How to "remove" raised white letters on tire?

Quad T · 06-10-2005, 12:59 PM

Within the next couple of weeks I will be taking deivery of my 4x4 SE KC, I went Big Tow and no Off Road so I'm getting the P265/70R18 tires with raised outlined white lettering on 18" grey wheels.

I HATE RAISED WHITE LETTERS!

Now, other than spending the money to have all the brand new tires and wheels remounted to put the RWL to the inside, what other options do I have to get rid of the white?
- can I cover it up with some kind of black tire dressing; is there one?
- can I cover it up with a black sharpie marker
- can I cover it up with shoe polish?
- can I file it off with a file of sandpaper?
- what are my options?

Armada · 06-10-2005, 01:11 PM

Most people who don't like the white letters just turn them around. Putting the white letters on the inside really is the best thing. I know you need to remount them for this, but that's no big deal for a tire shop to do pretty cheap. Dealer might even do it for you free as a part of the delivery. You can put black dressing over the letters before you turn them around to make it even less noticeable, but just turning them around seems to work pretty well if you don't like the look.

mtbendo · 06-10-2005, 01:14 PM

There used to be a product called tire black which was fairly durable if you just want to "paint" the letters to hide them but everytime you scrape something you'll have to touch it up again.

tnbowhunter · 06-10-2005, 01:20 PM

Yep, best way is to just turn them around. Simple as that.............

Quad T · 06-10-2005, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbendo

There used to be a product called tire black which was fairly durable if you just want to "paint" the letters to hide them but everytime you scrape something you'll have to touch it up again.

Thank you for reading my thread, I'll pop into Pep Boys and ask about it, for some reason this product I seem to recall using.

I just can't justify wasting my money remounting the tires so the letters are on the inside. The Titan is my 4th vehicle and I would rather spend my money on the cars, a simple quick fix is what I want.

Quad T · 06-10-2005, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armada

Dealer might even do it for you free as a part of the delivery.

That was a good idea too. I just made the call and it went over like a lead baloon. Keep in mind my deal is several hundred below dealer invoice and I got lifetime free oil changes.

I think I'll ask again when I go in for a free oil change at tire rotation time...

DryHeat · 06-10-2005, 03:23 PM

Find a nice curb and grind on it for a bit. That's what my mother-in-law does all the time with her Mercedes. Works for her

Yeti77 · 06-10-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DryHeat

Find a nice curb and grind on it for a bit. That's what my mother-in-law does all the time with her Mercedes. Works for her

I can just picture it now.

Nihlism · 06-10-2005, 03:53 PM

just drive it a lot the brake dust will cover them up for you....

bowmanbd · 06-10-2005, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nihlism

just drive it a lot the brake dust will cover them up for you....

Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AUUSN · 06-10-2005, 04:00 PM

I like to get my letters really white. When I pass a dark colored car or truck the spinning white in the reflection is mezmorizing..........

CoachBoone · 06-10-2005, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yeti77

I can just picture it now.

Too funny! Reminds me of my mom with her Acura RL....beautiful car. Every time I went to visit her there were more dings and bashes on it. She always said she drove by braille

stick · 06-10-2005, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DryHeat

Find a nice curb and grind on it for a bit. That's what my mother-in-law does all the time with her Mercedes. Works for her

yep, i call the raised white lettering 'curb feelers'!!!!

Smoke05 · 06-10-2005, 07:41 PM

Best and most permanent bet would be to just dish out the money and have the tires reversed. It is a one time expense and if it makes you happy it is worth the cash. A second idea is the tire black, but it does wear off and doesn't look all that hot as it ages and needs to be reapplied like rire dressing at near every time you wash the truck. Just more work. I wouldn't reccommend trying to remove the letters, you'd be compromising the tires integrity.

Sammy Sandbag · 06-10-2005, 07:42 PM

I've never paid more than $40 for a mount and balance, I'd say go that route.