Word of warning on Wire Wheel tubes from VB

[Series3Scott]

I ordered a set of tubes from Victoria British and when they arrived I realized they were the all-rubber variety from India. That's fine if you're running cross-plys but I intend to use them on radials. My local tire shop was able to quickly get correct tubes for radials and the ones from VB go back. (VB price $20 each. Local tire guy price $10 each).

VB makes no distinction in their catalogue so word of warning to all. Maybe shame on me for not asking, but as you know when you call you get a 16 year old who doesn't even know how to spell car.

 

[Bill Blue]

Scott, just what is the difference between conventional and radial tubes? Its been years, but I'm pretty sure I was told the difference was the thickness of the rubber.

Bill

 

[Series3Scott]

Not so much the thickness as the ability to handle the extra heat and stress created by a radial vs. bias-ply. Apparently the tubes for crossplies would get destroyed if used on a radial, so you have to use specific tubes for radials - something I think VB should note in their catalogue don't you?

 

[Bill Blue]

Not so much the thickness as the ability to handle the extra heat and stress created by a radial vs. bias-ply. Apparently the tubes for crossplies would get destroyed if used on a radial, so you have to use specific tubes for radials - something I think VB should note in their catalogue don't you?

Yes, but once again, how does a person tell? Are they marked "Radial Tube" or anything of that nature?

Bill

 

[John W]

People who check their tube thickness with a micrometer generally don't talk about it.

 

[Series3Scott]

Sorry Bill, wasn't following your question. Yes, the ones intended for radials are actually marked as such - I went back to my old tubes and sure enough they're marked for radial tire use.

 

[Nickodell]

It's easy. One kind is marked RADIAL, the other INLINE.

Sorry, couldn't resist.