Steve
While I cannot claim to have had the kind of trouble you have had. I did go
through an extended phase when one or other rear tyre would blow at
intervals of about 4000 miles. To the extent that I was effectively running
3 tyres on the back (there's a twist on a three wheeler!!). Discussion with
my usual tyre supplier suggested that the main cause was probably chafing
and torque reaction.
When I finally got round to replacing the two on the road wheels (as opposed
to the one on the spare) the guy put in copious amounts of talcum powder
with the tube. So far this seems to have done the trick, presumably
providing enough lubrication between the tyre and the tube.
One other thing to note, the new tyres were Pirelli 6000s. These are NOT
recommended by Pirelli for running with tubes as the inside of the tyre is
ribbed. So perhaps I am running on borrowed time....
Dave Vodden
1992 Plus 4
Hampshire UK
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stephen F. Bauserman" <sbauserman@actsnet.com>
To: <morgans@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 09, 2000 8:45 PM
Subject: Wire Wheels and Tubes
> Being we are in our annual two weeks of Spring in Houston, I took Scarlet
> out for a run this morning. After lunch I went out to take care of a few
> minor things in the garage and found Scarlet with a flat tire.
>
> When Scarlet was restored her 72 spoke painted wire wheels were replaced
> with a set of Dayton Chrome 72 spoke wire wheels. I have always run them
> with tubes. They have rubber inserts inside the rim to keep the spokes
from
> making holes in the tubes and they have been checked for loose spokes, but
> in spite of this I have at least a half dozen flat tires a year. I run
> Dunlop SP20 165/15 tires on her and I drive Scarlet about 5K miles per
year.
> Much of that drving is at 50 - 65 MPH on freeway or interstate.
>
> I have been told that I can run these wheels without tubes if I will use a
> silicone sealant at the base of the spokes on the inside of the rim. It
is
> getting harder and harder in my area to get someone to repair of replace
> inner tubes. I have replaced the last two myself. I can think of
numerous
> other things I would rather do with my time. Has anyone out there
converted
> a set of wire wheels from being tube to tubeless? Or does anyone have any
> ideas on this subject?
>
> I just returned from Pep Boys with a large tube of Permatex Silicone
Sealant
> (Everything else is held together with Permatex, why not the wheels?).
>
> Steve Bauserman
> 67 4/4 Series V Competition
>
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