Reviving old tires

[bbowser]

I recently scored a neat kit off that auction site, Hawk 1/2 inch scale W163 Mercedes Benz 3 litre 1939 Grand Prix winner.  Issued in 1960, the end of the box shows a price of $1.50!

There are 2 complete kits in the box which is partly what drew me, I can build a second engine for display.

My question, the real rubber tires are pretty hard but have not split.  Is there anything I can or should use to put some flexibility back into them or just leave them alone?  The kit has those funky clear 2 piece wheels with engraved spokes that are difficult to make look good.  I'm thinking of finding some 3D printed wires that will look better.

Thanks in advance

[stitchdup]

I'd replace them, most of my 90s tamiya tyres went hard then fell apart. If you plan to change the wheels anyway it might make it an easier swap

[Ace-Garageguy]

29 minutes ago, bbowser said:

...There are 2 complete kits in the box which is partly what drew me, I can build a second engine for display.

Far as I can recall, I've never seen one of those kits with an engine.

If you have one I'm in serious envy.

Edited March 28 by Ace-Garageguy

[Mark]

If you are going to seek out better wheels, think about searching for a set with tires included.  Then you won't have to worry about saving the kit tires.

[stavanzer]

Here are the instructions.

The engine is a Display Only piece, I think.

I don't see any way to put it in the car.

https://public.fotki.com/drasticplasticsmcc/mkiba-build-under-c/hawk/hawk-w163-mercedes-/?view=roll#1

[bbowser]

Yes, the engine is for display only

I didn't get the display bases and the decals look bad, but it appears everything else is there.  I'm pumped!

[maxwell48098]

I've had very good luck on some of my Franklin Mint die casts that used real rubber of soaking the tires in Armour-All.  Then I let then air dry for a couple of days.  I now will check annually if any of the tires are getting hard again and apply Armour-All using a Q-tip.

A.J.

[bbowser]

56 minutes ago, maxwell48098 said:

I've had very good luck on some of my Franklin Mint die casts that used real rubber of soaking the tires in Armour-All.  Then I let then air dry for a couple of days.  I now will check annually if any of the tires are getting hard again and apply Armour-All using a Q-tip.

A.J.

Definitely  worth a try, thanks

[Bill Anderson]

Hi, I have not tried this but I'm pretty sure it will help, and if nothing else make them look "newer".   

I would try a dab of the various brands of proto tire "polish" or "dressing" as that should bring a nice sheen to the model tires.  It won't hurt to try, and you may be happy with the results.