How to preserve original Casler Cheater tires.

[fullmetaljacket]

I was gifted these original (not recaps) Casler Cheaters along with their respective inner tubes from a friend that had 'em in his climate controlled basement for 50 years. They were mostly in the dark and only have about 20 runs on them from an original Max Wedge that he still owns.
Of course, I'm not planning to use them in competition, but how and what should I treat them with to keep them in nice condition?
Right now, they are dirty from basement dust and mud, but feel surprisingly gummy with no signs of dry rot on the walls. Lots of depth in those famous two groove threads as can be seen here.
I just would like to use them for car show purposes on my car which by chance has an original Casler water decal displayed.

Thanks in advance.

 

[R413]

Keep them out of the sun
keep them from freezing

Don't leave them on the car very long or for storage. Remove them or put it on jackstands.

 

[fullmetaljacket]

Keep them out of the sun
keep them from freezing

Don't leave them on the car very long or for storage. Remove them or put it on jackstands.

Yeah, these things have been deflated and off the rims from his car since the 70's. They've been kept in the basements dark side of the force since then. They are 15" in diameter and most likely 7" wide, but probably 9' Not sure yet.

 

[bigorange426]

Give them a good cleaning, let them dry and spray them with the protectant product "303" keep them a cool dark place.

 

[Coelacanth]

Yes, Aerospace 303 protectant is among the best for rubber, plastic or vinyl protection.

 

[fishmens67]

50 years? tires become unsafe beyond 10 years.
I think your insurance company would frown if you ever had a claim using a 50 year old tire.
Probably be OK for car shows if they hold air and don't fly apart.
I wouldn't consider putting them on my car, probably a good conversation piece for the shop.

 

[Coelacanth]

Cool tires, but I agree...old rubber is very rarely good rubber.

 

[fullmetaljacket]

Cool tires, but I agree...old rubber is very rarely good rubber.

Duly noted. I wish they were reproduced using the old mold design, but with current gummy technology.

My first pair of rock hard Caslers had me going 12.90's with stock heavy rotating internals, stock virgin 906's with the exception of a 528 cam, Isky adjustable rockers, Torker 440 manifold and a 830 Holley right off the highway back in 1990-'91.
You guys are right, even though these tires are gummier than my first pair 34 years ago, I would have never used them for competition. I'm going to clean 'em and just keep 'em as conversation pieces. Thanks fellas.

 

[cosgig]

It would be nice so have that sticker on a metal stand to display those tires. That would be a great addition to any man-cave!

 

[fullmetaljacket]

It would be nice so have that sticker on a metal stand to display those tires. That would be a great addition to any man-cave!

Well, if I ever do mount and inflate them onto steel wheels to (Display Only) with the car, at least the decal on the rear window will attest. I love that they were first right off the press to run on a real deal stick Max Wedge and I now have them as the second owner.
He also gave me the Delta inner tubes from back then.

 

[fullmetaljacket]

This is the Mad Max years later after it was raced. Now back in its original color.

 

[JPrusinows]

This is the Mad Max years later after it was raced. Now back in its original color.

View attachment 1728057

I was gifted these original (not recaps) Casler Cheaters along with their respective inner tubes from a friend that had 'em in his climate controlled basement for 50 years. They were mostly in the dark and only have about 20 runs on them from an original Max Wedge that he still owns.
Of course, I'm not planning to use them in competition, but how and what should I treat them with to keep them in nice condition?
Right now, they are dirty from basement dust and mud, but feel surprisingly gummy with no signs of dry rot on the walls. Lots of depth in those famous two groove threads as can be seen here.
I just would like to use them for car show purposes on my car which by chance has an original Casler water decal displayed.

Thanks in advance.

View attachment 1727258

View attachment 1727259

Send them to me I’ll keep them safe for you! Lol

 

[moparx]

glad to see you are still around FMJ !
those tires are really cool !
however, i agree with all of the above, be careful using them going to a car show. i sure wouldn't want to see them come apart and ruin your quarter panels !
what size is marked on the sidewall ? example : 7.50-15

 

[fullmetaljacket]

glad to see you are still around FMJ !
those tires are really cool !
however, i agree with all of the above, be careful using them going to a car show. i sure wouldn't want to see them come apart and ruin your quarter panels !
what size is marked on the sidewall ? example : 7.50-15

Oddly enough, there is no size indicated at all. All the raised mold letters say is: "Casler Racing Tires". There are no signs of rubbing at all being that they are too slim to even rub slightly on either side of the well. My friend told me that they are 15" X 7's.

As far as the tires coming apart, could that still happen while using inner tubes? My friend used them back then with tubes when new. I guess pressure is pressure whether it's in the inner tire or a balloon in the tire.

 

[Budnicks]

Coker, Firestone re-pop Dragster Cheater slicks,
have the same look & new rubber
they ain't cheap & not the best traction for the $$
but like $518+ 820-15s

but a lot safer than any 50+ y/o casings are...

You can get M&H vintage looking ones for like 30x15 for like $360
other sizes too

or Coker 632048 1000-15 (10") Cheaters $84.56 each,
guaranteed to never hook up, but look the part

 

[Black_Sheep]

They are fine for a trailered show car, but I wouldn’t use them on the street or on the track…

 

[fullmetaljacket]

They are fine for a trailered show car, but I wouldn’t use them on the street or on the track…

Trust me fellas, after reading into your words, I am heeding the warning and just keeping them as conversation pieces. I might even be afraid to fully inflate them on a rim, let alone drive on them. Just wish they were less in age. They are gummy though I must say.