Does anyone know what sort of valve stem caps (not valve stem covers) would have been used on an early T ? My '12 Touring has 3 very nice looking brass caps, but I don't have a fourth nor do I know if the three that I have are original type. No sense looking for a 4th to complete the set if they aren't the correct type.
The suppliers typically offer only the later style nickel plated caps that have the little tool on one end for removing the valve stem core. But since they are nickel plated, I'm guessing that they aren't appropriate for a brass era car.
Thanks in advance,
Dick Fischer
Post a picture of yours . Perhaps some one will have a match.
I was afraid somebody would say that. Never posted a picture here before. But I'll take a pic tomorrow and try to post it.
Dick
The suppliers offer the correct appearing early original all brass covers. Originals are not hard to find either, I may have some extras.
Look here:
http://www.modeltford.com/item/DC1.aspx
"...valve stem caps (not valve stem covers)... "
I believe what you are looking for is called a DUST COVER. If you have the correct ones, the one you will need is knurled. There are two different lengths of those, so you need to find whatever the other three are. I have an article coming out in the Model T Times next issue on the subject.
Jack was right -- I should have posted a picture in the first place. Problem is, I can't figure out how to attach the image. I see where the button is to upload attachment, but don't see the browse button that I'm told to select.
My computer is a MAC with Safari browser. Could that be the problem ?
Dick
OK, here's another attempt at posting pictures of the valve stem cap.
Dick
If all else fails, that should be an easy lathe project except for the text/markings around the band.
".....that should be an easy lathe project......" (quote)
Yes, I'm prepared to do that. But before going to the trouble to make another one I'd like to be sure it's the correct part. I've never even seen documentation of what the original part might look like.
Anybody have something similar (or different) on their brass era car?
Thanks again,
Dick
Dick-
The 1912 would have had a valve stem cover like Royce showed. I have some that the base "nut" screws onto the threaded metal stem of the inner tube. This nut has threads on the top of it. The stem cover threads onto the threads on the base nut. Kind of like this:
Do your inner tubes have metal or rubber stems?
The valve caps are cool, but not original.
This is the type I have, used on later cars.
Dick,
That is a standard post - WWII aircraft valve cap. I have a hundred of them in a box in my garage. They are solid brass, typically painted orange. We throw one in the trash every time we overhaul an aircraft wheel. You can buy those at any aircraft supply for about $1.
http://www.modeltford.com/item/DC-RSBR.aspx
These look just like the originals but screw on rubber stemmed tubes.
I am amazed how many posts referred to the actual dust covers and NOT the cap that goes on the end of the stem itself......
Well, it looks like Royce put his finger on it. I checked my Aircraft Spruce catalog and found them, new manufacture.
So, the question remains: What would an original valve stem cap look like ? Surely there was a cap installed. There are threads for it on the end of the valve stem.
I, too, was a little surprised at how many people mistook my original question to be about the dust covers. Guess I just wasn't clear enough in my original post.
Dick
Model A's had the type you mentioned in paragraph 2 of your original post. I'm sorry I don't know what an early T had, but if you find it is a brass cap similar to that, I'm sure you could get the nickel off of those.
Here is the correct dust cover for a brass T.
Dick
Hal, my GA neighbor, has it right, the more correct valve cap would be the Schrader cap with the little tool on top. That domed head cap is a modern.
You can find original Schrader valve caps at swap meets, or if you want, modern version that look like are at your local bike shop.
1913 National Auto Supply Co, Newark, NJ catalog , page 71.
Original Schrader cap with tool end in center, modern tool caps around it.
The tool cap is most handy too, as you need to remove and deflate your T tire tubes every year and remove the Schrader valve completely, clean it with WD-40 to remove moisture related crud for the air compressor air, as a tube valve can easily stick and allow the tube to defate and that can cause real trouble with 65psi clincher tires that have to have the air up to stay on
Thanks, Dan.
That 1913 catalog really sorta cinches it. My only concern with removing the Schrader valve every year is that you might lose the original 1913 air. Does anyone have a work-around for this regrettable loss of originality ? (smile)
Dick
Ron Patterson informed me once, that I had Ford Script air in my tires.
My gosh, Jay. You must have at least one each of every style cap ever made ! But do you have 4 alike of any style ?
Dick
Dick, Actually those are old photos. I've added another 100 or so since then. Here's what the lot looks like today.
It appears most, if not all, early valve caps were machined thick brass versus thin formed metal. Did the thinner caps come about the same time as rubber stems and when was that?
Royce They are still used today, just painted yellow. Every aircraft I know big or small uses them. Struts too.
Scott,
I know, I throw away several every week at work. Once I had a big box of them why save more?
I always though the threads at the end of the metal stems was to attach the hose of a tire pump.
Stephen
Why is it when I see your collection Jay, I think of Steve Jelf?
The Model A boys have valve stems, caps, and dust covers down to a science. They have done complete articles on them.
Larry: I like that "Model A boys".
I have 8 Red Crown Caps. Anyone know when they came out?
Vince