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What are you guys using to keep those old tires in good shape?

I have quite a few old losi tires that are new, or close to new, and they seem to develop a powdered look to them. They look like they have a layer of dust on them, but cleaning wont get rid of it. Probably due to the natural rubber they are manufactured out of.

Is armor all or some type of vinyl/rubber protectant safe to use on these tires to keep them pliable and looking new? I figure if anybody knew, this would be the place to ask.....

i like simple green concentrated for a good cleaning, then under a sink with water and a toothbrush. they come out new for me that way. that "dust layer" is a pain but simple green should get it

Simple Green or Krud Kutter diluted to clean.
Don't use silicone based preservatives...ie Armorall. My personal favorite is Wurth Rubber Care. And then put the tires away in a zipper bag away from air and light after taking pictures and showing off to all your friends...

http://www.wurthusa.com/project/en/leftnavi/catalog/product.php?path=04.0170.jpg

Avoid Armorall, just the worst thing to use on the tyres. After a lot of discussions over on Tamiyaclub the conclusions for restoring and preserving tyres was to use either glycerine or pure silicone oil.

As for the white bloom that appears on the tyres have a look here

terry.sc wrote:As for the white bloom that appears on the tyres have a look here

Cool tip.

sweet, i'm gonna have to try that. i have some nip proline reds that are freakin' horrible.

scr8p wrote:sweet, i'm gonna have to try that. i have some nip proline reds that are freakin' horrible.

Let me guess...from iamaknifeguy...boxed, but not bagged. He had a bunch of those. At least they aren't rotted.

these didn't come from him. i got them in a big tire lot. but they were boxed and not bagged. to be honest with you, we used to have/sell a ton of these at the hobby shop i worked at back in the day. i don't ever remember them being in bags.