Waxy buildup on repro Firestones

[StealthBird]

I know this topic has been discussed before, but I was wondering if anyone has a definitive answer as to how to get rid of the waxy white film that appears on repro tires? Seems to be the worst on that first drive of Spring.

I cleaned the sidwewall with lacquer thinner, then used Bleche-White, no top coat of anything. Short drive on a cool day, 5 minutes later, tires are absolutely caked with white gummy stuff. Tried No Touch as a top coat, seemed to help a bit, but still getting some patches of waxy white stuff.

Don't seem to have this trouble in the summer, it just seems terrible after the tires sit all winter, and it seems to take many swipes of various cleaners to finally get rid of the waxy film...

But does anyone know of a way to get rid of this white waxy stuff permanently? If not, is there a specific tire product you guys use to top coat the tire with that will prevent the waxy white stuff? I'm obviously looking for those that truly drive their cars in the Spring. The static display tires aren't a problem.

Thank you!

[m22mike]

I read a article on trailer tires last year, and in the article it was noted that there are paraffin's and chemicals in the tire compound that comes to the surface with use.
I would have to believe that after some time your problem will improve.
I think you have done OK with the Bleach White. About once a year I wipe my tires down with mineral sprits, it really cleans up the grim and oxidation,STP Son of a gun is all I then use , I do not like Shinny. I would use whatever dressing you like.

[MosportGreen66]

DuPont Final-Klean or 5 Star Preps-All... works like a charm. Try it on new upper and lower radiator hoses too!

[SmallHurst]

Another thing to try on your tires---- SOS pads! Be careful about putting too much solvent on the tires, just enough to clean the stuff off and your done.

[StealthBird]

Rusty, I used to use SOS pads ALL the time! I just haven't used them for years because my car (like most others, I think) doesn't get washed, it's either under a car cover, or getting wiped down to apply car wax. But I think I will try the old SOS pads again. It used to make white-lettered tires "pop", that's for sure! Just never tried it on the redlines.

[m22mike]

[ QUOTE ]
Another thing to try on your tires---- SOS pads! Be careful about putting too much solvent on the tires, just enough to clean the stuff off and your done.

[/ QUOTE ]

I forgot all about using SOS pads, back when I was sucking up to the old man, I would always keep the cars washed so when I wanted the car he would feel like he had to reciprocate Worked most of the time.
Yea, they worked well, made those white walls sparkle, no bleach white then.

[69 Post Sedan]

I use bleach white with a brass brush to get them REALLY clean.

[olredalert]

------I have tried to tell people here before to use a heat gun (judisiously) and a clean towel. Heat the tire surface up just until the surface is hot enough to liquify the wax and wipe it off. It works and does not hurt the tire in any way. Try it........Bill S

[copo69]

I know this sounds crazy but I had some kind of buildup on my repop Goodyear Wide Tread GT's. I tried everything, Bleche White, lacquer thinner, an old trick from years ago - brake fluid, wire tire brush and this stuff was still there. I don't know why but I picked up a can of WD40 and sprayed in on the tire. It cleaned immediately. If you'd told me this stuff would work I never would have believed it. I've always used Bleche White religiously on everything but now I really like Eagle One Tire and Wheel....works as well and doesn't stink like Bleche White.

[StealthBird]

Ok guys, thanks! I juts tried SOS pads, and the waxy buildup is gone, but the sidewalls were no longer pitch black. It seems like there are white "scratches" in the sidewall, but it may be the waxy residue that was rubbed around with the SOS pad, and did not come off all the way. Anyway, I applied some low sheen Formula 2000 protectant, and they are black again. Hopefully, the waxy buildup will not come back. I will drive the car tomorrow to see.

If the waxy buildup does reappear, I may try the WD-40 idea.