I have a 1977 450SL. The tires were about 12 years old and I was told they were not safe since the car has been in Florida for a long time.....dry rot. I ordered new tires. I have alloy wheels. Now, the tire place has called me and told me that the valve stems need to be replaced (understandable) but that new rubber ones like I had will not seal in and will be unsafe because these alloy rims are too thick. They have found some metal two-piece stems that cost $70.00 each that they say I need. They say that the alloy rims on the 1977 and 1978 450's are different than ALL the other rims and that they need to have this special valve stem for it to be safe. FYI, the rubber ones that were in had lasted 12 years, no problem. Is this a fact or are they trying to hose me?
