Hot Rods Tubes or no tubes

I have a pair of Excelsior 750-16`s that say "tube type" on the sidewalls and a pair of Firestone 500-`16s that say "tubeless" on them. Coker sent me 4 tubes. What is the reason for the tubes?


Thanks,

Scott

 

Most 16" wheels do not have a safety bead, so it's a good idea to use tubes. If the tire goes flat, it will roll right off the rim, tubes slow down that process.

 

I am using a Smoothie wheel from early company.

 

Do your smoothie wheels have these beads inside the drop center?


If so, You can mount them tubeless, but I would check with Coker on the Excelsior's.

 

anyone else?

 

Coker seems to say EVERYTHING they sell needs tubes. Probably CYA deal. Tube type tires have a slightly different bead design at the rim. But I'm running the 500:16s tubeless on 35 Ford wheels no sweat as these wheels are smooth inside ,no spoke heads or rivets to leak. And funny thing is a tube goes flat very quick with a puncture ,tubeless may hold air for weeks with a nail in it. And again there is a better than even chance the tube type would work tubeless with a non-leaky wheel. Hell ! Me I would try it just to see. LOL

 

Here is the story... I talked to Coker's Tenn. office about this.. The Firestones are made from old molds that still say tube type.. They can run on a new wheel,, IE smoothie etc.. with no tube.. 16's have a safety bead on them... Jason.

Bear Metal Kustoms

Early Wheel Company

 

Thanks Jason! What about the Excelsiors? Still need the tubes?