The tyres went on without incident. I kept a length of 3/4" dowel and a hammer handy, in case any jammed while I was sliding them on, but didn't need to resort to force in the end. I used Selleys PVA instead of Titebond, too, since it doesn't have as much initial tack.
I've put one coat of Danish oil over them so far. I'll give them one more, then when they've dried thoroughly I'll give the rims (only) a coat of poly to bring up the gloss. I want the tyres to stay a bit dull.
Attachment 290010
I was about to start shaping the hub caps, but on reflection I might make some new ones. The current ones are
too white and stand out too much. Also the dowel stands out too much from the rest of the hub cap. I'll have to think about what timber to use. I want them to be lighter than the rims, but not too much lighter, I guess.
Maybe it's just me. Any opinions?
(Whatever I use for the hub caps will then also be used for the bumpers and probably the door handles.)
Attachment 290009