Hope this is the right place for some advise. New here and a few months back I picked a a rat rod that sorta resembles a 32 chevy pick-up (Underslung). Anyhow since acquiring it I've been making it a bit more driveable than when I found it. This week's project was to replace the rotted Nankang 6:00 x 16 LT 6 ply what I thought was tube type tires. After reading a post I found here mounting tube tires I figure "No sweat I can do that myself". So I ordered a set of Coker 600 x 16, 4 plys and new inner tubes hoping for a better ride. So upon pulling the Nankangs off I realized that they had no tubes inside while the tire is stamped "Tube Type". Am I correct ***uming these tires should have had inner tubes inside? So my next observation is that the valve stem hole in the rim is not quite at the same angle as the the stem on the tube. The tube has a TR13 stem while the rim hole is slightly larger at 7/16". Hopefully I can post a photo that might better explain what I have. Am I asking for a disaster? Any and all comments and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I would have to say if the tire says "tube type" you have your answer on that. about the valve stem and hole size and placement/angle, the rubber tube will flex and the stem will go through the hole. I have some tubes that the stem is somewhat smaller than the hole in the rim and they work out fine, the tube is thicker around the stem and does not push out the hole if that is your worry.
There used to be some 'grommets' available that fir in the stem hole and have an opening more appropriate for a small diameter stem. Probably can find them through an auto parts store or online. I would not say they are mandatory, but desireable. As said in above post. tube has some ability to acccommodate the angle of the stem vs rim hole. Ray
I was told tube type tires did not have a sealed inner surface and would not hold air. I really wish all tires were tubeless capable. Some wire wheels need tubes and rim liners but can also be sealed up. Never tried mounting tube type tubeless but have always been curious. I would put the tube in regardless of the hole size for the stem but a grommet would not be a bad thing either. Dave
You're correct. One of the things that make tubeless tires just that, is the rubber compund of the inner liner rubber layer of the tire. The tube type liner will let air molecules migrate through it, where the tubeless liner will not. The tube type liner is designed to let any air that might get trapped between the tube and liner to p*** through and actually vent through the tire body. The tubeless liner is also designed to seal around any small object that penetrates it, preventing the instant air loss when the tube is penetrated. There is also a bead angle difference between the tires, where the tubeless tire bead tapers to seat on the tapered bead seat area of the rim. There are some liner sealants that MIGHT be applied to the tube type liner to prevent the air migration, but I never had to make a tube type tire tubeless. Make triple sure that when mounting the tube that the tire is clean, clean, clean inside. Even the smallest piece of grit can eventually chafe through the tube. Also inflate, deflate, and re-inflate to eleminate any creasing of the tube, which is another potential point of failure. Use radial tubes whenever possible. They are heavier gauge rubber, have better splices and a heavier valve stem base.
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I feel much better about my efforts now. Once I realized there was no tube I was surprised how easy the tire came off the rim with no special tools. And also surprised that in the last 3 months neither tire lost any air. I will be sure to super clean the rim before putting the tire and tube back on. I did see a couple nicks that will need cleaned up. And to smooth around the stem hole. I'm even considering repainting the inside of the rim just to make sure everything is smooth. With regard to the new tube, Coker discontinued their regular inner tube originally recommended and now recommends their radial tube, which I purchased. This rat is interesting enough to drive at 70 MPH on the interstate. We don't need no tire coming off the rim at those speeds. Thanks Again!
Any suggestions for finding smaller 15" radial tube with center stem . Tires are 145R 15's going on spindle mount American five spokes
No the radial tire will wad the tube up. You can use a radial tube in a belted tire but not a belted tube in a radial.
I'm not worried about your car type as much your tire problem. I've used motorcycle tubes in cars many times. And I like their metal stems. Some have side or angle valves. I've also used 16" in 15" when using motorcycle tubes when I couldn't find the correct size. Remember tubes grow both ways when aired up. Always tal*** powder your tubes when putting them in. After the tire is seated on the rim ALWAYS let ALL the air out by removing the Schrader valve stem. This lets the tube fit to the tire when inflating. A smaller numerical tube will keep you from having folds. Never buy an old NOS tube. When you unfold it I guarrentee it will have cracks and leak. One last thing. Miller tire.com for tubes. They are a tractor supply. good luck.
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