Inspiration thread started by @KnowAir https://www.arrmaforum.com/threads/diy-tire-foams-anyone-tried.65130/page-3#post-1032924
Ive had my X-Maxx for 3 months now and put it threw the ringer, and with every repair, my goal has been to find the most practical and heavy-duty solution.
After a couple of mudding runs I noticed that 3/4 tires had gone flat, even though they were vented, and ran the wheels at high speed to eject water.
This lead my down the path of the options to repair or replace. I tried to remove the tires by boiling them, the first tire fell apart as I started pulling on it. Then I tried baking it, I was able to get the tires off but ripped them in a couple spots. In hindsight, I should have used CA debonder. I ordered new 8S xmaxx tires that come with the foams, but I know the same thing will happen to them so I started researching different foam types for the best product. I landed on EPDM or neoprene being the best closed cell and resilient option.
This is the one I used: 1/2" x 17 x 80
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5XNMKGD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
This is the adhesive I used:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Weldwood-3-fl-oz-Original-Contact-Cement-00107/100195615
You can see the length dimensions in the image, width is 3.5" except for the small strip is 1", the length measurement is generous so that it can be trimmed to exact size before gluing. The one with tape is a mockup, don't use tape it will pull the foam off with it.
The contact cement worked perfectly, I did a couple of small test pieces before committing to it, and made sure not to overlap seams.
They are more firm(still squishy) and 40grams heavier than the stock foams, but produce a very cushy landing and in theory should outlast the tires. Air control felt slightly less, but not sure just yet.
On my first outing, I really enjoyed them!
Feel free to shoot over any questions.
Cheers,
Ive had my X-Maxx for 3 months now and put it threw the ringer, and with every repair, my goal has been to find the most practical and heavy-duty solution.
After a couple of mudding runs I noticed that 3/4 tires had gone flat, even though they were vented, and ran the wheels at high speed to eject water.
This lead my down the path of the options to repair or replace. I tried to remove the tires by boiling them, the first tire fell apart as I started pulling on it. Then I tried baking it, I was able to get the tires off but ripped them in a couple spots. In hindsight, I should have used CA debonder. I ordered new 8S xmaxx tires that come with the foams, but I know the same thing will happen to them so I started researching different foam types for the best product. I landed on EPDM or neoprene being the best closed cell and resilient option.
This is the one I used: 1/2" x 17 x 80
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5XNMKGD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
This is the adhesive I used:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-Weldwood-3-fl-oz-Original-Contact-Cement-00107/100195615
You can see the length dimensions in the image, width is 3.5" except for the small strip is 1", the length measurement is generous so that it can be trimmed to exact size before gluing. The one with tape is a mockup, don't use tape it will pull the foam off with it.
The contact cement worked perfectly, I did a couple of small test pieces before committing to it, and made sure not to overlap seams.
They are more firm(still squishy) and 40grams heavier than the stock foams, but produce a very cushy landing and in theory should outlast the tires. Air control felt slightly less, but not sure just yet.
On my first outing, I really enjoyed them!
Feel free to shoot over any questions.
Cheers,
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