Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

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bdtutton
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Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

Post by bdtutton » Tue Jul 20, 2021 1:41 pm

I have a 1914 Touring with clincher wooden wheels that I am almost finished restoring. It is sitting on jacks with all 4 wheels in the air and the wheels are nice and round and straight, but seem out of balance. Besides being wooden wheels I am using the heavy brass valve stems and brass dust covers so I would expect them to be out of balance. I have new tires, flaps, tubes and have even replaced the bearings and seals because I would like to run the car 35-40MPH for short bursts when needed. How much of a wheel balance problem do you think I will have? I have read that balance beads can balance any Model T wheel.
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What the general opinion about balance beads in wooden clincher tires with brass stems and brass dust covers?
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Pep C Strebeck
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Re: Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

Post by Pep C Strebeck » Tue Jul 20, 2021 3:10 pm

I have Dyna-Beads in all 4 tires and there is a noticeable difference.

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Scott_Conger
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Re: Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

Post by Scott_Conger » Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:37 pm

Dyna-Beads are one of the few products in life that usually deliver more than expected. They are a very good enhancement for a typically unbalanced T wheel.
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Re: Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

Post by Ralph F » Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:53 pm

I have them in my 15 touring car for the last 4-5 years and they real have improve drive ability.

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Oldav8tor
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Re: Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

Post by Oldav8tor » Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:11 pm

I have 6 oz of Counteract balancing beads in each of my tires. I notice absolutely zero out-of-balance indications while driving - across all speed ranges. The fun part is introducing the beads into the tubes. I attached a plastic hose to a condiment bottle and slip the other end over the valve stem (held in place by a small hose clamp). It requires patience..... if you have trouble getting the beads to flow smoothly I've found that vibrating the valve stem with an electric engraving tool will help.
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Re: Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

Post by JohnH » Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:57 pm

I've had balancing beads for about the last 10 years. I only noticed their effect at high speed. Getting them into the tube requires patience, not to try and pour them in too quickly or the tyre valve blocks up.

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Pep C Strebeck
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Re: Balance Beads - Wooden Wheels

Post by Pep C Strebeck » Tue Jul 20, 2021 9:28 pm

Oldav8tor wrote:
Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:11 pm
It requires patience.....
JohnH wrote:
Tue Jul 20, 2021 8:57 pm
Getting them into the tube requires patience, not to try and pour them in too quickly or the tyre valve blocks up.


A recurring theme I agree with. Definitely bring your patience when attempting to put them in. Instead of an engraving tool as mentioned above, I used a Dremel tool to provide the vibration to help them down the tube and into the stem.
"Remember son, there are two ways to do this: The right way, and your way” Thanks Dad, I love you too.

LOOKING FOR A LUFKIN No. 9A Height Gage Attachment.

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