I was watching Radio Controlled speed record cars at the annual ROSSA event.

Many R/C car drivers have problems with their foam tires disintegrating at high speed.

As an engineer I saw this an a 'Using the wrong materials' problem.

Solid Rubber or Urethane tires will have enough performance and durability to break world records!

The shredded foam tires were 30-40 Shore A hardness.

If 70 Shore A tires are strong enough for a skateboard, they will have enough traction and strength for a R/C car.

I suggest gluing the tires to the wheels using Gorilla Glue.

1. It will lubricate the tires to press fit them over the wheels.
2. Gorilla glue expands as it cures, making for an extra tight bond.

Assembly:

The outer rim of the wheel must be modified to be smooth.

I used a utility knife to carefully cut off 1 rib near the tire bead.

Surfaces should be wet before gluing for best results.

Soften tires by soaking in hot water, apply glue to entire wheel surface, then slide the tire onto the wheel.

While the tire glue is setting, squeeze the tire to the wheel with your fingers a few times.

Then roll the tire while pressing on to a hard surface to keep it round.

One the tire glue is cured, the wheel/ tire assembly should be balanced.

1/10 Scale Tire:

Short Course truck wheels - 2.2 inch / 3.0 inch.

95mm outside diameter x 56mm inside diameter x 43mm wide.(1.7 inch wide)

or ---> 3 inch {76.2mm} ID turbo hose 1.5 inch wide {38.1mm} x 5mm thick <---

1/8 Scale Tire:

118 mm outside diameter x 100 mm (4 inch wheel) inside diameter x 43mm wide. (1.7 inch wide)

Material: Black Rubber Vacuum Casting.

Hardness: Shore A 70 medium.

• Results = Too Expensive
• Over $422 = $85 per tire!
• I used a 3" I.D. 5mm thick, 4-Ply Reinforced, High Temp Silicone, Automotive Turbo Hose Coupler.
• The hose was 3"long, so I sliced it in half = 1.5" wide tire. For - $8 a tire.
• Final pic shows the completed tire/wheel assembly.