F104 Wheel/tire Alternatives

[itcrashed]

I've been trying to find some decent alternatives to the sponge tires on the F104. I'm not a racer but would like to run this kit in parking lots. And it's my understanding that I'll tear up the sponge tires in no time.

I would like to replace them with rubber but all I have been able to find are the Cross and TRG tires that others have suggested but the problem is that they are not the same size as the stock sponge tires.

Stock Tamiya Sponge Tires

F: 30 x 60 x 40 (Width x Outer Diameter x Inner Diameter) in mm

R: 35 x 60 x 40

TRG Superion

F: 28 x 55 x 34

R: 42 x 55 x 34

Cross

F: 28 x 57 x 39

R: 45 x 57 x 39 (really wide!)

The TRGs make the car sit a bit too low. The Cross are closer in height but the rears appear too wide. I wanted to achieve the same "look" and profile as the sponge tires - because they look great and to the proper scale, but be able to get some regular running on parking lots.

I'll post some comparison pics of the TRG vs. the Stock Sponges with when I get home tonight so you can see what I'm talking about.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? I haven't seen the specs on the Tamiya rubber tires, but they are impossible to locate anyway.

[twisty]

You probably wont get good grip in a parking lot with rubber IMO best to buy more some foams for running and a set of scale rubber for the shelf.

[WillyChang]

you could also stretch some rubber tubing over the foams

try slices of tyre inner tube (bicycle size?) or grip for cricket bat

[twisty]

you could also stretch some rubber tubing over the foams

try slices of tyre inner tube (bicycle size?) or grip for cricket bat

Thats a good idea,a bit like tyre caps idea.I remember Tamiya used to do a thing called a tyre cap,it was/is a thin rubber sleeve streched over a foam tyre for damp/wet conditions.

Not sure if you can still get them.

[yellowscott]

I do see those tyre caps you are talking about on fleabay. I think tamiyaclub member & ebay seller europro has them normally.

[itcrashed]

Thanks for the tips! I pretty much gave up on the idea to replace the tires - I may just stick with the foam and eat the $30 each time they need replacing. We'll see how quickly I run though the first set.

I'm sure Tamiya or another third party will make rubber specifically designed for this chassis...I suppose it's just a matter of time.

[itcrashed]

Not sure this matters so much to anyone anymore...but here are the pics of the TRG Superions against the stock foam...

The front's don't fit properly either...smaller bearing is needed and their is no clearance when turning.