How Best to Preserve Vintage Tires?

[Eric]

An 82 has the original Eagle GT OWL tires on the alloy rims. Before anyone says not to drive on them, don't worry, they are being replaced. The issue is that they aren't as cracked as one would expect and look pretty good so I think it best to try to save them for originality/Flight judging

My questions are these:
1) How likely is it that removing them from the rims will damage them?

2) If taken off the rim and stored, is there anything that can be done to lessen the effects of time?

3) If left on the rims and stored, anything different from #2 that should be done? Should the air be left in, or deflated?

And by the way, they are being replaced with stock sized Firehawk Indy 500's.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[JohnZ]

Eric - Heat, UV and ozone are a tire's worst enemies; the tire guys I've talked to in the past have always recommended storing them in a cool place (like the basement), inflated, with each tire in a black garbage bag to block any sunlight.

 

[Eric]

Eric - Heat, UV and ozone are a tire's worst enemies; the tire guys I've talked to in the past have always recommended storing them in a cool place (like the basement), inflated, with each tire in a black garbage bag to block any sunlight.

As always, thanks John! I guess a second set of rims are in order.

- Eric

 

[motorman]

As always, thanks John! I guess a second set of rims are in order.

- Eric

unless you are 20 years old you will be taking a dirt nap before those tires get any added value to your corvette. JMHO

 

[Eric]

unless you are 20 years old you will be taking a dirt nap before those tires get any added value to your corvette. JMHO

Not looking for added $ value, looking for Flight value.

Oh and by the way, I'm 36 and live pretty clean so I hope to outlive at least a couple current 20 year olds:L.

-Eric