Since I can't drive my car until the work of New England's salt brigade has been washed away, I decided to take the wheels off and detail the fender wells and tires. I have white letter Goodrich tires, what's the best way to clean and detail the tires without getting the ArmorAll shine? Thanks, Bill
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Re: Tire Detailing
Bill,
I had read in a previous post (not sure how far back), that a good tire dressing was 303 Aerospace Protectant...I've yet to pursue it.
Ray -
Re: Tire Detailing
I use the 303 aerospace on leather, rubber and vinyl and it works great. Highly recommend it.Comment
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Re: Tire Detailing
Use the 303 Protection, seen at RV dealers, but got mine at marine supply house.
303 Products, Inc. Palo Cedro, CA , do not have web site, however I purchased a gal before web.
This product protects against UV and will act to preserve the tire rubber while other store purchased products do not. May be others similar to 303, but if you do not find them use 303 not that other stuff.Comment
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Re: Tire Detailing
Thanks to all. I checked the West Marine Catalog and they carry 303 Aerospace Protectant. I'll pick some up tomorrow and give it a try. BillComment
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Re: Tire Detailing
Bill,
I would first wash the tire with Westly's(spelling) or someting like it. This will clean the tire of any previous product and ageing as well as brighten the letters. Then dry and aplly the 303. It may look a little too shiney but let it for a few days. If it still isn't right for your taste then wipe it with a damp towel. Works for me.
WayneComment
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Re: Tire Detailing
Bill, I have found that the dish washing liquid, Lemon Fresh Joy, put on my tires right out of the plastic container leaves my tires looking very fresh. It last a long time and does not shine. Try it on an old tire and see what you think. Good luck. JimmyComment
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Re: Tire Detailing
New tires have a mold release compound on them that you can't see when new, but eventually it will turn a muddy brown.
About the only thing I've found that removes it is mineral spirits. Simply spritz the tire with mineral spirits from a spray bottle and wipe with a rag. Use clean rags, but rags that you are willing to throw away, because they will be a mess and not cleanable. You can use an old paint brush to work the areas around lettering and other surface features.
For maintenance I use a 50/50 blend of Armor All and distilled water - spray it on and wipe it around with an old paint brush. It leaves a satin, not shiney, patina.
DukeComment
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Re: Tire Detailing
Duke, do you use the 50/50 Armor All mix on the interior vinyl as well? BillComment
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Re: Tire Detailing
No,no, no! I NEVER use the 50/50 Armor-All/distilled water solution in the interior - just exterior rubber.
For the interior I use Pledge Furniture Polish - the original unscented type. It's an emulsion of carnuba wax in a petroleum distillate that evaporates as you rub it on. Pledge will seal up interior vinyl, including dash pads, seats, door panels and other vinyl trim, which will reduce the rate of outgassing that eventually causes vinyl to shrink and crack. It also leaves a satin patina that is not slippery.
If the interior vinyl is dirty wash it first with a strong solution of Ivory Liquid dishwashing soap and water or any commercially available vinyl shampoo. Use soft brushes (like old natural bristle paint brushes) and old toothbrushes to get into the nooks and crannies.
DukeComment
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