The Official Armortek Forum - World leader in one sixth scale metal kits

Does anyone have any tips for removing epoxy adhesive from Tiger tyres ?

I think most of it actually stayed with the wheels but there is some on some tyres. Nitromors paint stripper might be a bit harsh for the tyres, though I'll try a small section this morning, and obviously a heat gun is out

Or do I just take the view that, as it was stuck well enough not to come off when I pulled the tyres from the wheels, it should be OK to take the next adhesive when I stick them back on again ?

Adrian.

Hi Adrain
When I re-did my Tiger tyres I soaked my wheels in hot water so it would get into the glue and soften it, which it did over night. Then once removed from the wheels I replaced the water and left the tyres to soak for 48 hours more and then the glue peeled off with the aid of a smooth, not sharp, table knife.
It worked for me!
Regards
Steve

Thanks Steve - tyre soup it is then

Adrian.

I haven’t started my build yet (wife won’t let me start until my u-boat and WWII cruiser are finished), but I have learned a lot from all of the experts here. While this is probably more than you metal heads ever wanted to know about epoxy, I hope you find it useful. I learned a lot the hard way and then I discovered http://www.westsystem.com which has great products and great overviews regarding the use of epoxy. Whatever you use, note that not all epoxies are created equal.

5-minute epoxy isn’t used for parts that will be submersed because it’s not as waterproof as longer cure time epoxies. While I haven’t tried it, soaking in water overnight might soften the former but it will likely have zero effect on the later. Keep in mind that many epoxies will actually cure in water.

The best way to remove cured epoxy is to use a heat gun to soften it (200°F) and scrape it off. Make sure that you have good ventilation. As you point out, that’s probably not be the best approach given the rubber tires.

You might also consider the type of epoxy that you use. There are epoxies that are designed to join dissimilar materials to better deal with the different rates of expansion, contraction (i.e., West Systems G-Flex). Think about the diameter of the metal wheel baking in the sun vs. the thin rubber wheel. These products are more flexible than standard epoxies, but much stiffer than adhesive sealants.

Curing epoxy goes through three states; liquid, gel (a.k.a. initial cure) and solid. When it progresses from a tacky, gel consistency to the firmness of hard rubber (i.e., you can dent it with your finger nail) you can usually remove excess epoxy by using a razor blade to lift up the edge at which point you can just peel it off with your fingers, tweezers or needle nose pliers. How long the epoxy takes to get to and remain in that state depends on the type of hardener and room temperature. It can be as little as a few minutes or, if you screw up the ratios, days – don’t ask me how I know;-) That’s why I usually mix a small batch first to ensure that I have everything right… keep in mind that some epoxies are 1:1 whereas the stuff that I like to use is 3:1.

You asked “if it was good enough to stick the first time could you just reapply for a second time.â€

Hello Adrian

When i did mine. i distroyed some taking them off. So heres a Tip
Put some grease on the tyres with a paint brush 1/2" will do. Paint the wheels and all you have to do then is wipe the Grease off.

Lee

Hi Scott.

Thanks for the information on epoxy - I don't know which sort was used on these tyres but I don't think a hot soak will do them any harm, so I'll give that a go.

Lee - thanks for the tip on the painting - I may also need to try that on the Sherman wheels.

Adrian.

Hi Guys,
Heres a little tip. I used double-sided Sellotape Tape.Its 15mm wide,clean the wheel,wrap it round cut it to lengh remove the backing paper and just slip the tyre on.No mess.After 4 years there are still on.

Cheers Jeff Hyder

I wonder how much side load the Tiger tyres experience ?

I know with the Sherman that the tyres are pretty much held in place by the suspension design but the Panzer III demonstrator doesn't have anything holding its tyres on either and they need kicking back in to position quite regularly.

Adrian.

Just as a follow-up - the glue on the wheels comes off quite easily after a 10 minute soak in Methylated Spirits.

I haven't tried one of the tyres yet - possibly try one tonight

Adrian.