Re: Inner tubes for Twelves

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2020/8/9 10:05:44

Are we to assume your "current BF Goodrich" tires are tubeless?


The success rate for installation of tubeless (and without tubes) tires on Packard drop-center wheels as far back as 1938 is quite high but you won't know for sure until you try. Many use a sealant on the seams on the wheel construction to help insure airtightness though I know others who haven't and have also had successful installations.

Tire bead and wheel rim construction is different for tube-type and tubeless but is within the hobby generally not thought to be significant. Nevertheless I'd discuss the implications with my proposed new tire vendor.

When I bought my 1934 back in the early 1960s it had nearly bald Norwalk tires in front, U.S Royal Masters with red rubber tubes in the sidemounts, and 8-ply Pennsylvania truck tires in the rear, all probably reflective of the problems of getting tires during and after the war. Like yours, the rear tires had to be cut off to remove them.