Hello there! This is Tommy M. aka “Styrene Surgeon” and I would like to know the best, strongest glue to join the styrene wheels to rubber or vinyl tires supplied in car kits. I’ve used clear expoxy in the past but would like to know if there’s something better. Thanks!
Don’t the rubber tires just fit tight onto the rims,I never needed any glue?
By the way,this is the Intro section,so welcome aboard [snWcm]
[quote user=“Tojo72”]
Don’t the rubber tires just fit tight onto the rims,I never needed any glue?
By the way,this is the Intro section,so welcome aboard 
thanks! the don’t always fit tight, especially when I have to use different wheels or tires.
Hi! here’s a weird trick I learned years ago. Take the finest wire you can find and glue it(Or Epoxy it) to the very edge of the wheel at the rim. Make sure it is straight! There ! You have a rim to rest the edge or bead of the tire to. No need for glue!
Hi Tojo 72!
There are times i have found tires slipping slightly off the wheel. It seems being exposed to U.V. They “Stretch”? a wee bit, So, a tiny bit of the glue from a U.V.pen will work!
Hi Tommy! Welcome to the Forums!
Glad to have you aboard!
Stay safe.
Jim [cptn]
It is important to have a barrier between the rubber tyre & styrene wheel, as some brands can still ‘rot’ the rubber & melt the styrene wheel.
Paint the whole wheel with a coat of acrylic before fitting, and spray the rubber tyre with acrylic clear coat, never lacquer or emamels.
You can use the acrylic clear coat, (or Future/Kleer) dripped in the bead between the wheel & tyre as a filler/adhesive.
This would be a good question for the Autos forum. The car guys hang out there.
[Y]
Where’ve you been for 2 years, Styrene Surgeon?
I have trick for you. Before applying any adhesive, ensure that the surfaces are clean and free of any contaminants. Roughening the bonding surfaces slightly with fine sandpaper can also improve adhesion. Additionally, test the chosen adhesive on a scrap piece of styrene and rubber to ensure compatibility and avoid any unwanted reactions.
geometry dash lite
Oh, So True!
I have had to resurrect many a car model because of just that. Funny though you would think the weight of the model while the tires are soft would give us that nice 'Pooch" tires have. Oh Well!
I think silicone sealent will do the job. Be careful applying it- be sure none is left on sufaces to be, or already painted.
The rc guys use a super glue for glueing there tires on. That stuff will glue any rubber. They have to glue tires on so they dont come off when running them. I do recomend you to do a test run on your plastic to make sure it wont react badly.
Very interesting. I will try that - thanks
I’ve been building, painting models over the last 2 years. I need to get on the forum more often. So many great answers and ideas.
I will check that out - Thanks
Thanks for the welcome Jim! hope your build turns out great.
Ask directly on any social media or forums where they used to be active if anyone has been in touch with them recently.