Idea for Fixing Flat Valve Stem Bridge Washers

[CudaMan]

The bridge washers currently available from the vendors are the larger Schrader 725 size and do not have the dimpling that grips and seals the tube rubber when tightened down. On the currently available metal stem tubes from the vendors, it isn't too much of a problem because the stem is vulcanized to the tube.

However, for those installing older Schrader stems onto rubber stem tubes, it is a problem.

Somehow, I came in possession of a couple of flat bridge washers with the smaller, Schrader 777 hole size. I really wanted to use them with my 777 stems, so I came up with a plan. I bought some 1/2 inch brass plated steel grommets and crazy glued one half of the grommet to the bottom of the bridge washer. This perfectly mimics the dimple on the bottom of original bridge washers. Once installed on the stem and tightened down, the grommet can't go anywhere, the crazy glue is just for holding the grommet in place during installation. I did have to do some sanding on the excess crazy glue to get a smooth surface.

What do you think? I think this would work on the flat bridge washers for the larger 725 size stems as well. You can get pure brass or brass plated steel grommets from dozens of suppliers on eBay and elsewhere. Here is a link to show one of the many sources for the grommets.

https://www.mytarp.com/products/brass-g ... gJNs_D_BwE

[Oldav8tor]

What an interesting idea.... I think it is certainly worth a try. Let us know what happens

[Mark Osterman]

Anxious to see if they work.

[Steve Jelf]

Looks like it should work. It's pretty close to some of the originals.

[Allan]

I'm not familiar with "crazy glue". The idea is great. I'd buy the solid brass ones, fill the dish in the back of grommet with sodder? and sweat them onto the bridge washer for a more permanent fix. I have a few 777 size bridge washers, but some have rusted really thin.

Allan from down under.

[CudaMan]

Allan, "Crazy Glue" is a brand name in the US for cyanoacrylate glue. It is thin enough to wick into gaps and cures really strong.

I thought about using solder, if I find another pair of flat 777 size bridge washers I'll try it. For the life of me, I can't remember where these two 777 size flat bridge washers came from, or I'd buy more!

Some original Schrader stems came with a flat bridge washer and a separate ribbed washer (labeled "J" in the illustration below). If anybody has some of the separate ribbed washers, I'd be interested in them.

It may be a while before I install the two that I have, I am switching over to 777 stems two at a time as I wear out tires. I already have two new Universal T Driver tires and tubes with 777 stems and original bridge washers ready to go.

[CudaMan]

One other potential solution - Smith and Jones website shows a valve stem assembly for a Model A, part number A-1501 B, that has a ribbed bridge washer in it. The shape isn't the same, but it could be trimmed if necessary. I have sent an email to Smith and Jones to find out if the bridge washer and clamping nut are available separately. I'll let you know what they say.

[CudaMan]

With some more searching online, I found out that Mike's A Fordable offers the Model A Bridge washers and nuts separately, so I ordered some as an experiment.

https://www.mikes-afordable.com/

[Allan]

Mark, we know that stuff as superglue. It's funny how brand names become the standard reference over time. Prior to superglue, Tarzan's Grip was the brand name most common.
You blokes know what a Crescent wrench is, even if not made by Crescent. We call them shifters. What you guys call a cooler, we refer to by the brand name Esky, short for eskimo i presume.

Allan from down under.

[jab35]

Thanks for all the information. Willie obviously missed or totally misread this thread. jb

Post by Willie R » Thu Sep 17, 2020 1:02 pm

Is it just that time of year or is the Model T forums dead ?
Seems no one is alive in the hobby expressing any enthusiasm or interest in helping others.

[CudaMan]

Update - I ordered four of the Model A bridge washers and nuts from Mike's A-fordable Model A parts and good news, the hole in the bridge washer and the threads on the nut are Schrader 777 stem size!

The Model A bridge washer has the correct round sealing ring, but is wider than a standard Schrader 777 size washer, see pic. I don't know if it would have to be trimmed to fit on a Model T wheel or not, I haven't tried it yet.

So, there is a newly manufactured alternative to old, rusty, or hard to find original bridge washers and nuts. Now, if someone would make the 777 size stems.

[25 roadster john]

Hello Mark,
They list 2 bridge washers. Which did you buy?

[CudaMan]

Oops, sorry!

I ordered bridge washer A1501WW. The nut is A1500N.

[Original Smith]

I don't think I'd want to use those wide ones. I believe the idea of the correct bridge washer is to force the clinchers apart. I don't see how those wide ones can do that. Has anyone tried A&L Model A parts? They are up in Mass or Conn somewhere.

[CudaMan]

You have a point, Larry. When I decide to use the Model A washers, I'll figure out a way to quickly and reliably cut them down to the Model T width and shape.

Message to the Model T vendors - how about finding out the manufacturer of these Model A washers and seeing if they can stamp out a version with the correct Model T width and shape? Snyder's, you handle both Model A and Model T parts, how about it?

Update - a few minutes with a cutoff wheel in a Dremel tool, a grinder, and wire wheel made quick work of modifying one of the Model A washers to the Model T size and shape. The first one went so easy that I went ahead and did the remaining three.