Topic: Raised White Lettering
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Joined: 12/3/2007
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Vette(s): 1978 Corvette Light Blue
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OK I am doing my rims and need some info about the raised white lettering on the tires?
Which following sentences are fact?
1. The raised white lettering should be able to be scrubbed and cleaned so you get the dirt off and it will look bright white again?
2. The white lettering is as deep as the height of the raised lettering and your just taking the top coat of white off and there is new bright white underneath it?
3.The only way to get it white again is to use the white crayon stick to re-Coat the white onto the old white lettering(does not work)
4. Once the tire is too old it will not get as clean and Bright white as when they were new?
The only way I have found to make them white again is to use model white paint and a thin brush and actually re-paint them so it looks white???(I know this is not correct but how are you to get them white again. I can scrub them until the moon comes out and no difference on the white. The tires could be 10-12 years old good rubber on them but the white is not white???
Please HELP???BB78
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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You'll find that the carcass of the sidewall of the tire is actually white...not just the raised lettering. Don't believe me? Take a knife and cut into it! 
It's hard to get the letters white white after they have be run for a year or so. It just discolors from heat and pollutants. The best you can hope for is to clean them with regular soapy water and a medium stiffness brush.
Paint, crayon, or any spray on stuff will work temporarily, but it's not gonna stay on there for long.
The best solution is to turn the white letters to the inside(remount them on the rims), or get new ones...
Adams' Apple 2011-02-21 11:06:00
It's hard to get the letters white white after they have be run for a year or so. It just discolors from heat and pollutants. The best you can hope for is to clean them with regular soapy water and a medium stiffness brush.
Paint, crayon, or any spray on stuff will work temporarily, but it's not gonna stay on there for long.
The best solution is to turn the white letters to the inside(remount them on the rims), or get new ones...
Joel Adams
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This sounds weird, but you could oil paint the letter's. Use plenty of linseed oil when applying. Oil is tuff and can take a lot. I would keep the lettering clean, like Joel suggested. 
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MICK - C3VR Lifetime Member #113
Everytime I wash my cars whether they have white lettered tires or plain old blackwall I spray them with Westley's Bleche wite and scrub them with a stiff nylon brush, then hose them off.
It keeps them looking new. You may want to try that stuff. It might take a few scrubbing to get them bright. Good luck.
It keeps them looking new. You may want to try that stuff. It might take a few scrubbing to get them bright. Good luck.
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Westleys white wall cleaner is what I have always used. Seems to be the best I have found. Like Sarge said, may take a few times and they will never be as white as they once were. But they usually stay acceptable.
Rodney
Rodney
[QUOTE=rod7515]Westleys white wall cleaner is what I have always used. Seems to be the best I have found. Like Sarge said, may take a few times and they will never be as white as they once were. But they usually stay acceptable.
Rodney
[/QUOTE]
Rodney
[/QUOTE]
I agree, it's been around forever and it works. 
Lifetime MemberNewton, NJ - USA
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Westleys! Is the best, I've tried others and always come to Westleys.
Lifetime MemberNewton, NJ - USA
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Vette(s): 1978 Indy Pace Car. All original. A true survivor. 2nd owner Only 300 miles.
oh and #1 is true
#2 is true
#3 is false
#4 is true
Hey Mark,
I agree with the group on the Westley's. When I had the aluminum rims on my '79 I had the raised white lettering facing out and cleaned them up frequently. Then I switched over to rally Rims and had the tires mounted so that the sidewalls appeared black. Still gave the tires a few squirts of Westley's every now 'n then.
I was just thinking about (hopefully) getting new tires this year. And along with that I'll go back to the aluminum rims again if I do it. I was also thinking of seeing how one of those Mr. Clean erasers works on the raised white letters. If you try it before I do, let us know how it works.
P.S. Looks like you shined up your rims pretty nice!
Kevin
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What I've found that works great is an SOS or Brillo pad from the kitchen. They do a great job of cleaning the white letters or stripe. After hosing them off good after, use a good tire protectant.
Years ago I used to sell tires and once was given a tour of a tire plant. Many tires were given the white for a white stripe, but only some went through the extra step to buff the tire to expose the white.
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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