The old bias ply tires were actually repaired by cutting away a few layers of ply, patching in new rubberized fabric, and heating the patch to vulcanize it to the surrounding rubber. Some of the older tire repair instructions I've seen give a pretty detailed description of doing that kind of repair. A boot was used by service stations and shops without hot vulcanizing equipment.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!