AutoArt Jaguar E-type tires

@eric-b  I've never removed wheels from an Autoart model before.  I'm looking at my copy of the Autoart Jaguar XKE, and I'm guessing that they might pry off from the inside.  However, it's purely a guess.  Chris Moroni might be a good source as he might have some experience removing wheels from Autoart models.  

BTW, in this thread, I learned that the size of the wheel is correct with this model.  The issue is the tire profile is too short and should be taller.  I have an existing inventory of many tires (leftovers from other projects), and I found some that seem to be the correct height, but they present other problems. 

The tires on the Autoart XKE are very soft and pliable.  The rubber compound of all the tires I have that would fit is too stiff.  Without damaging the delicate suspension pieces, mounting the tires on the wheel will take some effort.  My guess would be to make the tires softer, treat the stiffer tires to heat by placing them in hot water.  While the tire is hot and pliable, quickly mount the tire on the wheel.  Once again, this is just a guess.  I've never done this before.  

Hi Marty, 

Thank you for your kind reply.

This is exactly my point. In understand wheel size is Ok and it's tire profile that matters. 

I would have tried removing tires and leaving wheels in position but due to tires stiffness my fear is that the force I might have to apply would severe or at least damage suspension.

That is the reason why I am reversing to the "removing the tires option". I would feel safer if I had to work on wheels and tires only, away from body/suspension. 

Your heat proposal is an interesting one for mounting the new high profile tires. I doubt same technique can be used to dismount the AA wheels as they also are stiff.

Unless I can remove wheels from model I would have to soap whole model in hot water and I fear this would damage parts or paint work.  

Problem is that I have not found an easy/simple way to remove wheels yet.

Still, from what I have seen on this thread, I need to correct the AA Jaguar. 

Eric B. 

@eric-b - Allow me to add an additional clarification.  The existing tires on the AA Jag are quite soft and relatively easy to remove without damaging the wheel or suspension.  The issue is mounting replacement tires.  In my opinion, you'll need to find some way to either find softer, pliable tires or find a way to soften existing tires so they'll mount on the existing AA wheel.  I think sticking with the existing AA wheels is best because as laced wires they're very well done, look realistic, and are gorgeous pieces. Finding the right size wire wheels and tires, that look as good as the AA is probably going to be difficult and expensive.    

Thank you Marty, 

That is great information! I thought AA tires were stiff too. Happy that I can consider it feasible to remove wheels without damaging suspensions or wheels.

I now have fully understood your point and piece of advice. I confirm my plan is to keep AA wheels. I am with you, they look fine AND, I am sure their attachment mechanism to AA the E-type suspension is designed to work. I might no be the case with any other wheel.

As you confirm, problem will be spotting the right tires, right profile, compatible with AA wheels and soft enough to be mounted. Strange how the AA E-type problem is not easy to solve. 

Why couldn't AA simply re-release a batch of updated cars with correct wheels and new body colours.  😉 

Thanks a lot.  

Eric B.

@marty-johnson 

Marty, could you measure the outside diameter of your Kyosho Jag's tires? I prefer a measurement in millimeters, but inches would work too. I have an idea for a repair but don't know if it is going to work, have to test it ... 

185VR15 tire should have a diameter of 37.6-38 mm in 1/18

AA Jag's tires are 34.5 mm

This is sort of proof of concept ...

I 3D-printed a ring filler and installed the original tire over the filler. The install is potentially dangerous for the suspension, it does require some skill. Now I have to design and print a black ring filler for between the rim and the tire.

The total diameter of the wheel now is 37 mm, much closer to 185VR15 tire.

I can actually go for whitewall tires to avoid matching the material finish, which would not be perfect with black filler.

@chav - You are correct on the diameter.  I measured 37 mm.  

Posted by: @marty-johnson

@chav - You are correct on the diameter.  I measured 37 mm.  

Thanks Marty

My fix was successful but needs postprocessing, some sanding to smooth the edges.

I did increase the thickness of the ring between the gray ring (see above) and now the wheel's diameter is 37.2mm

Stance is pretty good without modifications.

Day light and a little sanding of the whitewall's edges:

Hello Chav, 

Congratulations for your very good attempt. Glad to see another one on the way to correcting his AA E-Type.

Unfortunately, I have not your skills at designing 3D parts.

Your result is extremelly promising.

Cheers

Eric B.

Posted by: @eric-b

Hello Chav, 

 

Congratulations for your very good attempt. Glad to see another one on the way to correcting his AA E-Type.

Unfortunately, I have not your skills at designing 3D parts.

Your result is extremelly promising.

Cheers

 

Eric B.

Eric,

I can send you a set of parts, as long as you feel comfortable installing them.

-Chav

@chav - Pardon me for being a little slow on the uptake, but I'm a little confused.  Do I understand this correctly? 

You created a ring using a 3D printer and attached the ring to the existing AA Jag wire wheel.  Then you mounted the existing tire, the rubber tire units we agreed were too short, over the wheel with the new 3D printed ring.  The additional diameter created by your 3D printed ring, expanded the tire to a more desirable diameter and appearance.  Is that correct? 

Posted by: @marty-johnson

@chav - Pardon me for being a little slow on the uptake, but I'm a little confused.  Do I understand this correctly? 

You created a ring using a 3D printer and attached the ring to the existing AA Jag wire wheel.  Then you mounted the existing tire, the rubber tire units we agreed were too short, over the wheel with the new 3D printed ring.  The additional diameter created by your 3D printed ring, expanded the tire to a more desirable diameter and appearance.  Is that correct? 

Absolutely correct! You are talking about the gray ring.

Then to cover the gap between the rim edge and the tire edge, I 3D printed a second white ring.

Before the white ring:

 After the white ring is mounted:

Here are all the parts pictured together. Had to take it apart to measure another tire I found from different model (good potential fit but needs modification and the model it came from sells for $90 that is not ideal).

@chav - Ahhhh, NOW I totally understand!  That's a clever solution! 

@chav - I found a couple of very interesting things on the Internet.  Here is a website that has AUTOart spare parts. 

https://autoartspares.com/

Here is a video on how to remove AUTOart wheels.