TR4/4A Tubes…or not?

[TR Tom]

My 65 Tr4 came with the old aluminum 8 spoke American Racing mags, like the rally cars had in the 60’s. Over the years various tire stores have given me conflicting advice as far as whether or not to install tubes or go tubeless. I recently read somewhere that modern radial tires are no longer smooth on the inside so they can wear a hole the tube.
I guess the question would be if these old mags are set up to seal properly with tubeless tires, or if they were designed to use tubes. I’ve gone both ways over the years, but kind of want to be safe. It’s time for new tires, so I need to start thinking about this. What are others out there doing?
Thanks,
Tom

 

[malbaby]

Depends on the condition of the tyre bead contact area of the rims.

 

[TR Tom]

Makes sense that condition would be an important factor. I guess the best way to evaluate would be with the tires removed from the rims.

Was wondering though if there was a rim shape difference as well. Unfortunately not too many old time tire guys left that remember the old tube days

Thanks for the reply,
Tom

 

[mctriumph]

Send these vintage wheels off to be reconditioned !!! Life is better without flat tires!!
I like Wheels America, but there are many. It is surprising what vintage wheels are worth
these days.
Mad dog

 

[titanic]

I have the 4 spoke ARM wheels used on the TR6 and use them without tubes. The only problem I have encountered was loss of air when someone cleaned the exterior with a cleaner. Supposedly, the sand cast wheels need sealing because of porosity. Anyway, I was advised to spray the interior of the wheel with epoxy paint, which I did, and haven't had any further problems.
Berry

 

[TR Tom]

I remember hearing about sealing the inside surface years ago, but never got around to doing it. Any special type of epoxy paint recommended?

Funny you mention the value of these old wheels. When I was looking for another TR back in ‘83 I almost didn’t bother to go look at this one because the seller said over the phone that it had ”mags”. I pictured some gawd awful Craigers. Pretty sure I could now sell the wheels for what I paid for the whole car back then.
Tom

 

[titanic]

I just used "generic" epoxy paint available almost anywhere.
I bought the TR6 ARM wheels at a swap meet in the 80s for about $100. At that time I was going to use them on a TR3, but they were too wide. A few years later, I bought a TR6 and was able to use them. They are still in use.

 

[bobhustead]

Quick Google shows that Firestone says radial tubes and flaps are fine in radial tires.
Bob