Split rims without the mental ring inside?

Gene2013 · Post by **Gene2013** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:48 am

Hi, my jeep like a lot does not have the metal band inside the split rims. A lot of jeeps do not have them and many owners prefer not to use them, so several UK parts dealers have told me.

Having said that, do any of you use anything as a type of 'rim tape' while putting on the tubes and tyres?

I think the purpose is to try and not nip the tube between the two halves of the wheels.

Do you use any such thing?

Thanks

lt.luke · Post by **lt.luke** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 8:49 am

Rubber tube flaps.

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Mike Wright · Post by **Mike Wright** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 9:10 am

Luke is SPOT ON

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 9:16 am

I have thrown away at least 15 bead locks; no one that I know, uses them; everyone uses the rubber flaps above.

Joe Gopan · Post by **Joe Gopan** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 10:22 am

I use the OEM metal beadlocks with no problems. They were new or near new when I installed them. Been driving my MB 49 or 50 years since I restored it.
The correct rubber flap is a 16 X 7.1 if I remember it correctly. Tell your tire dealer that you want 16 X 7.1 Flaps with offset hole.
I will check the new spare set later to double check the correct size.

Gene2013 · Post by **Gene2013** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 10:35 am

Thanks all.

I will ask local tyre places if the have a flap that size.

If not I should be able to use the old tubes to make the flaps perhaps.

I have new tubes already from before with proper angle on the valve stem, got them from a jeep parts supplier in UK.
I seem to recall that parts dealer telling me not to use a flap at all as they can sometimes pull the valve stem out of the tube or something but most of you use them.

Thanks.

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 11:11 am

Yes everyone uses them except JG and he got new steel beadlocks in 1960; some time has gone by since then and there are no new ones left, for many decades now.

Marty, SoCal · Post by **Marty, SoCal** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 11:17 am

There was a Technical Bulletin to discontinue installing the steel bead lock rings back in the mid 1950s on all vehicles that used them. Said to install flaps instead. If I can remember, I'll post a reply later today with the TB number. It's in Lloyd White's books

Joe Gopan · Post by **Joe Gopan** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:36 pm

And I insalled 4 new NDT's 45 years later, the beadlocks and centers of the rims were virtually rust free.

Gene2013 · Post by **Gene2013** » Thu Jul 09, 2020 4:49 pm

Joe Gopan wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 09, 2020 12:36 pm
And I insalled 4 new NDT's 45 years later, the beadlocks and centers of the rims were virtually rust free.

Joe Gopan · Post by **Joe Gopan** » Fri Jul 10, 2020 3:16 am

A typist I am not.

Marty, SoCal · Post by **Marty, SoCal** » Fri Jul 10, 2020 3:44 pm

As a follow up, the Technical bulletin is TB ORD 477 Titled: "Wheeled Vehicles: Discontinued Use Of Tire Bead Clips And Bead Locks" 22Dec54 is the date of the one copied in "Ford Builds the 1/4Ton 4x4 Truck" by Lloyd White, page 530, in Part 2.

The TB says "Local procurement is authorized for isolated demands of tire flaps that are used on 16-Inch combat-type rims of World War II 1/4-ton trucks, trailers or wheeled artillery carriages".

There was an earlier version dated 30Oct52 that this TB supercedes. I don't have a copy of that one to compare.

Chuck Lutz · Post by **Chuck Lutz** » Fri Jul 10, 2020 5:54 pm

1) you can't use old inner tubes to make flaps....once you hold a flap in your hand you will see what I mean. They are THICK, tapering to each side. Don't waste your time trying, this is a fool's errand.
2) as noted above, when you ask around for flaps....the valve stem hole MUST be offset to one side.
3) losing the valve stem back into the rim is common...but if you can secure the stem with a keeper like the one below on a chain or the long solid metal style with a female threaded end you won't have that problem.

Dave Aro and myself once mounted four new tubes with flaps in new NDTs and it averaged about 22 minutes per tire.

I would suggest you AVOID that dealer who gave you his suggestion to NOT use a flap....he's as 100% WRONG as he could be....

Marty, SoCal · Post by **Marty, SoCal** » Fri Jul 10, 2020 6:14 pm

The Valve Stem Protector will hold the tube in position quite well. If you find that the stem sticks out a little too far when using a flap for the stem protector to seat flush with the rim, a standard garden hose washer slipped over the stem before installation will space it back about 1/8" and usually allow the stem protector to seat against the rim.

Joe Gopan · Post by **Joe Gopan** » Sat Jul 11, 2020 7:00 am

I do not have any information on what is available in the Ireland, but here in the USA the flap size is 16" X 7.1 with offset hole.

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