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Hi, what do you guys use to clean old tyres that have gone grey?

There are brand new out the packet schumacher rib spikes, but as you can see they are discoloured.



I've tried to clean them up with just plain water but it doesn't seem to make a huge difference. Is there a good way of cleaning them up before i use something stronger that might to damage them?

Paul.

I use purple power, Greased Lightning, to clean everything. they both work great.

Acetone and scrubbing brush

If they are old and discolored and I plan on using them on a resto/shelfer, then they get the acetone treatment like YZ said, I uaually follow that up with a liberal does of well rubbed armor all.

If they are for a runner,,, well then I just run them

I recently bought a few sets of new Losi tires that both had a similar greyish film on them. A good scrubbing with a toothbrush & dish soap got it off, but I'd imagine acetone would work faster & easier.

Thanks guys, i'll give them a try with some light cleaner first.

Failing that i'll try acetone... Harsh stuff it is though, i once returned to a tub of the stuff that i was soaking a set of wheels in (i was trying to get the worn tyres off the rims). Instead of wheels/tyres i was left with plastic goo and tyres as it had melted the wheels

Paul.

Already a post for this: http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=17978&hilit=wurth

I use this: Wurth Rubber Care. It made the tyres supple and look like new, http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=10345

Available in UK here: http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/wurth-rubber-care-300ml-0890110-prod19962/?src=froogle

fakiee wrote:Already a post for this: http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=17978&hilit=wurth

I use this: Wurth Rubber Care. It made the tyres supple and look like new, http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=10345

Available in UK here: http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/wurth-rubber-care-300ml-0890110-prod19962/?src=froogle

Nice one, I'll pick up some of that asap

HI!... The substance is just the waxy release agent when the tires are made. I have had plenty of tires with that on them. Take a heat gun (if you have one) or a hair dryer and heat them up a bit. You will see the wax turn transparent. After that they are usually good to go or you can then try to wash it off.

The Wurth spray is good for restoring old tyres, try H.P Freaks technique as yours are new.

I've actually had good luck with using simple green to clean my tires up, and it does soften them up a tad in the process.

THE H.P FREAK wrote:HI!... The substance is just the waxy release agent when the tires are made. I have had plenty of tires with that on them. Take a heat gun (if you have one) or a hair dryer and heat them up a bit. You will see the wax turn transparent. After that they are usually good to go or you can then try to wash it off.

+1 and it's not just on the surface, it's "in" there. the heatgun method works well, it sweats it out.

i haven't used the heatgun method on my clod yet, but i have cleaned them multiple times with simple green, the white stuff comes back every time.

soak in full strength simple green, this also softens them.

I use an orange/citrus based cleaner called Goo Off Spray Gel

Results:

JK Racing wrote:I use an orange/citrus based cleaner called Goo Off Spray Gel

Results:

X2 i use the orange stuff for most things nice natural cleaner