Radial tires and inner tubes

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VinceRodgers

Junior Member
I understand now that I need new tires that going with the radial tires is worth the extra money for the better handling that come with them. But what I've learned is that the inner tubes I have state they are for non-radial only. So, where can I get radial approved inner tubes for my 21" wheels?
 
I purchased my Model A radial tires (19") from Coker Tire. I bought the radial tire inner tubes from them also.
 

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I just ordered radial tires and tubes 2 days ago from Coker tire. I’m picking them up at Hershey so I can’t give you any kind of review. The salesman said that they carry Hartford tubes witch got a good review here at the barn. Try them
 
I just bought a set from Lucas, 19 inch,same tire better price. I also got tubes and they were heavy, they said nothing about not for radial so we'll see how they work. I planning on a long trip next month.
 
VinceBlack said:
I just bought a set from Lucas, 19 inch,same tire better price. I also got tubes and they were heavy, they said nothing about not for radial so we'll see how they work. I planning on a long trip next month.
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Disclaimer:

I have nothing to do with Coker Tire.
I bought the same "American Classic" 19" BW radial from Coker for the same $206 that Lucas has on their website. I got shipping included from Coker.
YMMV
 
When I fitted radial tyres to my A I simply re-used the original tubes without thinking that there could be any problems. So far, some many thousands of miles later there have been no problems. The tyres are relatively stiff compared with those seen on modern cars and do not have that squashed look of a modern radial. The steering and handling has been substantially improved.
Can someone explain the effect a radial tyre might have on the tube?
 
I have a 1930 Tudor with standard 19" rims. I purchased a set of Radial Whitewalls and a set of new tubes that were made to go into radials. I put the tires on about a week ago and it is one of the best things I have ever done for my car. The ride is smoother and quieter, the car does not dart around on uneven roads and many other improvements.
* All I can say are good things about my new radial tires....
 
Thanks Updraught, I read the thread material and really it still did not clarify the tube issue?
The Stahl Sport Radials fitted to my car have "tube type" on their side walls,
They were fitted by an experienced tyre fitter and he did not query the type of tube fitted.
 
wensum said:
Thanks Updraught, I read the thread material and really it still did not clarify the tube issue?
The Stahl Sport Radials fitted to my car have "tube type" on their side walls,
They were fitted by an experienced tyre fitter and he did not query the type of tube fitted.
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This is my take away from it. Heard it several times.
"Stan says that a radial tube is different from a bias-ply tube. The bias-ply tube has a butt joint around the circumference of the tube. Radial tubes must have an overlapping joint."

Also, radial tubes should be much thicker.
I don't know what a lap joint looks like. My tubes from Coker are super heavy. Expensive too. Not sure there are any tire dealers here in Oz that sell the radial tubes.

Anyways, it says if you drive at tractor speed you should be OK!
 
924.00 set of 4 delivered with tubes and liners, American Classic. from Lucas, Coker wanted 174 dollars for shipping. The tire says 35 psi, looks like tire is low. The ride is comfortable, we have brick streets here now you can't feel the bricks or cracks in the road.
 
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updraught said:
This is my take away from it. Heard it several times.
"Stan says that a radial tube is different from a bias-ply tube. The bias-ply tube has a butt joint around the circumference of the tube. Radial tubes must have an overlapping joint."

Also, radial tubes should be much thicker.
I don't know what a lap joint looks like. My tubes from Coker are super heavy. Expensive too. Not sure there are any tire dealers here in Oz that sell the radial tubes.

Anyways, it says if you drive at tractor speed you should be OK!
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Thanks again, our car is used for long distance touring and cruises at anything between 90 and 110kph. So far after many miles, no problems with the tubes. The cynic in me wonders if it's a way to sell more product?
 
wensum said:
Thanks again, our car is used for long distance touring and cruises at anything between 90 and 110kph. So far after many miles, no problems with the tubes. The cynic in me wonders if it's a way to sell more product?
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The thing is, we are in unchartered waters here. Radials weren't designed for skinny wheels.
It's a small market.
It would be interesting to know the results of testing with different tubes. We don't have that. With the proliferation of dud tubes these days, most are lucky to survive on a cross ply.
Your tubes might be OK, but the next guy that tries it mightn't be so lucky.

I had to buy tubes anyway, so I looked for the best I could get and they are radial type. They will be going in cross plies, but it means I can upgrade to a radial tire at a later date.
 
I can't find a radial tube for 475/500-19. Cooker finally admitted they sold me a heavy duty tube that was not radial. #864001
 
I keep my car as original looking as I can (no alternator, single taillight, etc.) but the steering improvement of the radials was too much to pass up. I also want to maintain the metal valve stems. Only one tube is available with the original-look metal stems, however, and it isn't marked for radials. I rolled the dice and put them in anyway. I've put hundreds of miles on those tubes with the radials and have had no problems. ...once I got all the stupid little inspection stickers removed from the inside of the tires, that is!
 
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