Im sure the process is old news, but it actually friggin' works!!! I used a grinder with a 36 grit flap disk. Tried it today and here's the before and after:
Great job! Wanted to do that myself after watching the videos.... I need a set of WW for the '49. No tires now but when the time comes I'll search for the right set to work with. Saw a used set of narrow WW radials - very little wear - at our local pull-a-part last month for $150. All mounted on a set of modern goofy "wagon wheel" rims. I was after other parts and didn't pick them up. But next time I will. What kind of tires did you work with? Did you do this stationary or with the tire spinning?
Saw a family racking in some coin doing this at Hot August Nights in Reno years ago. They sure were some dirty folks however.
I did it with the wheel spinning. As far as I know you can use any tire with a skinny white or raised white letters. I was really fascinated by the process when I saw it. It took me about 20 minutes per tire, and while theyre not perfect, they look good from a few feet away and a hell of a lot better then the skinnies!
Painted on the 55 and go-cart Port-a-walls on the boat trailer Store bought on the bike. Grinding a regular white into a wide white wall is best... on the '96 Buick
Did it on mine a few years ago and recently for new rears! But i used a belt sander on a new set , much better & it didn't gouge(?) the Whites.First set i did i used the disk sander.Good but very messy!!lol JimV