass. These wheels were so rusty that the bridge washers were rusted completely away, so separating valve stems from the wheel, and then getting the bridge washer nuts off was difficult.
1st photo: All five lined up. The far right pair are Schrader 1822, as per latest judging standards. The pair to the left of the 1822's are Schrader 5285's, and the far left stem reads simply Schrader 52 on one side and TR 45 on the other side. They are identical to the 1822's except that the base is wider.
The following photos show the markings described above, and the last photos show the wheels before removal of valve stems. Yes, it was a battle.
Questions:
1. JS specifies 15/32-26 threads on the stem. Any idea where to get that size thread die to chase these stems? Some are a bit hammered.
2. Where can one buy bridge washers and nuts for these truck stems? I have a nice set of rim nuts and dust covers, but still need bridge washers and nuts. Passenger car and pickup bridge washers and nuts are smaller and will not interchange with AA truck. Thanks, Mike

[1crosscut]

Mike I don't have the answers for you questions but don't you just love how thick and heavy duty the old tires on these truck were.
Nice cut away picture of the tire.

[RawhideKid]

Try calling RL Stephens Tool at 714-879-6637 in the morning. They open at 07:00 in Fullerton Ca.

When I need any tool I call them, they usually have the special tools or can get them pretty handily.

My wooden nickle worth.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Is the tire listed as 10 or 12 ply?

Just think what a tire like that would cost today.

[Bob C]

Try Lucas tire they show them at this link but it doesn't tell the size.
http://www.lucasclassictires.com/Tub...d-Caps_c19.htm

Bob

[Neil Wilson]

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Try Lucas tire they show them at this link but it doesn't tell the size.
http://www.lucasclassictires.com/Tub...d-Caps_c19.htm

Mike, The dust cover for wooden wheels looks like it might be the correct cover. If you call them, please report what you find out.

[Mike Peters]

thanks everyone. Will call Lucas and RL Stephens Tool tomorrow. Will get back to this thread with results. Other people will also be able to use this info. mike

[Mike Peters]

Lucas Tire DOES stock two different sizes of bridge washers and nuts, big and little. The counter man couldn't tell me the size, so I ordered the larger size. Might get lucky there. They DO NOT handle valve stems, only dust caps, rim nuts ans bridge washers.
Contacted R.L. Stephens Tool, but no luck with 15/32"-26 die. Searched the web, but it looks like that size was discontinued in the mid 30's when rubber stems were introduced. The cut away tire in the photo is a Riverside 32X6 10 ply.

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

Mike I don't have the answers for you questions but don't you just love how thick and heavy duty the old tires on these truck were.
Nice cut away picture of the tire.

agreed, wouldnt even know you had a flat tire till it somehow came off the rim...

[RawhideKid]

Sorry Mike,

I recently purchased a 15/32x32 tap from them, figured it was worth a shot.

[Mike Peters]

These new bridge washers and nuts just arrived from Lucas and am very happy to say that they do fit the original AA valve stems. (see left photo)
Brass locknut from Lucas: HW9090061 Also Fits Lucas TR383 metal valve stem tubes.
Bridge washer fro Lucas: HW909006
The photo on the right compares the new Lucas bridge washers with an original bridge washer to it's left. The original on the left has an added ridge for a better seal on the tube. The new one to the right is flat. Today, we take what we can get.

Lucas also lists a metal stem tube for AA trucks with the TR383 stem, along with rims nuts and dust covers for same. I believe these metal stems are longer than original, so you might have to shim them under the rim in order to make the dust cover thread on. Now anyone can dress up the wheels on their 28-9 AA with metal tire hardware without having to find original hardware which is next to impossible to find. This repro hardware won't pass muster for fine point judging, but will nonetheless look very nice on your truck.