Dill Valve Stems

[Erv M.]

Are the valve stems judged? A 69 valve stem was a Dill with TR413 molded into the rubber approximatey 1 1/2" long with the 627 Dill Cap according to "Stingray Guidebook".

Reference is made in the TIMJG of the caps but no specific information on the valve stem except it would not protrude noticeably beyond the trim rings. For the spare there is no trim ring so does the valve stem come into the judging forum?

[Terry M.]

Re: Dill Valve Stems

Not everyone beleives that DILL was the only supplier of valve stems to Corvette St. Louis. Of course you could run into one of those exterior judges who is convinced ALL 1969 Corvettes came with Dill caps -- I know of at least one of those.

My 1968-69 TIM&JG gives a length for the valve stem on page 33. If yours doesn't, you may need a new up-to-date manual, although I thought we put that measurement in there years ago.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Dill Valve Stems

Erv:
I believe the TR413 designation is an industry standard for length. Different lengths have different TR numbers. You can go to any auto parts store and get valve stems with this marking. Of course you can't see this once the valve is installed in the wheel since this is on the inside.
Jeff

[Dale S.]

Re: Dill Valve Stems

TR 413 is one of the part numbers of Milton Industries Inc, of Chicgo Ill. I have a skin packed Milton TR- 423, a 2 1/2 inch tubeless tire valve stem. Dale

[Erv M.]

Re: Dill Valve Stems

Now I know why judges inspect length 1 1/4 inches to verify the correct valve stem. The Model number is molded on the end that is lodged within the wheel it can not be seen.

Tough when you answer your own question. I have learned a great deal here but with that knowledge and three bucks I could treat myself to a Starbucks coffee.

[Peter L.]

Re: Dill Valve Stems

Erv - My read is that if the valve stem length is "correct" or close to correct length and you put a Dill cap (what ever the number is) on it, only you and your valve stem supplier are going to know whose valve stem it is. I bet that Schrader was also a supplier of the original valve stems (they were in the 60s) but the original Schrader caps are more difficult to come by so go with the Dill caps. Judges like them. Don't ask me why. Pete