If we went to any tire shop and asked for a set of 167/58R13s, the people there would look at us and politely but firmly suggest that we see a doctor. You will also receive similar treatment if you request solid state tires made from crumb rubber. But just because no one thought of it doesn't mean it's banned forever. Enter Garage 54.
A few weeks ago, some inventive folks from the depths of Siberia covered the Lada 1200 with a thick protective layer of crumb rubber. The recipe is simple. Mix the granules with glue, spread with a trowel, wait for it to harden and enjoy the effect. The body and paint are protected from scratches, and the materials are inexpensive, available, and easy to apply.
But recycled tire particles have more than one use. Yes, most civilizations use it for playgrounds, etc. In contrast, crumb rubber is very suitable for use due to its versatility, durability, ease of application, and several other reasons. Why not go back to the basics and try making car tires?
Photo: YouTube/Garage 54
Crumb rubber is obtained from old used tires that are recycled and reused. The metal and fiber compounds are separated from the rubber, and the latter is frozen and ground to size. (When frozen, the rubber becomes hard, loses elasticity, and crumbles easily.) From there, it's a completely different story. The granular remains of the tires are used for other purposes.
At the dawn of the motor wagon era, wheels were fitted with solid rubber bands, but this was not a very profitable idea as it gave a stiff ride and required a specialist shop to change the tires. . Patented by John Dunlop in 1888, the pneumatic tire saved us all a lot of trouble and soon spawned an industry that fitted the world with new wheels. (For historical accuracy, note that the first air his tire he patented in 1845, but the invention never caught on).
It's been the standard for over a century, but what good are good rules if no one objects every once in a while? Airless tires aren't new, and they're used on forklifts, super-heavy trailers, and heavy-duty applications. A market still exists today for special vehicles such as heavy machinery used in The keyword here is “heavy.” One of Garage 54's devices weighs three times as much as a regular wheel.
Photo: YouTube/Garage 54
The never-settled Garage 54 gang came up with the idea of ​​casting custom tires from crumb rubber. The wheels used as the basis for their project are standard 4-lug 13-inch steelies from a Lada 1200. To achieve the necessary roundness (for some reason the Siberians were fixated on the idea that wheels worked better if they were circular), the shifter was made by cutting a steel drum barrel and cutting the inside out. I lined it with adhesive film and used it as a mold for a custom wheel.
Air tires have an internal reinforcing structure (metal and fabric bands) on which a rubber compound is glued. The Russians used rebar shackles for the same purpose and welded metal shackles to the wheels. that's it. After pouring the rubber and glue mixture, the tire was allowed to dry and harden for a while, after which it was installed on the car.
Let's summarize. Smooth and sturdy tires on the rear-wheel drive Lada tested on ice. What could go wrong? Actually nothing. The recycled tires hold up pretty well and have plenty of grip even in snowdrifts. Braking, on the other hand, is a different kind of adventure (just kidding) because your shoulders don't get rubbed as much by the smooth surface of the tires and slippery snow.
Photo: YouTube/Garage 54
Ice studs are one of the most effective ways to significantly improve your grip. The Russians did just that. I drilled the self-tapping screws on the steel hex washer head. My job is done. Road stance improved by 107%. Still, we will have to wait for the Siberian winter to say goodbye to Novosibirsk, so Garage 54 can test the reinvented wheels on tarmac and come to a suitable conclusion.
At the moment, snow's low friction index and sub-zero temperatures are less than ideal testing conditions. Even if it's just for curiosity's sake, it will be interesting to see how the home-made tires hold up against the roughness of blacktop roads. Or even gravel roads, this puncture-resistant invention is probably the best application for outdoor enthusiasts.