Installing Metal Valve Stems

A31Woody

A31Woody

Senior Member
About to break the bank and replace my 37 year old Firestones with a set of Goodyear black walls and I'm thinking about going back to metal valve stems. I've done a few searches but have not been able to find anything definitive. Do you simply cut out the rubber valve stem and bolt on the new metal stem? No sealants, etc?

And while I have everyone's attention any tips on where to purchase the Goodyear tires? I'm on the west coast and ordering from most vendors is going to involve a nice shipping fee I'm sure.
 
1) Coker has a warehouse in California that they ship from.
2) Order from Speedway or one of the other houses that offer free shipping. (they still ship directly from the manufacturer anyway.)
 
I buy my Goodyears from kelsey tire.. if you have a shop to purchase them through they offer a nice discount.
I buy the tubes from Brattons with the metal stems already installed. Of course you can put them in yourself if so desired...
 
Sarah has four new Firestones and tubes awaiting mounting and they came from Coker with free shipping. I thought about having the valve stems changed out also but instead I bought the metal valve stem caps instead, look nice, expensive but nice.
 
I did my own, kinda like 31woody suggested. Not that simple,but, somewhere I have the write up - explanation of how to do it an it not leak. iwill try to find it. ekn
 
Woody

I used the same article that "Dollar Bill" linked. It is by far the best article I've seen. I noticed a number of articles in the past year that mentioned using sealants and I would say it's not needed. The "Bridge" has a ring around the bottom that seals the valve and it has worked for me for 30 years. I am getting ready to do another six tubes and will do it the same way I did it 30 years ago. MrBruce
 
I would install the metal stems dry, without sealant.
Back in 1973 I had to replace the intake manifold gasket on a Chevy V8 three times because I was using KW Copper Coat on the rear rubber valley seal. Everything seemed good in the shop, but when I test drove the car it leaked out the rear. After the first two tries an experienced mechanic told me to install the rubber end seals dry, as the sealant was letting them squish out of place as the manifold was tightened. He was exactly right.
 
I feel the inner tubes from Bratton are the best and you can purchase the ones with the metal stems already installed. Bratton does not use re cycled rubber so they are better quality. I purchasedv my Goodyear tires (my last ones) from Snyder. The price was very competitive.
 
Coker does offer free delivery to area shows, BUT under newish laws they must charge sales tax in the state they are to be picked up - remember that when shopping!
 
A31Woody said:
Just what I was looking for. Thanks!


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Click to expand...

change one item, when you cut it off, do it closer to the tube, you should then be able just to pull it out completely., faster and easier,

You can see the hacksaw is closer in the vise@;)
 

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If you haven't already bought tubes get the ones with the metal stems already in. I bought the metal stems for my tubes. Printed out the instructions and followed to a "T". First one when beautiful and gave me great confidence. After ruining the next THREE I decided to leave the rest alone. Maybe sometime in the future I will replace them but for now I have no problem with the rubber stems.
 
31 Model A said:
I thought about having the valve stems changed out also but instead I bought the metal valve stem caps instead, look nice, expensive but nice.
Click to expand...


Are you saying that you can use the long metal valve caps with the standard valve stems? I thought that the threads that secured those were at the base of the valve stem which the rubber ones wouldn't have.

Ken
 
KGBnut said:
Are you saying that you can use the long metal valve caps with the standard valve stems? I thought that the threads that secured those were at the base of the valve stem which the rubber ones wouldn't have.

Ken
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The valve caps have internal threads that move upwards as you turn the valve shaft downward. I got mine from Coker. They cover the whole rubber valve stem.
 
31 Model A said:
The valve caps have internal threads that move upwards as you turn the valve shaft downward. I got mine from Coker. They cover the whole rubber valve stem.
Click to expand...

Sorry but the Coker Nickel caps didn't cover the TR135 longer valve stems completely. Some of the rubber was left exposed.
 
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