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I have a number of Matchboxes with plastic hubs that are missing tires or have tires that are very loose (don't we all). A number of years ago I bought a couple of dozen spare tires but have never put them on because I figured they'd just fall off again. Is there an acceptable way to permanently affix tires to loose hubs without destroying the value of the car? I'm not a real stickler about monetary value but at the same time I don't want to do anything stupid with them.

kbean63 wrote:I have a number of Matchboxes with plastic hubs that are missing tires or have tires that are very loose (don't we all). A number of years ago I bought a couple of dozen spare tires but have never put them on because I figured they'd just fall off again. Is there an acceptable way to permanently affix tires to loose hubs without destroying the value of the car? I'm not a real stickler about monetary value but at the same time I don't want to do anything stupid with them.

All or the reproduction tires are made with a tighter inner diameter so they fit tight on the shrunken hubs. They work very well and look great.

Some people like to place a small piece of scotch tape (cut into a tiny strip) on the hub and then fit the tire over the tape. Others use Elmers School glue to glue the tire on the hub (it's easy to remove that glue and the tire with warm water). All other glues ruin the model and some can even damage the paint and discolor the plastic hub. Super glue fumes can turn windows white (or foggy) damage paint and plastics (plastic bases, colored and chrome plastic hubs and windows can all be damaged by the fumes alone and much more damage from direct contact).

Thanks. I wondered if anyone had thought to make tires with a tighter fit. Can you recommend any tire makers?

Super glue near clear plastic was one of my big concerns - I've used it on plastics like CD cases and I've seen what it does to them plus, in my experience it doesn't hold worth shucks. Some epoxies hold really well but I'd be concerned about reactions with the plastic of the wheel hubs plus I find it kind of a pain to work with because it requires mixing.

I'll try the Elmer's option because it's pretty non-reactive.

Steve Flowers makes a wide range of spares for most of the Lesney ranges, They include white metal parts, plastic parts and decals / labels, I believe he also makes a few windscreens too.
see - www.model-supplies.co.uk

Cool. Looks like I will be purchasing some new tires soon.

The last batch of tires I bought were from a collector/dealer named "Squid". He used to host a site called "Squid's Matchbox Page" I believe and I also purchased several cars from him as well. I can't seem to find him online anymore and was wondering if anyone else knew him and whether he was still around.

Kevin

squid@pacinfosb.com ...Hi there kbean63, you could try this, I have not been in there, but I believe this is connected to what you was looking for..."Squid's Matchbox Page".

Regards,
GHOSTHUNTER.

I know Dave L. (Squid). He's not very active online these days but he's still around and drops into this or that forum from time to time. He's just not as active in the hobby as he used to be. IIRC, he was signed up here in the Lefora forum days.

nickjones wrote:Steve Flowers makes a wide range of spares for most of the Lesney ranges, They include white metal parts, plastic parts and decals / labels, I believe he also makes a few windscreens too.
see - http://www.model-supplies.co.uk

This is one of the best and least expensive sources (Steve Flowers).

Tinman wrote:

nickjones wrote:Steve Flowers makes a wide range of spares for most of the Lesney ranges, They include white metal parts, plastic parts and decals / labels, I believe he also makes a few windscreens too.
see - http://www.model-supplies.co.uk

This is one of the best and least expensive sources (Steve Flowers).

He's not the fastest with turn around as you can wait quite some time until it is delivered but his parts are fairly well made and his prices are very reasonable.

I'm wondering if Steve does any custom parts. I have a couple of king size Allis Chalmers scrapers that could use new springs.

I'd also like to stock up on some various tires for king size models but didn't see any listed.

p.s. - yes, I was quite impressed with his prices.