Long term storage of aircraft tyres
 

I purchased a couple of hundred new surplus warbird tyres (F-86, T-33, A-4) etc.

I'm looking for a economical way of keeping them in good condition and was thinking of storing them inside thick plastic garbage bags.

Will plastic bags and rubber react over a period of time ?

I know the basics , keep out of direct light , dry and cool location , store vertically or not stacked more than 3 to 5 tyres depending on size (these are 14 ply tyres and don't deform easily).

I was wondering if I should give them a quick shot of Armor All before putting them in the bags ?

Interestingly the Dunlop tyres have a recommended shelf life of 12 years but the Goodyear manual states there's no shelf life as long as the tyres are within specification.

Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

Inside plastic bags is not required nor desired, and Armor All will kill a tire nearly faster than if you set it on fire.

Dont put them in bags and seal them up - they need ventilation and to 'breath'

Out of sunlight, away from any sources of solvents - oils - petroleum etc

Away from moisture and condensation, and nowhere near sources of Ozone - things like electric motors and some light fittings, welders etc, as Ozone helps break down the rubber.

Armour all I dont know if that would be a good idea or not - maybe email Armour All and Dunlop and Goodyear for advice ?

Gerry

Perhaps I build a nice big steel rack to store the tyres vertically with a canvas drap to keep the light off them ?

Some good ideas here , keep 'em coming

Pack 'em up and ship them to the Iranians!
They arent real good with airplanes (especially lately) but tires they can handle well.

Unload a few via Ebay. How much for a couple of F-86 tyres.?

Hi Milt ,

I've been supplying one A-4 warbird operator in the USA directly for 18 months , I'd rather not ebay them , too many headaches.

$50 each for the Sabre nose wheel tyres and $75 for mains.

The Sabre tyres are still wrapped in hesian and wearing RAAF stores tags from when they donated the CAC Sabres to Indonesia. I spoke to Temora already and they are using an alternate tyre off a biz jet.

Donating a couple of sets of tyres to a local tech college for their Sabre instructional airframe .

Saber T-33 Main Tires
 

This may be old news, but the F-86 and T-33 main tires are quite common. MD-80 nose tires work well. As far a storage "cool and dry" is the key. Also avoid armorall. Carnauba paste wax can be used to slow oxidation that causes weather checking.

Thanks C-46

Mate of mine went into a pub in western Ireland, and when they found out he was a pilot, they took him out back and showed him a huge WWII wheel. He asked if it had ever been topped up as it was in good nick and rock hard. It hadn't.

Hi Afskap,

If they are Goodyear or Michelin there's no shelf life as long as the tyres meet spec.

Dunlop has a recommended shelf life of 12 yrs.

hi I am looking for some tires for F-86 and F-84 please let me know if you have any for sale
Will wait to hear from you
Many thanks
Manos

Hi There
I'm looking for nose wheel and main tyres for a sabre jet (australian Built ) can you contact me at
[email protected]
I would like to discuss What you have , do you have any other CAC sabre stuff
Regards
Nathan

Hi aseanaero,
I'm new to this forum, stumbled on it while searching for F-86 nose wheel tyres (22.00x11.50x7.25). I realize this thread is getting on a bit ,but would like to know if these are are still available.Your reply is much appreciated. Cheers, Mike

Please contact Nathan on [email protected] , he purchased the entire stock of Sabre tyres

I don't claim any special expertise but mightn't it be useful to surround them with a reduced oxygen atmosphere as they do with apples? Bearing in mind that they've been out in the atmosphere since manufacture.

After an excellent landing etc...

Interesting....this is yet another time warp thread:)

Sabre tyres
 

Hi Aseanaero,