Upgrading 1/18 Model T Speedster Wheels....

@chris. I found that Krylon spray works great for making whitewall tires. I have used it numerous time and it hasn't cracked, yellowed or flaked .It has some give and take if the tire is flexed. I even made my own tires using clear flexible plastic tubing that I bought at the hardware store. You can buy it by the foot. I just made a very small wooden dowel the fit snuggly into the tubing, then joined the ends together to form a circle and covered the joint with some 3M Glazing and Spot Putty. Sand and paint. The tire made from tubing is below.

@kenspear Outstanding tips Ken, thank you!

I did consider painting the tires with Tamiya acrylic spray. I've used acrylics before on rubber; it works perfectly. The paint remains white AND flexible with zero flaking. The dilemma is that period-correct solid-whites have a more "balloon-y look"  to them.  Simply painting the more "structured"  1923 black tires white would not look authentic.

What I didn't consider is using tubing, as you suggested, to make my own tires.  That sure seems WAY easier than "macining"  a master tire, then creating a silicone mold, and then casting tires in rubber.

Thank you VERY much Ken, I will look into this! 

The wooden wheels will match perfectly the speedster.

I have a lot of wheels projects ...

I just got that Speedster, but no way would I attempt something like this. I do look forward to seeing the results, though.

Extraordinary difference Chris, so well done mate! Heres the box art from the original green model I completed if its any help.

@geoff-jowett  Thanks, I'm working on a ONE "protype"  wheel.  The plan is to have a mostly red wooden rim with black accents and solid-white tires.

If my prototype turns out OK, I'll make the other 3 (the hell with the spare!  😀)  but if I don't like it, well, then, it's back to the drawing board!  I'll post pics ASAP.

THANKS TO GEOFF JOWETT, I finally found a wheel solution that works (for me ). 

Prior to his post, it NEVER occurred to me to use wooden Model T wheels. I'm FAR from done, but thought I'd share my progress. I think you'll agree that the original 1/18 P-100  1913 Model T Speedster "wire wheels"  are hideous!  Anything is an improvement, right?

This otherwise terrific, well detailed, replica DESERVES better wheels! 🤨 😐 

IMO, these red/black wooden spokes look much better.  Again, I'm not done yet, stay tuned.....     THANKS GEOFF for the idea/inspiration! 🙂 😎 🙂 

Wow Chris ! They look great !  👍

They already look awesome, Chris. Please make some for me.  

what a remarkable transformation Chris. Absolute work of art, well done sir!

Google images throws up no 2 the same! While this is white, wheels match yours, and one overall color matches too.

With all the color variations it gives me license to do what I want if I ever find the angled fender version.This all yellow color appears to have the angled fenders.

thanks for the update and shout out Chris

Geoff

Posted by: @geoff-jowett

thanks for the update and shout out Chris

No problem Geoff, thank you!  When I finish or come close ....I'll post another round of pics.  Stay tuned....

...still "rolling along"  on my Speedster wheel upgrade. 🙄   With all four wheels & hubs now completed, it's time to work on the spare. I'm still contemplating whether to make ONE spare wheel or TWO.  I've always like that "old-timey-two spare wheel look."    ...but being lazy, ONE would be easier. 🙄 

Chris, where did the white tires come from? Did you make them?

Amazing craftsmanship Chris, well done sir!