MTFCA Forum

I've searched and was unable to locate anything on this forum that might answer my questions on my tire change. I have a 1926 Coupe with wire wheels and I would like to know if anyone has used the plastic wheel rim hole bushings for tube type valves to reduce hole size. If you have used the plastic wheel rim hole bushings for the rubber tube valve stems I would like to hear your thoughts. I'm ready to replace the weather rotted tires, tubes and the rim liner and since this is a first for me on a model T, I want everything to go well. Your thoughts, experiences and suggestions are welcome.

I run 27 wires. the rubber stem fits snugly. has someone drilled your holes oversized? Hole measures .500". Stem outside of hole is .540"

Generally, if you are fitting the currently available rubber stem tubes into wire wheels, you will need to make the hole a little bigger, not smaller.

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Sun May 30, 2021 4:16 pm

I run 27 wires. the rubber stem fits snugly. has someone drilled your holes oversized? Hole measures .500". Stem outside of hole is .540"

Thank you speedytinc,
for your response with the measurements.

My original post showed my ignorance on the subject. I am still learning, and I hope to learn for many years to come. I had heard that I would need the bushing to install on my T before the tubes and tires. I did not know what dimension the hole should be nor had I thought that far ahead so the joke is on me. When I read your post with the measurements I went to my shop for my calipers and measured the holes. Now that I've made my measurements and compared them with your information it became obvious that I do not need the bushings.

Adam, thank you for your response. I have managed to get the first of my new tires & tubes installed on my coupe, and I did consider reaming the holes to make them larger, but I managed to get the valve stem into the hole. The old tires on my "shed find" aka my 26 coupe have plenty of tread but all five have noticeable weather rot and they are much stiffer than the new tires. It was difficult to remove the first tire and the new tire went on so much easier.

Best regards,

DIYer