no valves in valve stems

[polywideblock]

I've just received a set of 14x7? original magnum 500 's with  firehawk indy 500 's  that I bought a while ago, all good    but they slowly go down .when checking found that there are no valves in tyres just the dust caps keeping the pressure in      is this a common practice in the states ? can I just fit valves or do I need to change the valve stems too ?

 thanks

[Mopar Nut]

I would replace with new valves, buy the shorty's.

[Steve P.]

In all the years I've been into cars I have never heard of anyone filling a tire and capping without the valve gut... The caps do 2 jobs. they keep out dirt and moisture and are a secondary or last defense to back up the valve itself..

To answer your question:  Yes, you can install the valves without changing the stem. BUT,,,, check the stems well and see if they look good or have any cracks in them.. New stems are cheap and should be changed along with tires. The rubber does not last forever. If they are off the car, as I expect they are, I would replace them just so you know they are good and right.

[garner7555]

If you had them shipped in then the shipping company may have required them to be "deflated" to avoid the risk of a tire blowing during transport.    
P.S.  You must have some really good caps to be holding air for more than a minute or two.