Is Goo Gone ok to use to remove old excess glue from tubulars before mounting new ones? Or is it too strong (don’t want to mess up the wheels). Someone at a shop recommended Goo Gone. Online I’ve read about using sandpaper to smooth it down. Sanding on carbon Zipps seems kinda risky, even if done carefully. Maybe it would be ok though? Anyone know? Thanks.
Hmmm. I’d be a little concerned about softening the matrix that holds the carbon fiber together. Good question. This is one for the Zipp guys.
Unless there is a ton of glue on the rim, why not just leave it so you don’t have to apply several base layers before installing the new tire.
Goo Gone works the best IMO. Don’t use Goo Off, not the same.
That and a scotchbrite pad. Spray a little on the scotchbrite pad and rim, lightly rub it in for about 9"-12" length and let it soak for a few min. Then reapply and scrub it off with the pad. Hasn’t done any harm to anything else, but if you get it on the labels, wipe it off as soon as you can to be safe. I usually use 2-3 scotchbrite pads for one rim.
Well the current base layer is kinda uneven, maybe I’ll leave it on though. I assume an uneven base layer isn’t good. First time gluing tubulars, refuse to pay the shop to do it since I need to learn this stuff myself. (Base layer purpose is so the tire won’t slide, right?. Obviously since you let the first layer dry it’s not to stick the tire to it)
Who wants to give me a quick step by step description? 
Am I missing anything?
- Remove old glue/leave it on
- Apply an even base layer, let dry completely
- Apply layer of glue to both wheel and tire
- Inflate the tire fully, stretch it out, put it on
- Done? How hard is it to get the tire super straight?
Thanks!
Your procedure isn’t quite right.
Install the valve extender
- Stretch the tire for at least 24h. More if it is a Continental.
- Leave the layer on the rim
- Apply one thin layer at a time until the surface is evenly and completely covered by the glue. (12 hour dry time per layer)
- Apply a final layer to the base tape and the rim and put the tire on the wheel.
- Use the base tape as a reference to make sure the tire is on straight
- Pump the tire and roll the wheel on a hard surface with pressure
Let it dry 24h and you’re good to go.
If there is a mechanic/shop in your area that is experienced with tubulars, it would probably be worth it to pay them to install a tire on the condition that they teach you how to do it or let you watch the process. Good on you for learning how to take care of your own gear. Good luck
Thanks AaronH. I’m having a hard time removing/smoothing out the old glue still on the wheel. It’s a little chunky in some areas, I assume you want it very smooth before installing the new tire? Maybe I can smooth it out with another layer of glue on the existing remaining glue. Will the tire still sit well and straight on top of a little uneven existing glue?
The Zipp wheel care manual says that Goof Off is fine
** CARE AND CLEANING** Any cleaner that will not affect epoxy resins is acceptable for your rims. Acetone or denatured alcohol work quite well on the rims but will ruin the decals, so be careful when using. Armor All leaves a nice shine on the rim when finished, and is a quick and easy way to make your wheels look new again. Goof Off or any product intended to remove latex paint will also work well to remove tubular tire glue. Do not use any tools to install tubular tires on or remove them from your carbon rims. http://www.zipp.com/_media/pdfs/manuals/wheel_care.pdf
You can use acetone
.
The dried cement liquifies when it contacts wet cement. If there a big lumps it’s a good idea to smooth them out. Acetone will help and so will just putting another layer on top(not at the same time). Once the glue is wet, smear it around until there aren’t big bumps. But if these bumps are just patches of dried glue next to patches without glue, filling inthe hole will be easier.
Aaron has given good advice. As far as “I refuse to pay a shop, because you have to learn” A little humility in asking a shop for help can go a long way. Maybe they charge, maybe they just teach, having peolpe who will teach (knowledge is worth something) is priceless!