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Hartford Tubes
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 1:11 pm
by Original Smith
I have a current Hartford 30X3 1/2 tube. I don't recognize the valve stem as it has a different texture than the industry has been using forever. I've been cutting of the rubber valve stems for years, and replacing them with factory originals. I have had good luck doing this, and it makes me feel good that I have correct valve stems on my cars. I don't like the current offerings with brass valve stems, because the valve stems are too large. This would be something that was used in a Pierce Arrow. That extra weight would throw the wheel out of balance somewhat. The new rubber valve stem that I'm referring to looks like plastic, and I wonder if I will be able to continue cutting of this type of valve to achieve my needs?
Re: Hartford Tubes
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 1:30 pm
by Steve Jelf
I'd be surprised if there was no way to cut out the rubber stems. I do that too, but I use the 724/725 sized metal stems. If that changes the ride, it's so minor I haven't noticed it.
Re: Hartford Tubes
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 4:55 pm
by Allan
Larry, you gladly change the rubber stem with a metal one, with no consideration for any balance problem, but the difference between metal stems is a problem? It would be interesting to measure the difference between the two operations.
Allan from down under.
Re: Hartford Tubes
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 6:11 pm
by Original Smith
What I'm after here is to find out what Coker is using for a valve stem. It appears to be plastic? I don't use modern valve stems in my cars, and have been replacing them for years with correct original metal valve stems. But now this. A plastic valve stem! Indeed. Can I cut it off as I have been, and wind up with a hole I can fit an original into? Why are reproductions always fighting us? I hope I'm wrong.
Re: Hartford Tubes
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2024 12:27 am
by Steve Jelf
You can go ahead and try it. Two things can happen. 1 You can't install a metal stem, and you will be out the cost of the tube. 2 You can install a metal stem, and you will be out nothing. I would take that gamble to find out.
Re: Hartford Tubes
Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2024 12:34 am
by Allan
I doubt it is plastic as we know it. It may be a different synthetic to the rest of the tube. If it is a little less prone to crushing by the nut and bridge washer of a metal stem, that is a good thing. It just might be a little harder to get the stem flange down the hole at first.
Allan from down under.
Re: Hartford Tubes
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2024 2:59 pm
by Original Smith
I finally removed the tube from the box. The valve stem has a bright black finish. Don't know why, but appears to be rubber. The tube says Hartford, 30X3 1/2, made in China. I'm willing to give it a try. At least when I finish it won't have the improper brass vulcanized too large valve stem, and will have a period correct Schrader, Dill, or Bridgeport valve stem installed in the tube the way Ford did it.