How to clean-up old tires?

Rod51M · Aug 17, 2012

I am finishing up the restoration on a '51 M and am already over budget. I had always figured new tires would really set it off, and I still think they would, but now I am short of cash. They aren't worn all that bad, but years of field work has left them dull and more brown than black. Anyone have any suggestions for restoring their look? I know of tire black for cars and am thinking that is the way I should go, but wasn't sure if I needed to really scrub them with something to get out the deep dirt prior to application.

BigTone · Aug 17, 2012

They sell a tire paint on this site that Ive heard was pretty good, Iv never used it but those ive talked to about it said it shines them up nice...

Denny ('60 Lo-Boy) · Aug 17, 2012

Check the below link from Miller Tire. Great product. If you happen to be going to the Portland, Indiana, show next week, get it ordered and pick it up there (no shipping).

http://www.millertire.com/search.php?search_query=paint

glennster · Aug 17, 2012

spray the tires with westleys bleache-white tire cleaner and scrub them good with a stiff bristle brush to get all the dirt off. let em dry, then use armour-all tire foam no touch cleaner and shine. spray it on thick, it will foam up, then slide off the tire. makes em look real nice.

gene bender · Aug 17, 2012

I used soap and water and a stiff brush to get them clean then used Millers Tire stuff gave them two coats couple days apart and they looked great. I wouldnt use any chemicals to clean first as the tire black stuff wouldnt soak in very good.Any tire cleaner would have to have some affect on the tire paint.I guess the condition of the tore would have a lot to have on the final.

W.Brehm · Aug 17, 2012

I've seen guys hit the tires with a sand blaster. They don't turn out to bad.

Chuck Heck · Aug 18, 2012

I have used the Miller Tire Paint for years. Great stuff!

Rod51M · Aug 18, 2012

Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions.
I really appreciate the help.

scotc · Aug 18, 2012

I don't know who makes it, but there's a spray-can tire cleaner called "tire wetter", I think. Spray it on and let it run off and air dry. Hit it a few times. Also works well on unpainted plastic. Really makes a dull tank on a Magnum shine. Should be able to get it at any auto parts store, autozone and the like carry it.

Roger46 · Aug 18, 2012

I bought a tractor that had near new front tires, but had been sitting for several years. I tried just washing them with soap and water, but that didn't work. So I used my pressure washer and hit them real hard with it. After washing with the pressure washer they almost looked like new. Roger

How to clean-up old tires?

Rod51M

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BigTone

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Denny ('60 Lo-Boy)

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glennster

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gene bender

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W.Brehm

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Chuck Heck

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Rod51M

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scotc

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Roger46

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