Replacing rubber valve stems

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by CRH

As far as replacing stems at home, I have done it several times. Nothing really hard about it.

I agree. Remember, you don't take the tire off the rim or even move it on the rim, all you need is to break the bead in area of the stem on one side so you can reach your hand in to cut the old and drop in the new. All of my old stems came out in one piece, I just slit the rubber and it levered out.
My downfall was trying to reinflate the tires with my Viair 400-P. Like I said, had I removed the valve core it would have worked but it struggled to supply air fast enough to pop on the bead. I took the completed tires to a local tire store, handed the workers $10 and they were delighted to use their giant compressor. I felt I failed to complete the task. Worse in 90 degree heat.

[ITSNO60]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Photo circa 1975 newspaper ad for a Chevy-Buick dealer service department. Had more hair and about 40 lbs lighter there!

That must have been at Reichert, my Dad bought our new 1966 Belair station wagon there in 1966 and we drove it to California where it was promptly sideswiped by a tour bus while we were at the Parade of Roses.

[dznf0g]

I used to call on Reichert when I was a commercial service manager.
And my sone lives in crystal lake.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Gypsydad, it might depend on the equipment the installer had. I understand the tech can select “inside only” on the spin balancer and force it to compensate. Think of it like Centramatics - they’re “inside only” and work.

Or, it could be the wheel and tire were outside the allowable tolerance for “inside only”. My professional experience predates the cool new computer controlled balancers.

The closer to the centerline of the wheel the weight is the better. Back in the day, on steel wheels, (usually with hub caps), we always divided the weights.
With the newer deeper offset alloy, stick-on weights deep in the wheel covered by metal tape will work best.
The AS has always had centramatics with weights on the inside.

Bob
🇺🇸

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by ITSNO60

That must have been at Reichert, my Dad bought our new 1966 Belair station wagon there in 1966 and we drove it to California where it was promptly sideswiped by a tour bus while we were at the Parade of Roses.

Apologies to the OP for hijacking this thread.

Brian, good eye! Yes, that was Reicherts. Sorry to hear about the Belair’s accident. I’ll bet your dad was beside himself over the incident. Would love to have that ‘66 wagon today!

My folks bought a 64 Skylark, 65 Impala coupe and my favorite, a ‘69 Chevelle Malibu coupe with bucket seats (no SS) from Reicherts. I bought a used ‘74 Trans Am while working there. I worked at the Crystal Lake shop then later at the one in Woodstock before going to several service stations in Crystal Lake.

Prior to Reicherts I worked at Mecum Pontiac-Buick in Marengo, IL. Dana Mecum was the one of the owner’s sons who now runs Mecum Auctions with events on cable. One time Eddie Mecum Sr. asked me to do him a favor and pick up a car for him. Turns out it was repossessed and in Houston, TX. I asked what kind of car it was. He said “some deTomasa thing”. I said a Pantera? That’s it he said!

Say no more.. Flew down to Houston on July 5, 1974 and drove in back in 23 hours with a buddy. The car was beat for only being two years old - AC didn’t work but that mid engine 351 Cleveland and ZF 5 speed made up for it. Fun times!

Here’s the full ad.

[tjdonahoe]

Any tire shop can replace the rubber valve stems with brass ones...even the Crome plated brass valve stems use rubber seals..they should be replaced when installing new tires...preventive maintenance

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by Boog

I used these: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b.../17428/4870862


Xtra Seal Bolt-In Valve - Fits Rim Hole Diameter 5/8 Inch,Part# 17-428

Be careful when selecting replacement bolt in valves. The hole in wheels is either .625 or .453 with .453 being the more "normal" diameter.
Some metal valves come with two different size rubber gaskets. The rubber gaskets have a "neck" that should be a snug fit in the wheel hole. I suggest you wet the rubber with a bit of Windex or soapy water so the rubber slides over the threads and into the wheel without folding over which would result in a leak.

[Boog]

Originally Posted by Tireman9

Be careful when selecting replacement bolt in valves. The hole in wheels is either .625 or .453 with .453 being the more "normal" diameter...

Good point - The O’Reilly’s ad had a mistake in the description. The Xtra Seal 17-428 is a .453 valve stem, not a 5/8”.
Here’s their description further down the page: “1 1/2 Inch Chrome Straight Valve 0.453 Valve Hole; Sold Individually”
But from what I’ve read, they may no longer carry them.