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Topic: The Tire Man (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic
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The Tire Man
Yahoo Message Number: 157952
I was up in the Ridgecrest, CA. area yesterday and had The Tire Man's extended valve stems installed on all wheels at his shop.  I sure wish that I had done this months ago. The frequent, routine and critical tire pressure monitoring that I diligently performed but cussed, is now a breeze. In addition, during the process and based upon his 40 years in the tire business, he gave me numerous maintenance tips and recommendations for the new stems and my tires for my specific LD which I appreciated and hope will help me safely maximize the mileage out of my tires. I know that there are many options and prices ranges that one can select to help facilitate the tire pressure monitoring process. However, I am pleased with his service and product. Please note that I am not associated with Chuck and his business in any way. This is merely my humble and honest opinion FWIW.

Curtis 2011 24' FD
Re: The Tire Man
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157956
Be aware that valve stem extensions have been used for nearly a hundred years and are sold and installed by other tire shops.
Borg tire is one option.
Any decent tire shop can install valve extenders, Tirerman, Borg or others, there is no need to drive hundreds of miles to buy and have extenders installed....unless Ridgecrest is your kind of town.

Buy the extenders online and have them installed locally.
I have had them installed at both Costco and Discount, without problems. This isn't rocket science.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: The Tire Man
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157968
Larry, You're absolutely right. There are many options  and price ranges available to help us facilitate the monitoring of our tire pressures. I just wanted to share what was a positive experience overall. Regardless, I am really enjoying not having to contort and crawl around in order to access the stock tire valves.

Curtis
Re: The Tire Man
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157969
I was a bit surprised to hear that Chuck is still installing stems.  I was at his place in June 2014 and he said that he was going to "wind things down" so that he and his wife (Sue) could travel.  He had a travel trailer parked in one service bay getting it ready to go.  Maybe something happened to change his plans.  Sue was in very poor physical condition.  Did he indicate how she was doing?
 I have watched Chuck install stems several times and also have seen Discount Tire do it.  I noticed one significant difference:  Discount Tire uses a pair of pliers to bend the stems into position after they are completely installed.  Chuck bends them into correct shape before final installation using a "miniature" tubing bender mounted on his workbench.

Doug Baker
Re: The Tire Man
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157971
Doug,

Chuck did mention that he hopes to sell/close shop in the next year or so. Sue's continued poor health has caused him to postpone his retirement plans.  He does still have and occasionally use his trailer.

Curtis
 
Re: The Tire Man
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 157978
For quite some time I have read posts concerning tire valve extensions.  I have wondered just what it was about this that so many LD owners felt was so critical.  Larry's recent comment, "this is not rocket science", is very appropriate in my opinion.  It is great that many hold such a high opinion of the Tire Man.
I have not had the pleasure of knowing him.  It is very comforting to have confidence in and, trust someone who can provide a needed service.  Hopefully, we all know people like this.  In the case of valve extenders, as Larry indicated, anyone with the ability and tools to remove and replace a tire should be able to install valve extensions.  Some time ago, I ordered extensions online and had them installed on our LD at a local facility.  I watched closely just to be sure that this was done properly as far as I could determine.  I am far from a mechanic but, using tire shop equipment, I could have done it myself.

The point I am trying to second is Larry's statement that it is not necessary to drive long distances or seek "expertise" for this particular issue.  No one should go without the safety and convenience of valve extensions by thinking that there are a limited number of places to have them installed.

I very much appreciate the comments and information that members of the LD group share.  Although few in number, there is a chance that some posts create anxiety for others by overstating or over complicating some issues.  This does not deter me from reading most posts and keeping notes for future reference should I need to refer to them.

Thanks to Larry for his comments on this and the many other things that he has experienced with LDs.

Respectfully,

JI, 2004 26.5 MB, NC