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04-15-2015, 07:21 AM | #1 |
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Location: Connecticut
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Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
A quick bit of on line window shopping shows the metal stems are about twice the cost of rubber. Roughly $17-18 for rubber and near $40 for metal. Is the twice the cost worth it?
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04-15-2015, 07:39 AM | #2 |
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Location: North Carolina
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Obviously your money, but with a nice Cabriolet having the look of metal valve stems does make a difference. it is a great look to have the metal stems.
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04-15-2015, 07:53 AM | #3 |
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Most tube failures come from a broken valve stem. Having controlled one Model-A during a time when the tube's valve stem failed at about 45MPH, I can tell you it was all I could do to keep the vehicle in the road and come to a safe stop. The failure was due to the wheel cutting into the tube's stem. Never again will I chance it on rubber stems unless it is driving in a neighborhood only as the cost is too great, ...and the additional cost of metal stems quickly becomes a value. Once the metal stem & hardware have been purchased, they are reusable each time the tube is replaced.
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04-15-2015, 08:10 AM | #4 | |
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Quote:
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04-15-2015, 09:21 AM | #5 |
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Location: N Illinois
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
I just buy the rubber stem tubes, cut off the stem and insert the metal stem.
A little work but tasty and satisfying. |
04-15-2015, 09:26 AM | #6 |
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
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04-15-2015, 02:00 PM | #7 |
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Metal stems and a nice pinstripe always give the needed finishing touch.
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04-15-2015, 02:22 PM | #8 |
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Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto.
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
I recently purchased a set of offset metal stem tubes fir my 31 Chev from Coker. Same size as the Model A. The advantage Is that the stem is angled out to allow easier access to put air in.
Wayne |
04-15-2015, 03:07 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Danbury Ct
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Could someone please explain the process installing metal stems in tubes that currently have rubber stems. I think I may want to install metal stems on my car.
Thanks in advance! |
04-15-2015, 03:27 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Polk City, Iowa
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Do a search for "metal stems installation" on this forum. Look at post # 2. Or just go to
[url]http://sheepisland.com/cars/tech/metalstems/ You will find a pictorial tech article that is very good. I used this successfuly converting rubber stems to the metal. Sorry could not get website to open using just the address above but it willopen if you do the search as described above
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Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA Last edited by sphanna; 04-15-2015 at 03:31 PM. Reason: Could not open the web site |
04-15-2015, 03:37 PM | #11 |
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Here's the way I do it.
1. Buy new quality tube. 2. Cut off stem about 1/2" to 3/4" above tube 3. Trim excess rubber down flush to tube. 4. Cut through tube around metal stem. (I use punch but twist it) 5. Pry out internal stem. (cheap tubes may not have this. I prefer this type of tube because of the extra reinforcement at the stem.) 6. File remainder of old rubber stem flush with tube. 7. Spread hole and insert new valve stem. 8. Install hardware with proper orientation. Do not over-tighten. Just tight enough for a good seal...slight compression of the rubber. Takes about 10 minutes after you have done one or two. (First one will take 'forever' Be sure to order the dust caps. Last edited by fiddlybits; 04-15-2015 at 03:43 PM. |
04-15-2015, 03:42 PM | #12 |
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Location: Polk City, Iowa
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Be sure to get the "dust caps" for either 21 or 19 inch rims. They are diffent.
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Steve Hanna, Polk City, IA |
04-15-2015, 04:00 PM | #13 |
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
If you need new tubes, Bratton's has good quality tubes and they will put the metal stems in for you if you wish.
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04-15-2015, 04:15 PM | #14 |
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
My 31 Tudor has metal stems on the front wheels along with North American made good year tires. The previous owner thought that the tubes were for a dirt bike motorcycle and were of much better quality? is this possible? Is this a possible source for good tubes?
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04-15-2015, 05:52 PM | #15 |
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Location: Southbridge, Ma.
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
I replaced the rubber stem tubes on my coupe with metal stem tubes I bought from Mikes Affordable Parts when they were on sale, check his weekly specials on Thursdays for some good package deals.
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04-15-2015, 06:42 PM | #16 | |
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Location: Central NY
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Quote:
You can buy.....19 or 21 inch motorcycle tubes with metal stems, they will not look like a model A stem but are threaded all the way down so a nut can be placed under and over the rim. I do know they make a 4:50 x 19 and I think a 5:00 x19 tube, BUT.... I have no idea if they would or should be used on a car. |
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04-15-2015, 10:15 PM | #17 |
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Location: North Carolina
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
After using rubber stems for many years, I bit the bullet and bought new tubes with metal stems already installed when I bought the most recent set of new tires. I really like the look--it is one of the details that gives a Model A a really finished look.
However, you will need to find a tire gauge and air hose chuck that will work with the metal stems. Because you cannot bend them sideways like you do a rubber stem for gauging and filling, some chucks are too large, or have the wrong angle. W. Michael |
04-16-2015, 09:25 AM | #18 | |
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Quote:
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04-16-2015, 10:15 AM | #19 |
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Location: Danbury Ct
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Re: Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal
Thanks everyone for all the information. My long range plan it to get rid of all the extra bling (headlight visors, windings, and yes - white walls) added by the previous owner and return my 29 tudor to a beautiful stock looking car that will attract attention because of its classic lines, straight body, and superior paint rather than add on bling.
This season I'll be on the look out for nice 21" wheels (mine are all worn enough that the previous own used those cupped washers under the lug nuts) that I can restore in black, with black walls, and metal stemmed tubes. Again thanks everyone. |
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