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How to restore and save vintage tires?

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How to restore and save vintage tires?

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Old 01-27-21, 12:00 PM
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How to restore and save vintage tires?

I collect old vintage Bmx bikes from the 80's. And normally i'm a firm believer in all bikes should be riden. But I found an all original right down to the stamped tires Kuwahara. The tires still have the nibs on them from 1984! So I am looking to restore my first "Carpet Queen" show bike.

Before I try to dismount the tires. I was wondering what people have successfully used to make the rubber soft and flexible again? I was thinking of silicone grease but I am not sure.

Thanks!
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Old 01-27-21, 12:19 PM
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I have had success in using automotive gasket care spray, mine was called Rubber Care or something like that.
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Old 01-27-21, 12:24 PM
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i got some old kenda bear claws mtb tires(blue w/ tan wall) and used an automotive upholstery protection/revitalizing spray that worked really well. brought the pliability back and stopped cracking that was starting to happen. i'll have to get back with you as i don't remember the name of it off hand

edit: it's called 303 protectant by gold eagle co. seems like i discovered it here on BF. a member recommended it for preserving brake hoods, i believe

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Old 01-29-21, 05:41 PM
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tires

I ve had old linen treaded mountain bike tires that I put about 4 or 5 coats of shellac to bind all the threads together and it came out good ........Armorall was design for vinyl and rubber and so is Nufinish
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Old 01-29-21, 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by thook
i got some old kenda bear claws mtb tires(blue w/ tan wall) and used an automotive upholstery protection/revitalizing spray that worked really well. brought the pliability back and stopped cracking that was starting to happen. i'll have to get back with you as i don't remember the name of it off hand

edit: it's called 303 protectant by gold eagle co. seems like i discovered it here on BF. a member recommended it for preserving brake hoods, i believe
We C&V auto folks, as well as cyclists, and RVers who don't do many miles a year have used 303 for many years, but it is a protectant from sun, ozone, drying out, not really a replenisher. It is possible to somewhat restore natural rubber's elasticity, several techniques if you will goggle "how to restore natural rubber".
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