Bias Ply flat repair

[96LT1355Z28]

I got a screw in one of my rear tires and now I can't seem to get it to hold air. It's a Hooiser quick time pro 27 X 11.5 15 bias ply. I've tried a plug as a temp fix on the dyno, and now 4 patches later it won't hold air. The texture on the inside won't let the patch form an air tight seal. Has anyone had any luck repairing slicks? I don't have rim screws so I don't think a tube is an option.

[joelster]

I run that exact same tire on a 15x8 and I run tubes with no rim screws. I take them down to 12-13lbs at the track and have no problems whatsoever. The tubes aren't cheap though. They are around $70 each. What kind of patch are you trying? Are you using an adhesive bicycle type of patch with rubber cement?

[96LT1355Z28]

A friend of mine works at a dealership and was using whatever type of patch they use for customers cars. How do the tubes work, NHRA says you have to have screw in valve stems if your faster than 12's?

[joelster]

You have to drill out the valve stem hole in the rim slightly bigger because the valve stem is thicker with the tubes. The valve stem on the tubes has a small bolt that you cinch up to the rim after it is inserted. Other than that it is no different than mounting a bicycle tire. The only difference that I saw was that as you are filling the tire up with the tube, it will sound like it has a leak. What you are hearing is the trapped air between the tube and the tire squishing its way out through the valve stem area. I mounted my tires by hand. Hoosier QTP's have a soft enough sidewall to easily do this. If you've ever changed a motorcylce or dirt bike tire a QTP is a piece of cake. Getting the tire off is another story though, lol, you'll need a tire shop to do that.

[96LT1355Z28]

Do you have a part number or link to the tubes your using. I didn't realize there were so many options!

[joelster]

My tubes are here:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOO-2886100-15/

[popo8]

Another trick to help installing the tubes, in case you never have.... put baby powder all over the inner tube before installing....

[96LT1355Z28]

Thanks guys, looks like I'm ordering some tubes.

[96LT1355Z28]

Update tubes went in no problem and I defiantly like the way the car feels now! I used the Permatex High Tack gasket stuff on the beads to help them stick, it didn't work. Went to to he track and after 3 passes the RR had slipped about 1/4". Ended up putting in rim screws which was actually easier than I thought. Sucks I had to drill the wheels but at least now it looks like a racecar!