How to: Tire gluing--the right way!

4 steps to stick with

All right; you've picked up a new set of tires and a new set of rims to go with them. Now you need to put the two together. This is an important job-don't worry, though; in four simple steps, your tires will be glued tightly for stay-stuck performance.

YOU'LL NEED

* CA glue.

* Scotch-Brite pad.

* Motor spray/denatured alcohol/degreaser

* Lint-free towels.

* Tire balances with weights.

* Safety goggles.

Step 1. Prep the rims and tires

Before you slide those new tires onto the rims, take a few moments to make sure that the glue will stick to the tires and rims property. With a piece of Scotch-Brite pad, scuff up the rim where the bead of the tire will go. If the rim Is chrome plated, you will have to completely remove the chrome plating from the rim where the bead meets It, and this task will take extra time and effort. To remove any remaining dust caused by the Scotch-Brite's scuffing, wipe the bead area of the rim with a rag and some motor spray, denatured alcohol, or a degreaser. Removing the inserts from the tires will make it easier to clean them. Spray cleaner on another rag, and wipe down the inside bead of the tire. The tires are coated with a mold-release agent to free them from the mold after the manufacturing process has been completed, but if the agent Isn't removed, it will prevent CA from sticking properly to the tire.

Step 2. Place the tire on the rim

When the rims and tires have dried, replace the inserts in the tires. If the inserts are the opencell type, be careful not to bunch them up Inside the tires. After the inserts have been Installed, pull the tires onto the rims. Work each tire back and forth on the rim until the bead sits on the rim properly. A high spot on the bead will cause a high spot on the outside of the tire, and that will cause unwanted vibration.

Step 3. Apply glue

You can use one of two methods to glue your tires. The first is to use a tire fixture such as those sold by RPM and Tamiya. They both sell fixtures for sedan tires, and RPM also sells a larger one designed for off-road use. They work similarly-by pulling one of the beads of the tire away from the rim. Apply a light coating of glue around the bead, and release the pressure on the fixture to allow the tire to mate with the rim. A bit of glue oozing out from between the tire and rim is OK, but too much glue is not a good thing, as it can seep onto the inserts and ruin them. Use a napkin to wipe any excess glue off the face of the tire. When one side of the tire has dried, flip it over and glue the other bead.

You can also glue your tires by hand. Hold a tire in one hand, use your thumb to pull the bead away from the rim, and apply a drop or two of glue. Rotate the tire and apply glue every 4 inch or so using the same technique as before. When the bead is coated with glue, use a few rubber bands to secure the tire to the rim until the glue has dried.

Balance the tires

An unbalanced tire can have the same effect on your cars handling as a bent axle. In fact, an unbalanced tire can bend an axle if the vibrations are bad enough. Trinity's Matt Francis Tire Balancer tool is easy to use and will help prevent unnecessary vibrations. Put the wheel on the balancer and give it a slow spin. If the tire Is balanced, it should slowly come to a stop at various points every time you spin it. If the tire seesaws at the same place every time you spin it, it needs balancing. Apply a small piece of lead tire tape straight across from the low point, and spin the wheel again. Keep applying small pieces of lead tape until the tire is balanced.

A fresh set of tires can have a huge impact on your racing machine's overall performance. If you take your time when you glue your new meats, you will be rewarded with long life and consistent performance. As an added benefit, you won't need to reglue your tires as often because they'll adhere better to the rim to begin with. Keep in mind that proper preparation prevents poor performance.

SOURCE GUIDE

ACER RACING (310) 472-8090; acerracing.com. PRO-LINE (909) 849-9781; pro-lineracing.com.

RPM R/C PRODUCTS (909) 393-0366; rpmrcproducts.com. TAMIYA AMERICA INC. (800) 826-4922; tamiyausa.com. TEAM LOST: distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc. (800) 338-4639; teamlosi.com; horizonhobby.com. TRINITY PRODUCTS INC. (732) 635-1600; teamtrinity.com.

Copyright Air Age Publishing Dec 2002
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