Jerry writes:
>> Unless there is some clever trick I am missing, one would have to unstitc
h
the entire casing in order to replace the tube, as opposed to just patching
it. One expects a new tube in professionally repaired tires, so I guess t
hose
guys must be good - and fast - at completely unstitching and restitching the
cases.
Jerry;
At the 2003 Cirque, Chris Kvale demonstrated a clever trick to replace a tub e without cutting the all stitching (though it may seem like an unacceptable method to anyone who wants a perfect repair).
Cut the old tube, leaving it in the casing, then cut the new tube a few inches from the valve stem and tape the end opposite the stem to the old tub e so that it is installed in the casing as you pull the old tube out. Then you fold an inch or so of the new tube's end back on itself and apply glue to the exposed inside surface. Apply glue to the ouside surface of the other end.
Then put the two ends together and flip the folded end back over the outside of the other end, making a splice of about 3/4" overlap.
I never tried this, but Chris said the repair will be sound and won't thump.
And this may indeed be the way that professionally-repaired tires are done in some cases. If you want to see the demo on DVD, I think Ken Toda can ho ok you up.
Bob Hovey Columbus, GA
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