Motorcycle tubes on Model A

[PeterBo]

Haven't tried it, but you can get 19" and 21" motorcycle tubes which should fit the standard Model A rims and wheels. While not a great cost saving, these are much more easily available - Just a trip to the local garage....

But, are they suitable or would they raise any safety risk? I can't think why you can't use them but maybe someone else has tried them...

Just curious...

Thanks,
PeterBo

[Y-Blockhead]

Your question got me curious so I went out to the garage and compared a 19x4.75/5.00 Model A tube to a 4.50x18 motorcycle tube (closest size I have).

The rubber 'feels' about the same thickness, hard to tell without cutting them open (not happening). The motorcycle tube has a metal valve stem that is much shorter (1.25" vs 2.50"). Also the nuts on the metal stem are small, smaller diameter than the hole in the rim so you would need washers both inside and out.

I'm not sure I would try it myself...

[Pete]

I have done that. It works fine if you get the right size.
Done it on a model T also.
I tried sealing the rim and runnng tubeless also. Works fine.

[Pinesdune]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Also the nuts on the metal stem are small, smaller diameter than the hole in the rim so you would need washers both inside and out.

I'm not sure I would try it myself... [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

They make plastic washers to go around the small valve stems so you can use them with a "large hole" in the rim so the stems don't get cut, just to put the info out there

[SeaSlugs]

Good info to know when out traveling - i see many more motorcycle shops than model a shops :P

[glenn in camino]

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Years ago, on a summer trip to the Grand canyon, In the hot weather, I had lots of trouble with split seams on 21 inch tubes. I bought & installed some motorcycle tubes and continued the trip with no additional problems.