Rock hard abs, I mean, tires

[Doubleshots]

My slot stuff was packed away for quite a few years and some of the tires turned to stone. I was able to cut them off the rims except one. The tires on my MRRC Chaparral (with the Cobra wheels) are rock hard and maybe permanently adhered to the wheels.

Any way to soften the tires hopefully enabling removal or un-adhere them from the wheels?

Vince

[HomeRacingWorld]

Sometimes a little Ronsonol lighter fluid helps. Soak some around the sidewalls and let it set overnight and see if it helped.

[Modlerbob]

I have one of the old MRRC Cobras and the front tires were petrified. It sounded like someone was roller skating in the room when I drove it. When I finally got a pair of the right sized tires I had to cut the old ones off the rims and then sand the rims to get them smooth.

[Doubleshots]

Finally made it to town and got some lighter fluid (forgot twice!). Still hard as a rock. I was hoping to use the old tires as scenery; no such luck. Did like Bob above, sliced with a razor knife and used pliers to get them off. Sanding with the dremel next to remove the excess.

Thanks!
Vince

[Modlerbob]

Even though rock hard fronts are annoying if they are round they really most likely aid in handling. Unlike some tires that end up turning to goo. I have had only a few tires that ended up petrified and a few more that ended up making puddles under the front wheels while on the cars. I have encountered many more tires that, after being replaced and relegated to a parts bin, became unusable due to deterioration of the rubber.