Tubes in Slicks
 

I had a set of slicks I ran on my V-6 SS Camaro with minimal runs. Goodyear does not produce them any more. (D1702) :mad:
I've sold them to a bracket racer and they work VERY well for his combination.
The problem is they are starting to loose air between rounds. Being a one man operation this is a big issue.
He runs them at a fairly high air pressure (7 1/2 to 8 1/2) for bias tires.
He has ask me about tubes.
I really don't think the extra weight would be a problem.
I've never run tubes in anything. I have no answeres for him
So, I'm here asking questions. :confused:
1.To strat with I'm wondering about the wrinkle pinching a tube.
2. I'm also thinking that it would be better to have a tube that was too small & Blown up inside the tire rather than too big and inside the tire with folds and ovelaps. (balance and pinch issues??)
3. Someone has suggested Implement tubes from the local Farmers Coop.
3.a. Why would they work?:rolleyes:
3.b. Or won't work??
4. Could tubes hurt or help his reaction times. (footbrake racer)
These are 14 X 31.0 on a 14 wide rim. 97 1/4 roll out.
He has some 12' wide rims that could be used, but they work very good on the 14" rims.
OH! BTW: We have tried all the tricks, like Palmolive rubbed in from the inside. :(
Your thoughts/insights would be appreciated.

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

Just a FYI:
This is a picture of how hard the tire wrinkled with 6 1/2 lbs air and my 3200 lb car, 14 wide wheel.
His car is 2400 lbs w/driver, less HP, too.
I haven't seen them, but I don't think they wrinkle much on his car. Would more or less wheel screws help the wrinkle?

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

We use Phoenix tires,and Firestone before that and have always used tubes.I feel the tubes help the sidewalls live a lot longer and we have never had a pinched tube.We run our pressure at 9.5lbs,12.2x31.25 on a 12" wheel.We use the Moroso screws, 8 per side.Natural rubber tubes.

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

A generous amount of talcum powder inside the tire while mounting will prevent pinching.

Farm/truck tire tubes are way less expensive, a bit heavier, are said to not have the same /applicable inflated profile. But they worked for me in a much slower car, way back when.

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

Under no circumstances ever run a tube in a slick that is not manufactured for this application !!!!! Farm implement tubes are NOT made from the same rubber that is used in a drag slick application....the compound used in a drag tube is a more flexible natural rubber than what is used in an implement tube....the implement tube is designed to operate in a high pressure low speed environment which is just the opposite of the drag race application/ low pressure high speed......you WILL have a failure at some point it would be just a matter of time......

D L Rambo.....STK 1300

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

My opinion from decades of Brkt racing. I use to never run tubes (MT Tire recommendation "off record") and never had a problem. Then one day I got tried of my tires going down during the off time and installed a lite weigh tube with much talcum power and a month or two later it went flat just before a big buck's first round. I was pissed, being 400 miles travel (round-trip) and done!
Cause: Winkle cracked!
Never run anything, but real drag tubes.
I never noticed RT differences.
Some guys rub dish soap, real heavy inside the tire w/no tubes to stop air changes.
I then went back with no tubes for years and now a couple yrs ago I ordered the Drag Tubes (MT nat rub) and love them. I don't have to jack the rear up or air my tires all the time. They hardly ever move and I believe they are safer for high speed air lost (flat), at least it would take longer to deflate.
My 2 cents...for free!

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

Drag tubes would be the best, as above. If the sidewall is compromised from the wrinkling, as seems to be the case, I would be concerned about continuing to run the tires. Cord, etc. damage could be present but not seen. How old are the tires? How fast is the car and if a tire fails at the top end, what next?

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

how old are those leaking slicks? might be safer too just buy some new ones .

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

Local Speed Shop sold Carlisle "natural rubber" Radial tubes at half the price with no problems at all?

Re: Tubes in Slicks
 

I would suggest no tubes,i run hoosier tires 14x32 and never had any air pressure loss,also getting a flat with tubes just about eliminates you from making next rd. ,unless you have a complete rim and tire for a spare.;/.much easier to repair a tubeless tire lol.