Hi Bruce: I have researched this matter and written the LIst about this topic several times. That having been said, there is just so much that can be done with real vintage tubular sidewalls. Once they have had significant dry rot or a large tear, it is virtually impossible to repair them. However, to revive an intact tubular that's in fair condition, you can use Jovelot's Tire Life, a latex emulsion (this must be purchased fresh-if it's been on the shelf, it wouldn't work). The tire should be washed with water mixed with ammonia and allowed to dry completely-for several days. Don't use any brush or abrasive material, these will damage the side walls further. Shake the Tire Life for minutes to get the latex working, and then using a clean brush, and taking the latex emulsion from the top of the bottle paint the side walls in the direction of the fibers. Let dry for several hours and repeat as often as you feel is needed. Some people also use latex purchased in carpet shops, but I've never found it. As far as the inner tube, small punctures can be fixed with Tufo Extra liquid, which works very well. Use much less than they suggest and spin the tire on a wheel in a truing stand, inflating it several times to drive the liquid from the valve core. Such repaired tubulars are probably only good for show. I wouldn't ride real vintage tubies-what's the point? For complete tube replacement you can send the tubular to TireAlert in Florida. If the original base tape is stiff, Ron cannot use it and will replace it with modern tape. You can use wood stain to achieve the original color-this can be done with tubular sidewalls also, but it takes real artistic skill and smells like hell (Tire Life is not Channel#5 either). Good luck, George George Hollenberg MD
On Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 4:16 PM, bruce thomson <masi3v4me@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Listers: I am sure this topic has been covered numerouis times. However
> since I was not riding tubulars THEN, I undoubtedly passed over the advice.
> Please bear with me and I can receive a few messages about cleaning and
> restoring the sidewalls with 'latex?' coating if appropriate or some other
> elixir coupounded by the seriious alchemist on the list. Thanks for the
> consideration. BT
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> Bruce Thomson Spokane WA 99204
> (509) 747 4314
> Masi3v4me@yahoo.com rapidfire10ring@hotmail.com
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> _______________________________________________
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-- George
George Hollenberg MD
CT, USA