Early Valve Stem Cap?

[Zup]

I had a conversation with Charlie Osborne at Zedd Findings the other day and he mentioned that he was looking for 4 early valve stem caps.

This weekend I looked through stuff in my storage building and came across this:

It is a two piece affair---brass body with rubber cap. It has a logo down near the base with a 5 pointed star on either side of text that reads "Pacific". I don't know if this is really original or not, but it came from an original tire to HLS30-00248. Unfortunately it is the only one, as it was on the spare (175R14).

I can certainly understand why these would be hard to find, as valve stem caps would be thrown out as expendable--- without a thought given--- when a change of tires was required.

Does anyone have what they believe to be "original" valve stem caps or photos of them?

Jim D.

"Zup"

[black gold man]

You know that is a tool right.

[Bonzi Lon]

You know that is a tool right.

Sure do. Was a real prankster in my day.

I think I have several on my Roadster.

Bonzi Lon

[26th-Z]

Yes, that is a correct valve stem cap for the model and year you describe. I thought I had better pictures but I can't find them right now. Pacific is still in business and you can order a valve stem cap that very closely resembles the original.

[Arne]

Most Japanese car makers and tire/tube manufacturers used that same Pacific cap in the '70s. The reason for the rubber cap on top was actually for tube-type applications. If the tire goes flat, sometimes the tube's valve stem can get sucked inside the tire. The rubber cap was there to keep the sharp end of the cap tool from tearing up the inside of the tire.

[mgood]

I still have one on my original spare, not as early but a 76.

[sblake01]

Sure do. Was a real prankster in my day.

I had some 'friends' back in the day that were similar pranksters. That's why I learned to carry a spare valve stem or two and one of those caps in my cars back then. Edited February 27, 2012 by sblake01

[26th-Z]

I had to go search through the old computer to find this info: Pacific Industries Ltd. www.pacific-ind.com

Cap_Valvestem_Pacific-A-2000A.pdf

[Willoughby Z]

It's a slotted Schrader valve cap that can also be used as a valve core removal tool.

Being mounted on the spare, it's handy because it will always be available in an emergency, like having been pranked.

[Zup]

Thanks to all who replied!

Yes I was aware of the "other" use.

As I mentioned, Charlie is trying to find 4 of these.

I sent an e-mail to Pacific Industries inquiring about where to get them. (Thanks so much 26th for the link!)

If anyone is willing to help Charlie out--- (he said he was deducted 4 points on his quest for "Gold" status because of this)--- he only needs 3 more.

I am sending him this one as I will never attain "Gold" status with my refreshstoration.

Thanks again!

Jim D.

"Zup"

[AZ-240z]

That is a pretty severe deduction for Charlie's car, Jim. To have gotten down to correct valve stem caps indicates that his car must truly be spectacular. Does he also have the original tires? I would be interested in buying at least four of the Pacific Industries valve stem caps so please let us know if you get a positive reply from Pacific Industries.

I also have a spare Bridgestone Superspeed-20 tire with this valve stem.

Dan

[Arne]

I may still have a few of those floating around in my stash, I'll check tonight when I get home.