Metal Clips that Hold Valve Stems

[Edwin Ek]

They were originally installed on 356 cars, which came with tube tires. The purpose is to keep the valve stem of the tube in place. With modern tubeless tires, they seem unnecessary. However, a well-known wheel restoration expert said that they were on early 911's (with tubeless tires) also. I guess they aren't absolutely necessary, but what benefit could they provide?

If they provide benefit, perhaps l will use them because they were used originally. But if they are purely cosmetic, I'll skip them. Thoughts on this?

[John Lindstrom]

Centrifugal force can over time distort the angle of the valve stem causing premature failure. Actually, they just look really cool..