Inner tube stems Rubber or Metal

29Cabriolet

29Cabriolet

Senior Member
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
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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What eactly is the addtional hardware required?
 
I just buy the rubber stem tubes, cut off the stem and insert the metal stem.
A little work but tasty and satisfying.
 

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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
 
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! :D
 
Do a search for "metal stems installation" on this forum. Look at post # 2. Or just go to
http://sheepisland.com/cars/tech/me...lopen if you do the search as described above
 
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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.
 

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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?
 
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.
 
Cockshutt Kid said:
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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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.
 
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
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
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.
Click to expand...

I'm just curious. If rubber stems are more likely to fail due to the rim cutting the tube, couldn't the same thing happen to the seal between the innertube and the metal stem just as easily? I remember as a kid having to frequently deflate our bike tubes and slip the tire on the rim to re-center the rubber stem. This was, of course, due to our love of skidding our tires to a stop. Is this the cause of stem failure on a Model A? If so, I refer back to my initial question. I agree that the metal stems look great - but are they really that superior to rubber stems on today's roads?
 
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. :D
 
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