VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Tubes

After 12 yrs my inner tubes are developing slow leaks. I may have to start replacing them. Any suggestions on brands that are available.

I had tubes longer than that and no leaks. The Filling Station is near you. try them.

Most of the common antique tire sources should have tubes. Be sure to get the correct ones regarding center or side outlet. I found out the hard way there is a difference and have side outlet tubes in my center outlet rims. It did cause one to fail so I am now keeping a couple of spares but even then they are 17 years old. I believe most rubber products tubed or tubeless will leak a little over time.

The tubes in my lawn tractor, wheelbarrow, bicycle and other pneumatic tired equipment often are made in China. Every one will develop leaks after several years. In my opinion the quality of rubber used in those tubes is not equal to older tubes. So unless there is an increase in quality of tubes that are available we just need to get used to short life tubes.

I agree that the old tube are better than the new ones.

I intend to put hot patches on my old ones when needed.

I would be even more inclined to do the patches if I had a car earlier than 41. After all how fast do you intend to drive something in the 20s and 30s. You won't even notice the out off balance of the tires. You could put a patch the size and weight of a football and notice no difference. In those olden cars you can run a tube that is more patches than original rubber and not even notice the difference.

Where are you going to go with a 20/30s car anyway. Too old for tours. No one wants you along, a-dragging along, a-holding up the women who want to get to the restruant andd bathrooms. They can't go beside the road like the males can. Just open a door and let it go. The cars are too old for going out of the county, have to take more spare parts and emergency stuff that the old critter will safely hall. That leave only a trip around the block. Maybe a trip to the grocery or filling station. (For Uncle Ed that would mean packing a lunch). In most cases you could just walk there and not worry about getting back home. (Again, except Uncle Ed)

When one finds themselves with an older car than a 41, one get miserable owing to the notion that they can't drive the critter anywhere that they don't feel a-scared that they are going to end up on the "hook." No sir. Everyone who owns one of those ancient critters are constantly looking for ads featuring a reasonably priced 41. Are too!

I feel for you guys. Do too! But watch me breeze by and eat my dust!

Charlie

Some people wait for the swap meet circuit. For example the early bird in Puyallup is in February. Coker tire comes to the Portland Swap Meet in April every year. So what a lot of guys will do is order their tires, tubes, and flaps from them before the meet. They will bring them to the swap meet and you can save the shipping costs, and possibly other costs since the sales location is now in Oregon. Just saying its one option.

Charlie--- Judging from your VCCA number and the 1934 in your email address I would judge you are in my age category and have been a VCCA member for quite sometime. Are you insinuating that we (me and you) and our 1941 Chevrolet Coupes are fading into the sunset. Your post is sort of depressing. Does not sound like the old Charlie defending the best Chevrolet ever made - the 1941 Chevrolet Special Deluxe 5 pass Coupe. One glimmer of hope - you said older than 1941. Does that mean you are not including our 1941's in this group. I only went to two car shows this year. Got two trophies. The smiley face icons say a lot. I enjoy your literary masterpieces No dust today. Too cold and snowy when I pass those "newer" cars. JIM

I was posting about pre-41s.

The 1941 Special Deluxe Coupe is by far the mostest best looking car ever made bar none. There was no way to improve upon the looks of that car. Chevrolet nailed it that year. The only improvement Chevrolet could have done was to make the grille and accessory washboards out of cast metal instead of formed/stamped steel. It's hard to improve on perfection. Is too.

If you wonder what the next best looking Chevrolet ever was: The 1950 Bel-Air. The outside sunscreen didn't hurt the looks a bit.

Of course the above are just my opinions but I have yet heard anyone with a whit of art ingrained in their soul make a good, sound argument that I'm wrong. It is what it is.

The 1937/38 coupes were nice looking cars but a far distant cousens to the 41 SD coupe. It's just the way it is. No brag just a fact.

47/48 Aerosedans looked pretty good. Especially with the wood. 41 SD coupes didn't need any stinkin wood slapped on to improve their looks.

The Chevrolet that missed the mark, in my opinion (sorry, Gene) was the 1939.

The 1949-1952 coupes were downright in need of help. Especially, without the fender skirts.

If there is anyone who disagrees with me on the above let him step forward and be heard. Caution: Just because you own a certain Chevrolet doesn't mean it is a nice looking car. Especially those with a outside sunshade.

Charlie

BTW: It was not my intent to rain on anyone's parade but... You know.

I do not expect any feedback on my opinion. As usual, it is compellingly convincing.