I’m in the process of converting a Franklin ‘55 Cameo into a Coke pickup (simple decal job). The model that I just recently obtained from an eBay seller is in very nice condition with the exception of the mildly yellowed whitewalls. I was wondering if anyone knows of a way to clean them without harming anything. My initial thought was Dawn and a soft toothbrush, what do you think? Thanks in advance.
Are they plastic white inserts into the tire or molded with the tire ?
I think I'd first try using a pencil eraser but very lightly.
"you`ll wonder where the yellow went"......aside from your project,congratulations on such a marvelous acquisition of hardware
sorry I cant help with the whitewall issue Kevin, but as John B says the combo with the trailer looks superb, along with the background posters, well done!
It's possible Westley's Bleche-Wite may make them white again. It is used for full-size automobiles to whiten their white-wall tires, so it may be worth a try.
Kevins, your tires are rubber with "white" plastic inserts. The BEST way to remove yellowing from white plastic is with a UV light (or natural sunlight ) and Hydergine Peroxide.
You might have some success with Dawn soap, toothpaste and/or Bleche-Wite, but nothing will work as well as a UV light & HP. (SEE SHORT VIDEO )
Of course, you could also simply repaint those inserts with Tamiya acrylic flat white spray paint.
Good luck & post pics! 😎 (Cool trailer by the way! )
Thanks for all the input and help, can’t wait to get a break so I can try out your remedies. This project started with the trailer I spotted on eBay, loved it, had to have it. Had to find something to haul it, looking around on eBay again, the Cameo jumped out at me, looked perfect for the job. I also found some very cool decals, fixed the antenna which was broken off, now I’ll rig up a hitch, finish the decals, and do some general clean up, and hopefully, abracadabra!
looking forward to the finished project Kevin.
Clever! 😏 😏 😏
@chris I have an update on my ‘55 Cameo. I got the tires looking pretty OK using some members help. I first applied peroxide, let it soak, then used a soft toothbrush and Dawn. (Didn’t have any Pepsodent!) I finished up the decals, made a new antenna to replace the one that was broken off, and did a little polish job. The Franklin Cameo looks like it was meant to be a Coke service truck. The colors are perfect, and the trailer really sets it off. Throuhout my years of collecting, the Coca Cola vehicles have been some of my favorites, so if anyone’s interested, I’m adding some pics of my other ones. Thanks again for all of your input! By the way Chav, love the Chev!
@chris The ‘50’s Chevy panels are one of my favorites, and they go better with Coke. Love it Christopher!
The Cameo looks amazing with the Coke decals and the trailer attached, looks better than before! I only collect pickups if they are customs of hot rods.




















