1961 5.5 inch wheels

[Jerry G.]

I'm in the process of restoring a 61 Big Brake car. It has the original 5.5 inch wheels. I'm getting conflicting information on whether or not these wheels are to be used with an inner tube. As I understand it these rims do not have a bead ridge and the rivets may leak. Any expiriece with this problem? I don't have a problem using a tube, I'll probablly be using a period appearing racing bias tire on the rims. My tire installer says they have the larger valve stem holes so they are meant for tubes?? Jerry

[Dick W.]

Re: 1961 5.5 inch wheels

I suggest that you contact Rev. Mike Ernst, Dennis Clark, or Mike McCagh for this answer. They all have quite a bit of experience with these wheels

[Tracy C.]

Re: 1961 5.5 inch wheels

Jerry,

I believe an inner tube will get a deduct for the configuration. If you are concerned about a leaking rivet, simply dawb a little RTV silicone over the rivet heads on the tire side of the wheels.

tc

[Joseph T.]

Re: 1961 5.5 inch wheels

I'm in the process of restoring a 61 Big Brake car. It has the original 5.5 inch wheels. I'm getting conflicting information on whether or not these wheels are to be used with an inner tube. As I understand it these rims do not have a bead ridge and the rivets may leak. Any expiriece with this problem? I don't have a problem using a tube, I'll probablly be using a period appearing racing bias tire on the rims. My tire installer says they have the larger valve stem holes so they are meant for tubes?? Jerry

Jerry..Can you post a picture of the finned brake drums?

Joe

[Jerry G.]

Re: 1961 5.5 inch wheels

I don't know how to post a picture. might take me awile. This is old racer stuff. i suspect the finned drums that were on it were not OEM

[Dick W.]

Re: 1961 5.5 inch wheels

Jerry,

I believe an inner tube will get a deduct for the configuration. If you are concerned about a leaking rivet, simply dawb a little RTV silicone over the rivet heads on the tire side of the wheels.

tc

You could also brush epoxy paint over the rivets inside of the wheels. Used to do this on real magnesium wheels. Cured all leaking mags.

[Chuck B.]

Re: 1961 5.5 inch wheels

I have run RPO wheels (5 1/2) wheels without tubes and never had any problems. The wheels were original not re-pops.
Chuck

[Dennis C.]

Agree w/tc...

Only as a precaution, (after bead blasting) I use either RTV or JB Weld Quick to prevent any possible leaks. Always have used tubeless tires. With an experience level of 23 wide wheels, not a leaker yet. Best, Dennis

[Lou C.]

Re: 1961 5.5 inch wheels

I agree, a little JB Weld is a good idea.