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Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2020 11:22 pm
by ModelTWoods
What is the proper metal valve stem length on on 21" tubes, for both wood spoke and wire spoke wheels?
Re: Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 12:05 am
by Stephen_heatherly
The correct original inner tube stems are Schrader number 777. If nobody answers before me, I'll measure one of my loose stems tomorrow.
Stephen
Re: Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 12:39 am
by ModelTWoods
Thanks, Stephen, but I wasn't so worried about the Schroeder number as I was the actual stem length. I have two brand new Universal Tire Co. nickle plated metal stem tubes that have 2" stems. I was just wondering if they were correct.
Re: Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 1:05 am
by Steve Jelf
Terry, I believe all the current metal stems are wider than what Ford used originally. I haven't found this to be a problem. As for length, all you need is for them to stick out far enough to hold the nut and the dust cover. The "correct" Shrader 777 is longer than your 2" stems, but if they hold the nut and the dust cover their shorter length doesn't matter. If the 2" stems don't reach far enough, you'll need to replace them with the longer old stems.
More details on metal stems are here: http://dauntlessgeezer.com/DG110.html.
Re: Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:22 am
by Allan
Steve, most of the metal stem tubes today have no thread for a dust cover nut. The metal stems are plain. You can still use Dill dust covers with the sliding threaded piece, as that screws onto the smaller valve cap thread. About the only threaded stems I have seen are on motorcycle tubes, and I do not know why this is so.
Allan from down under.
Re: Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 8:39 am
by DanTreace
Terry
The 2" stem tubes you have are ok for Ford welded wire wheel, or for disc wheels for that matter. The shorter stem supplied on reproduction tubes and stems needed as there is no thick felloe. A longer metal stem is supplied on clincher reproduction tubes of today.
Just use the reproduction rim nut and the dust cap will thread onto it.
Ford originally used the longer length 777 style stems[as noted by others, the 777 stems are smaller diameter than reproductions today, original dust cap threaded right on] Ford did changed the length of the dust cap for the wire wheel cars that were fitted with tubes using the 'T.R.3' stem in the adv. below.
Longer 3" dust cap used for only wire wheel T's, because the stem stood taller in the thin wire wheel rim:
Re: Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 12:07 pm
by Original Smith
Keep in mind, the tubes being supplied today with metal stems, are not the same diameter as the originals.
Re: Inner tube metal stem length
Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:43 pm
by ModelTWoods
Thanks, Guys, for all the replies. The new tubes that I have with 2" nickle plated valve stems, are Universal Tire Company brand. I looked for them on their website (to buy three more), but could only find unplated brass stem 21" tubes, so I called this morning. They said the particular tube that I had (and needed 3 more) will be, or has been discontinued, but they still had a few in their warehouse bin. I got the three that I needed. They didn't say how many more that were left over. When they are gone, you might be able to get a 21"tube with a nickle valve stem from Universal, but it will be a tube made with a brass stem and changed out with a vulcanized nickle stem attached.