Carter01

iTrader: (11)

Need some advice on an issue with my ET Streets. I currently have a nail hole in one of my tires. I do not run tubes and I was curious if I should just plug it or carry it to a tire shop and have them patch it from the inside? Whichever way we decide to go can I still race on this tire safely? (please opinions and testimonies only from those that have actually done this before) I don't want to get rid of the tire because it is still in useable condition.

Thanks!

ALLBOTTLE

iTrader: (13)

i would just get a new tire, is the $180 worth the risk if it looses air during the burnout or down the track?

Carter01

iTrader: (11)

Thanks for the reply, this is one view point of the issue. Can someone else shed some more light on this concern.

sprayed_z

iTrader: (2)

I'm having the same headache... Bought some used from this site and one had a hole in it. Trust me I tried to use a regular patch and it just fell off...too soft of rubber I guess.

Plugging them is apparently dangerous too from all the reading I've been doing on this subject. I'm sure a plug patch will plug it but the patch part won't stick seeing as a regular patch didn't stick. I have no problems patching regular tires with regular patches.

Either buy a tube or replace it are your 2 options. I am going with a tube and now I am running into the problem of the valve stem being too big for my weld draglites. So either I buy a new one or drill it out...

Carter01

iTrader: (11)

Well I haven't patched a tire in years but when I did I watched the guy put my tire on a machine that basically spreads the tire out flat from the inside. He then took some sort of grinder and ground down the inside around and on top of the hole. He then put an extremely sticky patch over the hole and put a clamp on the patch for like 15 minutes until it was sealed good. This worked fine for a street tire but I don't know for the ET street. Help!!!

RAGENZ28

iTrader: (5)

I would use a patch any time I repaired a nail hole.

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

I've patched a few ET Streets from the inside and they worked fine with no air loss. Only other way is a tube. I wouldn't plug it.

Derek

Dave88z

Find a place that uses plug patches. They are the best way to properly repair a tire. You still have to spread the tire, grind and glue, but the plug portion also helps to secure and seal the patch. Also, the patch portion is generally thinner then a regular patch which aids in balancing.

Carter01

iTrader: (11)

Thanks so much guys, I'm starting to feel so much better about this issue. It was really killing me to toss a perfectly good tire!

daniel6718

iTrader: (36)

i always patch/plug combo my drag radials...done it 2 times now...no problems....dont knoe about et streets though..they are thin and move around a bunch

Slvr00Bird

iTrader: (2)

Didn't read what everyone else said but it's always better to have them patch it from the inside..

thats what I always do and it costs me like 12 bucks or something like that at the most..

sprayed_z

iTrader: (2)

DO NOT use a plug on a slick. Just remember that

Mac93

iTrader: (8)

My friend has a 351W swapped Mustang GT and he just threw some brand new 255 ET Streets on. We were on our way to the track and 10 miles from my house he starts losing air. Turns out he put a tent stake through one of them. He just put a plug through it, and we made it to the track and he ran like 10 times. And we've made a bunch of trips since then. His car has been stored all winter and it hasn't lost any air.

I know this doesn't mean it'll work for everyone but just my personal experience.

red83

iTrader: (64)

put a boot in it. it is a plug and patch in one. then i would add some tubes.

the same thing happened to my slicks (but i only patched the slick). the little extra weight for the tube is worth it for me to have a little piece of mine

Carter01

iTrader: (11)

Thanks again guys for the replies. I think I will get it patched in the morning for now and see how long it takes to leak down if it does leak at all.
Thanks!

JEB99TA

iTrader: (32)

Plug-type patch saved a brand new M/T Street DR for me. Had about 50 miles and hit a fairly large screw. Ran it about 500 miles before I sold the tires and wheels.

LS1crazy01

iTrader: (14)

No way in hell would I think that is a good idea. Just get a new set. I no its more money but imagine what happens when your going down the track and get a blow out. Its just too dangerous for you and the guy in the lane next to you. Its not always good to take the easy way out of things.

FASTFATBOY

iTrader: (23)

I have heard of people patching slicks, but you need to use some special kind of glue for it to stick...and I dont know what that glue is. Vulcanizing glue maybe?


David

patriotformula

iTrader: (28)

Ive used a patch before... the type i used u had to grind the area, use this glue that you lit on fire for a minute, then put the patch on. I wouldn't be afraid to patch it. Actually I plugged my ET radial once (I know different tire). Plugged it just to get me by a few days and it seemed to be working just great and the plug like melted into the tire so I just kept using it.

FMX05

iTrader: (3)

Yeah most decent patches use vulcanizing fluid. It basically melts the patch into the tire. I agree with the boot option. You can't go wrong with a plug/patch combo!