Metal or rubber valve stems

[michaelhuddleston]

I called to order some whitewall tires for my new A coming in, and I learned about the metal or rubber valve stem options. The car isn't a show car and it has black wheels, so I actually think the rubber ones will just blend in better than metal and nickel dust covers. Are there any drawbacks to using the rubber ones other than the fact it isn't factory? Thank you.

[goodoldvic]

No they will be fine, drive on and have fun.

[C26Pinelake]

Rubber is. Cheaper, just doesn't look as dressed up. Wayne

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by michaelhuddleston

Are there any drawbacks to using the rubber ones other than the fact it isn't factory? Thank you.

Ummm, yes in that often times the rim is worn in that area and actually cuts the valve stem as it rubs since the rims are not reinforced in that area. Speaking from experience, I have had a front tire suddenly deflate at 40+ MPH because of a rubber valve stem wore thru. The car veered into the oncoming lane and it was all I could do to bring it back. Some will argue that these wheels were run years with rubber stems, and I can argue back that the tubes they ran back then were not made overseas either!

[pgerhardt]

Plus the metal stems are so much more PURTY!

[1930artdeco]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

What Brent said! I have one like right now and the only I discovered it was by accdently bumping the stem while washing the wheel.


Mime

[Mitch//pa]

There is a reason why they were made with metal stems and it was not to save money..

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

There is a reason why they were made with metal stems and it was not to save money..

If metal was better they never would have changed to rubber!

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

If metal was better they never would have changed to rubber!

You got me but it sounded good didn't it?

[michaelhuddleston]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

You got me but it sounded good didn't it?

I see you have a pictures of a Thompson in your A. Are you a live full auto machine gun collector too? I am, and love it. I have a Colt BAR from 1919. The thing is a blast and has a nice controllable rate of fire. I am currently looking for a mint all original Colt 1921A. The hunt is long and the price is a lot, but it's the last machine gun I want to really "complete' my collection. Take care!

[michaelhuddleston]

Originally Posted by pgerhardt

Plus the metal stems are so much more PURTY!

It is nice, but it's to nice for my car haha. It would be the shiniest part on it!

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by pgerhardt

Plus the metal stems are so much more PURTY!

I agree. The metal stem and a nice pinstripe sure put the finishing touch on a Model A.

[Dollar Bill]

Metal stems are not subject to UV/Ozone deterioration.

[pgerhardt]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

If metal was better they never would have changed to rubber!

Unless it was cheaper to produce!

[JohnLaVoy]

I've used the rubber valve stems on various Model As for over 50 years and never experienced a valve stem failure. Perhaps low air pressure was the cause in those failures.

[Big hammer]

Perhaps a sharp edge in the wheel hole for the stem acted like a knife and cuts the stem?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Big hammer

Perhaps a sharp edge in the wheel hole for the stem acted like a knife and cuts the stem?

Exactly!! Plus, when tire tubes (-and their use) were in their heyday, the rubber was of better quality and thicker in that area than what we are buying now.

FWIW, I have witnessed either first-hand, or heard first-hand of many folks who have experienced rubber stem failure on a Model-A wheel. Therefore everyone just needs to be aware that just because something has not happened to one person does not mean others should throw caution to the wind and take a chance on a possible deflating tire while driving at speed. It CAN cause someone to lose control of their vehicle, and so I view it as a potential safety issue.

One other point, metal stems are always for sale on eBay for cheap money, ...and used original ones generally have the right patina that will look proper on an unrestored or older restored Model-A.

[mot]

i just replaced 4 rubber valve stems
they were cracked all the way around
i tried to get the local tire shop to replace them and they refused as the tires were over 10 years old
so i had to do it myself
the old rubber valve stems were just fine
the new ones are crap

[pgerhardt]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

FWIW, I have witnessed either first-hand, or heard first-hand of many folks who have experienced rubber stem failure on a Model-A wheel. Therefore everyone just needs to be aware that just because something has not happened to one person does not mean others should throw caution to the wind and take a chance on a possible deflating tire while driving at speed. It CAN cause someone to lose control of their vehicle, and so I view it as a potential safety issue.

Anecdotal evidence is not a good predictor of future performance. I have been driving since 1966 in a large variety of old cars and motorcycles and have never needed to change a tire. My daughter on the other has had flats and had to buy 6 new tires in only 8 years. Any metallic debris seem to be drawn to her tires like a magnet!

[Y-Blockhead]

Most good motorcycle tubes have metal stems. That should tell us something...