Flat Tyres

[The Judge]

Hello all
Could anyone tell me if there is any problems with the long term shelf display of the heavy 1:18 models.......mainly in regards to tyres getting flat spots.
I rotate them when I think of it but it's always been a worry for me. Thanks

[WESTY]

Hey Judge

I have had cars sitting on shelfs for a couple of years without being moved, apart from minor dusting, I havnt noticed any flat tyres.
I dont see it as a problem.

:D

[The Judge]

Thanks Westy....Most models are packaged to keep the tyres from taking the weight of the model.
Flat spots were a problem in the past with models, mainly 1:43 Dinky and Corgi.
Technology has probably overcome the problem but I don't think I'll take it for granted.
I too have had models on display for years Kyosho, Ertl, Franklin Mint.... without flat spots developing but as I said I try to rotate them when I think of it.

[perry]

Ive had huge problems with flat tyres, especially with the road cars. I rotate the tyres every few days, but if i forget for a week or so, it is really noticable.

Ive gone as far as putting short screws back into the chassis mount holes to keep the tyres half a millimetre off the deck...

[Aussiecollector]

Judge, one way to keep the tyres up with out it being to obvious to those looking at your collection is to use some plastic garden irrigation risers. You can buy them at Big W and cut to size, place 4 under the car in behind the wheels and know one will know that the car is sitting 1mm of the deck. They are also good if you want to tilt the cars for different display effects, (ie front to back and left to right.

Make sure you get brand new ones as they are stonger and not effected by the UV if they have been in the garden.

Cheers Glenn

[the_goldie]

Glenn,

Are these like the little plastic tables in the pizza boxes (I was thinking of using these myself, not sure how they would go though)??? Do you have any pics of how this is done or what they look like?

Cheers.

[The Judge]

Thanks for the advice AC, that's what I'll do.....
Pete

[mainforcepatrol]

hey admin, hows about a 1:18 scale jack and wheel brace in case said problem occurs?

[the_goldie]

That would be awesome!!! Good way to keep the cars off the ground and would look good too.

[BATHURSTFAN]

Perhaps ADMIN could advise if all this necessary (ie keep the weight of the tyres and other maintenance issues).

Is it worth even bothering about?

Though I do understand collectors have different attitudes about their models.

Me? I keep the boxes, but i cut the straps off and put them on display when room allows inside a cabinet.

Whats the big deal about straps being left on? A lot if buyers want "mib WITH STRAPS" Who knows, leaving those straps on may mark the paint work AFTER SEVERAL YEARS?

your thoughts....

[thekid_600]

guys i think in the FAQ section of the site, admin has already put in a couple of tips there for tyres flat spotting.

otherwise, apart from glenn's idea, i personally just use bottle caps from coke bottles etc, paint it to the desired colour and place it underneath the models. it should raise the model to just the right height.

hope this helps.

[Aussiecollector]

I have the jack and all the tools in 1/18th, I even have (2) 2001 HRT VX cars in total rebuild stage. All part of my fantasy HRT workshop in 1/18th. Both have had the engines out and have been detailed. The wheels, doors, bonnet, boot are off and have been monified to look real. Stay tuned for some pictures, as soon a I can get my digital camera to work properly.

Glenn

[the_goldie]

thekid_600 - I couldn't find anything in the FAQ.

AussieCollector - this sounds excellent - can't wait for some pictures. Can you use the jack under the car??? How much did it cost - might have to get a couple.

[ZORAK]

When you rotate the tires do you include the spare in the rotation cycle or just the 4 on the ground?

Sorry had to say it!

[ET351]

Zorak,

Yes, but only on the road cars. For the race cars just park car in pit lane and the crew does the rest:D

Just picked up the issue 3 of Aust Muscle Car, and the story on Peter Kranjc (makes 1:18 accessories/dioramas). What fantastic detail! Aussiecollector, sounds like you are going down the same track? Can't wait to see your pics when its done!

Cheers, ET

[thekid_600]

my apologies goldie, its not the Biante FAQs. its the gateway FAQs im thinking of.
http://www.gatewaymodels.com.au/webcontent20.htm

quote: You should pay attention to the tyres of models stored out of their packaging, especially models stored on glass shelves. Models with softer tyres (especially hand built models) are susceptible to getting flat spots which are difficult to impossible to repair. There are purpose made products that support the models but you would probably find a piece of corrugated cardboard cut to size to rase the wheels off the ground just as good without being apparent within your display case.

this should help. i hope.

:)

[biante3413]

I haven't see this happening to any of my displayed models, some dating back to 1993. But on some of my Minichamps Indy and F1 models(1993-995), I've noticed some of their suspensions bowing with the weight of the bodies. I remedied this by glueing on 4 washers about 1mm in thickness onto the chassis' corners.

[Kiwiracing]

Thought I'd resurrect this thread as we are moving house tomorrow and I have noticed a few of my 1:18's both Biante and CC have got "flat spots" (not down to the wires or canvas!!!) but when I re-position them at the new house I may lift them off the cabinet with some folded cardboard, anyone else got any bright idea's?

Cheers
Kiwiracing

[GT40]

As mentioned on a previous thread I use the screws that hold the models into the shipping packing.
Just screw them back into the holes and adjust until all 4 wheels are 1/2mm to 1mm of the shelf. Works a treat. You can always sand the screw heads or affix some felt if you're worried about scratching your shelf.

[V8SS]

How bad do the tyres flatten out. I'm finally getting a cabinet with glass shelving and my model collection will be on display for the first time. I'm a bit concerned about this problem but also figured that real cars tyres are flat where they touch the ground so maybe its just adding a bit more realism:D

[the_goldie]

V8SS - My model cars have been in my cabinet for maybe 1 1/2 years or more now and I have not noticed. It is not until you move the cars when you notice the little bump as they roll due to this flat spot but it is nothing serious. If you move it to another position I am sure the tyre will even itself out.

[GT40]

V8SS - I've always assumed that all the flat tyre talk is about the softer tyres getting a Flat Spot when sitting in the same place for any long time. Not that they look slightly flat when standing on a shelf (as you put it 'like a real car').

The flat spot problem is if you ever push the car you get definite bump, bump, bump as the car rolls along (Not that many of us would be rolling the cars around alot)

[V8SS]

Thanks Cameron. I'm not too worried about it. Its not like I'm going to play with them and be annoyed when they don't roll properly. :)

[biante5485]

I used some plasticine/ blu tac or something and that seemed to work.

[biante5485]

For those that display their models on wooden shelving be aware that the rubber sticks/stains to them if left sitting in the same spot for any length of time. (I know because it has stained/lifted the varnish on my shelf where the tyres sit.

The best way to stop it lifting the varnish is to cut a very small piece of card and place under the tyres. The tyres will stick to that instead

[Ford Boy]

I moved my models today, and discovered one of my models has flat spot tyres.. no biggy! I just chucked it back ( not literally ) with its flat spots in a different position.... hopefully it'll even them out!

[V8SS]

I just moved a few of models from one cabinet to another and have noticed that quite a few models have some kind of wet oily substance under the tyres. Does anyone know what this is?
Its also lifted the varnish on the bottom shelf of my cabinet.

[Troy_H]

Guys,

Radial tyres are supposed to have flat contact patches

[Kiwiracing]

Originally posted by V8SS
I just moved a few of models from one cabinet to another and have noticed that quite a few models have some kind of wet oily substance under the tyres. Does anyone know what this is?
Its also lifted the varnish on the bottom shelf of my cabinet.

You sure it's not an oil leak from a Holden V8SS:D

Kiwiracing

[V8SS]

Originally posted by Kiwiracing
You sure it's not an oil leak from a Holden V8SS:

Kiwiracing

Ha ha, as 90% of my models are Holdens, yes you're probably right but the one that took off the varnish was actually a BTTF De Lorean.
See what exciting mysterious things you missed out on by not viewing my collection.:D

[Troy_H]

if it was the Delorean, that was a Sunstar model. From the sunstars I have, they seem to like to coat them in this oil to finish them off. Could be that stuff on the tyres as well. Not sure wht this oil is supposed to do.

[V8SS]

Yeah, the De Lorean was quite oily on the bottom but my Biantes also have the wet wheel syndrome as well.

[Nick Short]

It seems likely that this is a chemical reaction in the "rubber" - unlike real rubber this is a synthetic and contains compounds to keep it "rubbery" or flexible. After a time this often seeps out or evaporates, and the tyres become harder and inflexible. If you look at very old models they often have grey, hard and crumbly tyres, and this is essentially the same process - when they were new their tyres would have been black and soft. All plastics will degrade in some way or other, becoming more brittle, or fading, or going hard, and there isn't a lot that can be done, other than excluding all oxygen, light or water vapour!

[the_goldie]

V8SS - most of my cars do the same thing. Some are not quite as bad as others. Mine are on glass shelves and after rearranging models to fit new ones you can see the tyre marks on the glass. So it's not uncommon. A bit unfortunate about it lifting the lacquer off though.