Prone to wander

[GB SISSON]

^^ That should only happen during initial inflation. Once all the air is expelled from between the tube and the tyre it should stop. I found the difficult thing is to get the tube underwater as it naturally wants to float. I sometimes find it helps to pass the tube very close to my face. The skin around the nose and mouth is very sensitive and can detect any slight air flow. Can you rule out that it was the valve leaking? I had one that wasn't tightened properly and leaked, and still leaked when tight. The core I replaced it with also leaked so I used a brand new one and it has been ok since.

The other leak path can be between the brass insert the valve core screws into, and the rubber part of the valve stem. I had some brand new old stock stems that couldn't be trusted because the rubber to brass bond had failed.

Both of the above leaks should show when immersed under water. it's also worth pulling the valve stem about to see if a leak shows when pulled to one side.

I also changed 4 6 ply 6.50s over on the floor with levers, and went out and ordered some longer levers. Haven't tried those yet to see if they are any better. By change over I mean 8 off and 4 on.

Mart.

Most of what I change are 7.50 x 17 tonner multi piece wheels. Since this is my first half ton, The drop center rims are new to me. Pretty easy with good levers. I tried all these methods again tonight with higher air pressure in the tube, to no avail. I found two new tubes in a box still in the poly bag. I bought them last year. I guess it's just time to try a new tube. Anyone here in the Pacific Northwest will attest to the good varnish drying conditions we are experiencing, so my doors and panels re doing well. Work conditions might give me a day off on Wed or Thursday to test my steering with four tires at 30 lbs, 3/16" toe in and half as much play in the steering box. I have High Hopes. But that's another song altogether. Don't get me started......

 

[GB SISSON]

Found the leak! I decided to put a lot more air into the tube and sure enough.... Gravel rash. The big pockmark will extinguish a wooden match. I can feel it on my face from 18" away. Without the tire casing to hold pressure, it seems an inner tube will just keep expanding without building pressure. I filled it up as much as I dared and it still didn't register 2 lbs on my gauge.I was very careful during my installation last fall (or so I thought). Brand new tires, brand new tubes ( a real rarity for me) and freshly cleaned and painted wheels. All assembled and run 300 miles or so. It's obvious here that some grit got in there. Probably from my never clean enough shop floor. I will now use one of my new tubes, vacuum out the tire and assemble everything on a clean sheet of plywood. Then I can test out the rest of my steering improvements. But with a rear tire that low, I bet that was the major part of the issue, as I had never thought the steering was too bad until my last two trips. Still varnishing as the beautiful weather is holding. All six doors are now off, leaving my woodie a mere shell of it's former self. Can't wait to reassemble before Memorial Day weekend. All 4 of my kids will be here and 4 young grandkids who want to go for a ride in grandpa's 'wooden car'.

 

[RalphM]

“Memorial Day weekend. All 4 of my kids will be here and 4 young grandkids who want to go for a ride in grandpa's 'wooden car'.“

Sounds like your going to have a great Memorial Day weekend!

 

[RKS.PA]

Gary, if you can, be sure to get plenty of pictures of the kids and grandkids in the "wooden car".....This is the stuff their memories are made of!!!....and yours too!!!

 

[GB SISSON]

I will do that for sure! Looks like the fourth of july parade is in the mix as well! Will need more seats... and seatbelts