MTFCA Forum

I have finally gotten a quote for making these very-special-thread (13/32" x 28) dies. One die is $147 but we can get them for less than half of that --$70 each-- if we order at least 6. The price doesn't change after that. This round, adjustable HSS die would be for chasing damaged threads on original brass valve stems, although it will be able to cut new threads once it's re-adjusted for that.

Perhaps a few chapters would want one for their tool cribs??

We could also get taps made in the same size, for chasing threads in original stem hardware, if another 6 guys would want one of those. Price would be in the same ballpark.

So--any interest?

I Wil take one. Dale Kemmerer

I'll take one as well

RV- check your PMs. Dan

I'd like one.

Hi R.V., please put me down for one, thanks!

OK; we have our 6, so the lower price has kicked in. The die maker's Engineering department is closed until Monday; I will confirm some important details of the new die's construction with them then, so I guess Tuesday July 7 will be the cutoff for reserving one so we can get these under way. Thanks everybody!

I will take one also, Bob

Hi R. ., I'll take one also.

Thanks,

Keith

R.V., If it's not to late to jump on the band wagon I would like to have one also.

Nope; not too late. After Tuesday it will be, at least for this go 'round.

OK; their Engineering dept. has confirmed that these will be specially-built dies suitable for thread chasing use on original sized, two-flat-side Schrader 777 & 888, Dill, Firestone, or TR (Tire & Rim Mfr.) valve stems in the size specified by Ford, which is 13/32" x 28 tpi. This size was used exclusively by Ford after 1920; until then they were used along with a larger size (15/32" x 26) which was specified for use on 30 x 3-1/2" tubes but was discontinued after 1920.

Update: These are underway. A total of 9 dies have been spoken for; that will comprise the run. The die maker is using an original stem as a template to ensure that the finished dies will perform as they should. They should be ready in about 10 days-2 weeks.

Great! Let us know when, how much, and by what method you want to be paid, thanks again!

If there is one available I would like to buy one

Thanks

Richard Williamson

Please put me down for one!

OK, Richard and Steve; it's after the deadline but I contacted the die maker and asked if they'd accept two more. Looks like it won't be a problem because they are building a prototype for testing before going on to the full run. But if anyone else wants one, better let me know today.

It doesn't matter the number on the valve stem, as long as the thread is the same! The only thing changing is the length of the stem.

OK everyone; the new dies have arrived and I will be sending them off to their new owners tomorrow. I have tried mine out on 5 different original stems and I'm very happy with how well it works. The die is fully adjustable and can cut new threads as well as chase old ones.

Thanks everybody!!

This is for those who really care about authentic parts. The early round serrated rim nuts are now being made by Dan McEachern in Alameda. He sells them for $20 each. He went to a lot of work to make them for us.

Thanks Larry! And of course RV for making the dies. Here is a picture of the early rim nut.

Neat rim nuts! Are they solid on the bottom, or do they have a pocket for a leather washer like the hex ones have?

These are exactly like the originals in every feature. Larry has even blessed them as being correct!

Thanks for the kind words Dan. Dan doesn't include the leather washer. As I recall, I had to find an 11/16" punch to make them, and used a 3/8" for the center. I don't see how anyone that is familiar with Dan's work would even think they would be solid on the bottom!

I have a great source for the leather washers; top quality and very reasonably priced. Stay tuned...

All the dies have been shipped; went out today so if you ordered one be looking to get yours in a few days to a week.

I received my die from R.V. today and immediately put it to work cleaning up the threads on a couple of Schrader stems. It works great! Since it's adjustable, you can adjust it to just lightly dress the bad spots or tighten it up for a more aggressive cut.

I received mine yesterday. Haven't had a chance to try it yet. R.V. makes the coolest stuff! Thanks Randall.

Mine came on Friday & it works great!!! Thanks very much, R.V.

Keith