07-23-2004, 03:06 AM
Hey there EmuScud,
The first year the U-boat was out I got the distributorship for it's sales in Japan. Made a little money. At that time it used a vulcanized rubber inner-tube (I think it had a rating of 49) that had been whacked as you described. I used it for 8 years with it perched on top of my tricked out Suzuki Saumurai rain, shine, snow whatever. It finally gave up the ghost. (before the cover even!!!) It had stretch marks like a ...... whoa.... better watch it!
In not two much time others copied the design using tubes that were fabricated in at least two different ways... 1) adhesives or 2) thermal sealing. The adhesive sealing method is inferior.
I'd not invest further unless the skin, cover, shell is of a configuration that you find just to your liking.
JapanRon
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