NASCAR may have been founded around moonshine, but those early days of running “white lightning” are long gone. Nowadays, auto enthusiasts prefer to run a different kind of shine, and unlike those hot-rodding bootleggers, this stuff won’t force you to run from the fuzz.
Homemade DIY alternatives are as numerous as crashes at Talladega, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of car detailing, with liquid car detailing solutions leading the pack. So is it possible to concoct homemade tire shine with a bunch of random ingredients you’ve got lying around the house? It’s not like you have to worry about a peeling clear coat or hard water spots when caring for tires. So why not get play “mad scientist,” and mix-up a potent shine of some sort?
Now before we get too “antsy in the pantsy” over talking tire shine, let’s get one thing straight: There’s a reason why the tire dressing business is so fucking profitable. For decades, the world’s wealthiest chemical companies have spent an asinine amount of cheddar on researching and testing tire shine products, just to guarantee that they work.
That being said, please don’t get all hot under the collar when your homemade tire shine solution isn’t lasting nearly as long, or bringing the thunder like a $1 billion dollar investment from 3M. You are here because your cheap ass is trying to make due with what you’ve got, and you’re curious to see if all those post-apocalyptic survival supplies you’ve been hording in your auntie’s garage will cut the kimchi.
Well fear not good citizen! The following three, relatively decent, super simple homemade tire shine recipes are here to make your quest for frugality a reality. While we’re at it, I guess we might as well address some of the common issues associated with homemade solutions of this caliber, and maybe even throw in a brief FAQ section, just for shits-and-giggles. Onwards!
3 of the Best Homemade DIY Tire Shine Solutions
While a lot of people have their own homemade tire shine recipe (tortoise saliva and turpentine anyone?), the following three oddball entries are generally accepted as the best, and safest solutions.
However, just to err on the side of caution, we strongly suggest using protective gear such as nitrile gloves and eye protection when concocting an automotive “tincture” on one’s own. The last thing we want is for you to end up in the hospital because you just discovered that you are allergic to any combination of the following ingredients.
It may sound like a frilly Hipster highball, but when you combine castor oil and alcohol with a little auto shampoo and water, the natural shine of the rubber and synthetic materials contained within modern tire compounds really pops. Here is what you’ll need to make this oddball “cocktail.”
To whip-up this magical mixture, you’ll first blend the automotive shampoo and water to wash the tire.
Use a tire brush to get into all of those little grooves and textured surfaces on the outer sidewall.
After scrubbing the rubber, use some rubbing alcohol to further clean the tire. The alcohol essentially acts as an extra step to further remove contaminants from the tire’s sidewall, and should be used sparingly, as it can dry out rubber rather quickly. A modest splash of rubbing alcohol on a microfiber towel or applicator pad will be all that is needed to wipe the entire tire clean.
Once the tire has dried, splash some castor oil on a different microfiber towel or applicator pad, and hit every square centimeter of the tire’s sidewall in a circular motion until a sheen can be seen from every angle.
Out of all of the products on today’s list of homemade tire shine formulas, baby oil has to be the cheapest and slipperiest. Not only does this slick mineral and aloe-based oil add insane amounts of shine to anything it touches, but the infusion of Vitamin E has caused it to become prized for its ability to nourish cracked and drying surfaces, and that includes automotive rubber.
Here is what you’ll need:
First, pour the 1/2 cup of water into a bucket, add the baby oil, and mix with three drops of automotive shampoo. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake it up. Spray the homemade tire shine directly onto the tire , as well as onto a clean microfiber towel. Once the tire is completely covered and slick-looking, allow the solution to sit for a minute or two before wiping it away with a separate microfiber cloth.
While the smell of burning rubber may excite fans of drag racing, most people abhor this pungent automotive aroma.
Try laying a citrusy smackdown on UV damage and cruddy contaminants with the dry-rot-reducing power of a lemon oil tire dressing solution. When blended properly, this concoction acts as both cleaner and conditioner.
First, pour the automotive shampoo into a bucket and then add the water along with the Borax. Stir the concoction until fully mixed, adding the lemon oil last. Once fully blended, dip the brush in the solution and clean the tire, reapplying fresh amounts of solution as necessary. Rubber thoroughly scrubbed, break out a clean microfiber towel and conduct a final, dry wipe down.
A Few Other “Unique” Homemade Tire Shine OptionsNaturally, there are a ton of other homemade tire shine options out there, most of which rely upon common household products.
The issue, is that from a shiny tire’s viewpoint, most of these ingredients really aren’t all that great when it comes to durability and visual appeal. So take the attached video with a glob of grease, because the aforementioned DIY tire shine solutions are about as good as it gets.
In order to help you remember the core components of routine tire care, we suggest following the classic T.I.R.E. acronym, for it still rings true today. This will not only help keep those sidewalls looking spiffy, but potentially prolong the life of the tire compounds themselves, and therefore make your windshield time all the more safe.
“T” is for TIDYThe easiest way for someone to keep their tires in good shape, is to clean them regularly.
Washing away tire contaminants like grime, brake dust, pollution, and road salt helps remove the risk of this crud embedding into the rubber.
By keeping your tires tidy, and routinely applying a protectant, contaminants and UV rays alike become far less of an issue, as both are the core cause behind premature cracking and blowouts.
“I” is for INSPECT The old “penny test” may be a proven method for testing tread depth, but on many tire compounds this means you have reached a dangerously low level of grip. The top of Lincoln’s head on the US penny measures about 2/32nd’s of an inch, which traditionally means it’s time to replace a tire. Don’t wait until your tires reach this level, because your traction at this point will likely border on being dangerous.Automotive tires should undergo monthly maintenance checks, especially when routinely driven. This includes checking tire pressure levels, which should be done every other week, especially since these numbers fluctuate when there are dramatic changes in ambient air temperature.
Inspecting tires for cracks, bubbles, or odd wear patterns should also be a routine, with a monthly, or bi-monthly basis being the norm. This will not only help you keep an eye on the condition of the tire compounds themselves, but by detecting uneven or unusual treadwear patterns, you will shine a spotlight on any suspension alignment issues. There is also the issue of improper tire inflation, which can lead to premature wear and potential blowouts.
“R” is for REPLACEMany car owners assume that if there is more than 2/32nd tread depth left on a tire, they’ll be totally fine. This is one of those outdated, shade-tree mechanic recommendations. By the time a tire’s tread pattern has worn this low, traction will have been reduced to a dangerously low point. Play it safe, and replace your tires when the rubber reaches Lincoln’s forehead on the US penny.
“E” is for EASY For those of you who are unfamiliar with tire lingo, this guide will help explain what all the numbers and letters on the sidewall of a tire means.
Having the right tires on your vehicle is just as crucial as routinely inspecting and maintaining them with a tire dressing cleaner. Keeping an adequate load weight, and not exceeding the tire’s maximum capacity is a core way to maintain tire integrity, as is ordering the appropriate tire size.
Overloading a vehicle, or specific areas of a vehicle (like the trunk or truck bed), puts a ton of strain on tires, as every tire compound on the planet comes pre-engineered to withstand a certain amount of pressure. So shop wisely, and know that any tires with the letters “XL” on their sidewall won’t be “extra large,” but strong enough to hold extra air, thus allowing them to carry “extra loads.”
Quick Tip: Don’t forget to check your spare tire every month. Nothing is worse than having a flat tire, and realizing that the doughnut is also low on air or damaged in some way.
Parting ShotsDry rotting tires or tire sidewall cracks are a commonplace, and often avoidable tire malady.
If your tires look like this it is time to replace them ASAP.While these homemade tire shine solutions are rather good at improving appearances and protecting sidewalls, extending longevity really boils down to protection, not enhancement. That is why the lemon oil shine option remains the preferred homemade method for accomplishing this vital step.
Just remember, automotive tire care is more than just applying a product or some homemade solution to a piece of rubber. In order to safely enjoy the joys of the open road, one must first inspect and then protect their tires. This rubberized consumable product is the only part of the vehicle that comes into contact with the ground. So take good care of these rolling pieces of rubber, and they will take care of you…
Certain auto detailing products do not always have to be purchased from shops. You can opt for their homemade substitutes. Tire shine is a good example of this.
For many vehicle owners the biggest reservation about using commercial tire shine is the cost, so homemade tire shine might seem like a good alternative. But which product will give the best shine and protection for your tires? Let’s evaluate both of them.
The most common household product used as tire shine is oil – castor, lemon, vegetable, olive, baby oil, and even brake fluid. Natural oils like castor and lemon are said to nourish the rubber without drying it. Furthermore, oil will give your tires a wet, glossy look much like solvent-based tire shine. However, the stickiness of oil will result in your tires attracting even more dirt than usual. The result is hard to clean grime and dirt coated tires in less than a week. Also, after dabbing the tires with oil if you do not wipe off the excess product, it can sling on to other parts. For instance, a product like brake fluid can do a lot of damage to the paint. Another negative of using oil is it does not provide UV protection to your tires, while water-based commercial tire shine have agents that block UV rays.
An important thing to remember is to never apply tire shine on the tire tread, especially oils. They will make the tread slippery.
If organic living is important to you, then homemade tire shine is a good choice. Substances like castor oil will not harm the environment or you in anyway.
Some commercial tire shine products like Meguiar’s and Turtle Wax are priced over $20. A homemade solution is very cheap if you do the math and make the comparison.
Here’s a video on how to make an easy homemade tire shine:
There are two types of commercial tire shine: water-based, which is biodegradable and solvent-based, which is non-biodegradable. Stay clear from the latter because these products contain petroleum distillates that are harmful to rubber.
Choose a water-based product instead because this environmental friendly solution will give a nice satin finish to your tires. This shine will last longer as the solution is also non-greasy, so it won’t attract dust and grime like a greasy solvent-based product would do. Additionally, as mentioned above, water-based tire shine have UV ray blocking properties so it will provide additional protection for the tires.
Solvent-based tire shine can even threaten your health. The harsh chemicals can cause dangerous skin ailments and the vapors emanating from them can cause a variety of respiratory problems. A benefit of using homemade tire shine is that you don’t have to worry about chemicals.
Many commercial tire dressings are also highly flammable so using them means you have to take extra precautions. You should dispose the empty cans and bottles according to the method that is mentioned on the product label.
A good tire shine will give you long lasting results without causing damage to the tires or other elements of the car. Homemade tire shine is a decent alternative but a commercial water-based tire shine will give better results and protection. Because the results will last longer than that of a homemade tire shine, the money spent on the product is actually a worthy investment.
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Contents
The choice of rims has more implications than you might think, discover the main factors to consider ...
This article is about aluminum/alloy rims, not sheet metal rims covered with plastic caps.
Note, however, that hub caps, which may not be as aesthetically pleasing and useful as alloy wheels, can be replaced inexpensively if they are too worn. This gives your car a breath of fresh air without breaking the bank, unlike aluminum rims, which will require repair by the bodybuilder (replacing them would be too costly). Another advantage is that you can change the visual style by simply changing the hubcaps.
To find out the rim sizes approved for your vehicle, you can request them from any technical control centre. But in general, the seller everything is well indicated.
Obviously, choosing a certain rim size will have a direct impact on the handling and enjoyment of your car.
First of all, the diameter (eg R15 for 15 inches) will affect the sidewall height of your tires. The larger the diameter, the lower the sidewalls will be. This reduces body roll, but on the other hand reduces comfort.
You decide based on your tastes and preferences.
Width will also be an important factor. You should be aware that tires of different widths can be placed on the rim, obviously within certain limits. The wider the width, the more traction you will have in corners, which increases road holding. However, this will also increase consumption as well as the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.
The choice of spokes and therefore the style of your rims will have consequences that you do not necessarily foresee.
First of all, thin spokes will help cool the brakes better, which is all the more useful if you have a muscular ride, and even more so if you are doing a circle. However, this may slightly affect the aerodynamics, but the effects are negligible or almost.
Well ventilated discs speed up the cooling of discs
Another important point that we don't often think about is washing the latter.
The more complex the discs and the more difficult they are to put together from different parts, the longer it will take to clean them. And when it comes to making 20 spokes by hand, trying to remove tough black soot, you may regret your choice.
The rims on the left will be easier to clean than the rims on the right.
Dirty rims greatly reduce their attractiveness ... And many neglect this aspect. Unfortunately, the longer they wait, the harder it will be to make them shine.
Wheels are usually made of aluminum alloy, which reduces the weight of the latter and, therefore, improves the maneuverability of the car. Steel discs covered with caps are usually made of steel, heavier ....
In the highest grade, you can even find magnesium or carbon rims, further adding to the weight and stiffness.
Also, don't forget that one day you may need to resell your expensive and loving car.
In this case, as with the personalization of Captur, for example, it will be necessary to please the largest number of people, avoiding too much eccentricity. It's the same with the format: if the tires that come with the rim are rare and thin, the resale success will certainly be less.
However, on the other hand, well-chosen and profitable discs will become an indisputable asset that can provoke the customer's passion. It's best to choose the same brand of wheels as the car to maintain consistency.
Any advice or advice on rims?
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All comments and reactions
Dernier comment published:
Vimarco (Date: 2016, 06:09:10)
What good reviews on ESP from Mezrcedes, I have class C, three years old, not 4matic on diesel.
Rear wheel drive, does ESP work the same way, loss of control in snow, parking in meadows, heavy dirt on the road.
But, in particular, going to the menu to completely disable ESP is sporty but effective.
In addition, I may have a bit of sport drive, but my 225X45-17 tires have less than 18000 km, which is 5000 km less than my old car, equipped with the same equipment, without ESP and front-wheel drive.
Please answer me
Il I. 3 reaction(s) to this comment:
4matic (4X4) - obvious solution...
As far as tire wear, the rear wheels tend to wear faster than your old car because it is rear wheel drive (rear wheel traction wears them more). In addition, wear is also related to the geometry of the vehicle's undercarriage, as well as the softness of the rubber.
Therefore, in winter and depending on the situation, you must first select "activate / deactivate" ESP in the steering wheel menu and react in the middle of the turn and oscillate along the path.
And resubscribe to change front and rear tires every 18000 km, even with slightly soft tires (instead of 25000 km, with traction)
Hence, perhaps, the success of the new class A.
A-Class will be a little more confident on slippery ground, but be aware that your C-Class is from a different pedigree with its longitudinal engine and rear-wheel traction (much nobler architecture compared to the very popular Class A transverse engine. engine ).
(your post will be visible under the commentary after check)
Continuation 2 Commentaires :
| GIBECH (Date: 2016, 04:10:17)
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How much did the last edition cost you?
Tori enjoyed life in the stillness of the night, imagining Dan as she knew he could be. It was like looking at a photograph printed from a very high quality negative. Even though she gave him up to Claudia, Tori felt that he could be himself.
Somehow, the days passed quickly one after another. Janey and Tory were knocking themselves out helping Crenshaw out of his troubles.
“He's such a nice person,” Janey said. “The problem is that he tries to get along with everyone and because of this he is torn to pieces.
Tory doubted anyone was sleeping the night before the opening parade in Lakeville. The atmosphere was greatly enlivened by the visiting orchestras. Adult musicians held jam sessions; the youth selflessly rehearsed to adequately compete with other groups.
The rest area highway was very busy; There were far more cars than usual, the members of the Public Benefit Club found out, and so they called in an extra squad of patrol cars to keep the traffic out.
Tori went with Teresa to look at the platform she was to ride on.
Even in the semi-darkness of Henry Green's garage, the platform looked beautiful. Its brass plating gleamed under the lamps; the next day, the queen's throne will surely shine brightly under the sun.
A throne was placed at the top. A little lower was a seat reserved for the Queen Dowager and another for the Prince Consort.
On the lower tier were round stools for the princesses and their gentlemen.
When they got home Teresa showed Tori some kind of capsule:
— It's a sedative. Claudia gave each of us one such thing so that we could rest today.
Tori didn't say anything about it. She barely restrained herself from snatching the pill from Teresa's hands.
“Once upon a time,” Teresa remembered, “you said that you can only put in your mouth what the doctor prescribed or suggested by someone you completely trust. So… drink to your health.
She offered the capsule to the kitchen sink and Tori smiled.
That night, neither of them managed to fall asleep, and when dawn came, Teresa came to Tori with mournful lamentations:
— Just look at this sky. And in the weather forecast they said only "the possibility of rain in the mountains."
“Perhaps the clouds have heard these words and are now heading for the mountains,” Tori tried to reassure her.
Teresa asked if she had to eat breakfast because she couldn't eat.
Perhaps later she will drink coffee and eat a sweet bun while her hair is being done. However, passing by Tori at one point, who was forcing herself to eat hard boiled eggs, toast, and drink coffee, Teresa absentmindedly joined her sister.
"Dr. Angel will be in the stadium," Tori said, "so if anyone wants to faint, he'll put them on their feet."
— Phew, what a relief. Now I know that none of us will fall.
— Oh yes, dear, if you look at the podium and don't see me, don't worry. Crenshaw should be there. I may have to stay in the office. However, I will watch the parade. There's always a place in Park Square to squeeze into.
Later, Tori was glad that she had warned her sister. Crenshaw, who arrived at the office early, began to complain:
— Quite obviously, Tori, Sadlick will definitely come. I have to be on the field, they can't do without me at this parade. Can you stay here? Isn't that a big request if you don't have to watch your sister's coronation?
- Not at all.
After all, the TV is at hand.
She was to either keep Sadlick in the office or take him outside, depending on the time of his arrival.
"This damned weather," grumbled Crenshaw, trying to find the hat he was holding.
“Buff should have taken care of the weather,” Tori told him. “He would have worked up the forecaster so that he would provide the weather he was told.
And Crenshaw walked away laughing.
Tori and Janey answered the phone continuously; among other things, many were worried about some missing autoplatform, as well as last-minute altercations over the location of seats during the parade.
Well, then there was silence. This meant that the coronation ceremony had already passed and the parade was in full swing.
“Well, run,” Janey said. - I'll take care of the household.
Tory quietly squeezed into the ranks of the observers near the office. Aha, riders went ahead; their horses danced to the music played by the orchestra behind them.
And then the “guards” in cream flannel suits briskly paced.
Tori smiled slightly. G.I. Buff was, as always, in the foreground. It was impossible not to pay attention to his red sweaty face. He kept throwing angry glances at the gloomy sky.
Tori craned her neck. School orchestra. As he approached, she unconsciously began to applaud. The Kapellmeister's dark skin shone, his white teeth sparkled in a joyful smile, and his long, slender body moved to the rhythm of the music.
And behind, like the sun breaking through the clouds, the party queen's platform was moving.
Something flashed and an angry rumble was heard. The audience instinctively looked up at the sky. This rumble was not produced by flat trucks at all, but was a harbinger of a thunderstorm.
“Oh, if only they could get to the hideout,” Tori whispered.
The platform was to her right, already very close. Tori looked at her top with great interest.
- Oh no! she exclaimed loudly.
Is something wrong, Miss Tory?
She vaguely realized that Mr. Sadlick was next to her. Tori languidly pointed to the throne:
“My sister… She was the queen, after all.” She's not there. Betty Buff!
A smile of genuine triumph froze on Betty Buff's flat face.
Tori quickly looked around at the other girls sitting on the platform. Teresa was not among them.
She leaned forward and Maria Delaney noticed her.
“Tori,” she shouted, “go home!” Teresa is there, all green.
Chapter 20
The silent scene stood before her eyes, as if not a second had passed, but several hours. During this period, Tori mentally photographed the faces of every person on the platform, from the scowling Clyde, who was Prince Consort, to Claudia, who was trying her best to look royal.
- I have to find Teresa!
— Can we go with you? Sarah and her father seemed to say it in unison. “Perhaps we can do something to help.
— Be kind… — answered Tori, — it’s not far here, we’ll get there on foot faster than by car.
As they approached Nancy's house, they slowed down. As they approached the door, it swung open.
“A beautiful creature,” Teresa quoted, “it is joy forever. Thor, what word is the antonym of the word "joy"? I am just what it is!
Tory had to stop herself from hugging her sister and bursting into tears. Teresa's skin was green.
— I have heard of people getting this color from seasickness. What happened to you?
— It's very nice to see you, Mr Sadlick. Sarah, I'm awfully glad you're here. Come on in or you'll get wet in the rain. You know, Tori, about answering your question, I think someone turned green with envy and doused me with it. Whatever it was, I was doused.
— How? Mr. Sadlick asked quickly.
- I was about to put on my party dress when a woman came in and started chatting in French, but too quickly for me to understand. I thought she was sent to turn my hair into a copper bowl with lights. She had some kind of bottle, which she shook all the time; then she began to apply the liquid.
Only it ran down my face, as well as through my hair, and I began to turn green. Then I screamed.
One minute. Excuse me. Mr Sadlick stepped closer and sniffed. “Most of the liquid was washed away,” he said.
- Oh, everyone around me rushed to wash it off me. It's amazing that I still have hair on my head. How did you guess?
— Chemicals are my job. And this woman, she didn't do anything else?
Teresa shook her head gravely:
— I have the feeling that she has vanished like a puff of smoke. I was the only one who saw her. Some do not believe that it exists. They think that I myself did some stupid thing that went sideways to me.
— Where has Claudia been all this time?
“I think she did beauty,” Teresa said. “I heard one of our make-up girls say that only flaying could give her the appearance she wanted, like a seventeen-year-old.
Mr Sadlick was writing something in a notebook; he tore out the page and handed it to his daughter:
- If you bring this from the nearest pharmacy, we can weaken this color to some extent.
I can send for a wig.
— But I'm not a queen, Mr Sadlick. Betty Buff is officially crowned. You see, she's the same height as me, and my dress fit her, so they had to choose her. Gypsy didn't want to, but I insisted. We couldn't keep thousands of people waiting.
Mr. Sadlick looked curiously at Teresa, then turned to Tori:
— A rare attitude. Please accept my congratulations.
Tori smiled at him:
— This is Teresa as she is, Mr Sadlick. I am even more proud of her than I would be to see her crowned at even the grandest of festivals.
Tori had made coffee and sandwiches by the time Sara returned.
“It’s pouring like a bucket,” she said in an excited voice, “and the car with the throne got stuck. The princesses and their princes were able to get off and hide, but the queen and the queen mother cannot. Something broke. They sit there soaked, although now they have already brought umbrellas.
Suddenly Tori nearly choked on her coffee.
- Teresa, I wish you could see them. Lightning flashed, thunder roared, and how it rained! Bettily sat with her mouth open, and Claudia looked like she was saying "yes, how dare you." If I didn't worry so much about you, I would laugh. Sadlick, I know this is not good, but you don't know what these two have done to the queen and her court. It was a wonderful experience for Teresa. From now on, I doubt that anything is capable of unbalancing her.
And then she remembered that she should have warned Ames about the presence of the Sadlicks. And if this is not done, Sarah will suffer. Claudia can tell her things she shouldn't.
Sadlik seemed to guess her thoughts, felt her fright. He said with pathos:
- We regretfully declined Mr. Ames's invitation by telegram to my office. By now, he should have received an answer. We decided that it was desirable for us to be, so to speak, less accessible. He then added, “For social occasions.
Indeed, they have re-registered at the old hotel they knew.
— Would lunch with us be too social? Tori asked.
“It will be good for our stomachs,” said Sarah.
Sarah, provided with instructions on how to use the substances she had bought, helped Teresa restore her original complexion, after which an emollient was applied to Teresa's skin. Mr. Sadlick said that her hair would fade and bristle for a while, and advised her to cut it short.
“At least you got it off my skin,” Teresa sighed. “Perhaps I regretted it even more than my hair. But didn't this whole trick turn into a complete fiasco?
Satisfied with the procedure, Sadlick went to the hotel, while Tori took care of preparing dinner, thinking about whether it would be good to leave Sarah with Teresa, because this could only postpone her inevitable bout of bitter gloom to a later date.
By the time the guests arrived, the rain had stopped and Mr. Sadlick, Sarah, Teresa, and Tory sat down to dinner on the washed patio. Tori made a chicken dish called gallo en chicha, and Mr.
Sadlick said he had never tasted anything better.
He was saying that he preferred the American version of this dish to the Spanish one when he heard the squeal of car tires. A moment later Dan, hatless and collar unbuttoned, ran into the yard.
He greeted the guests, smiled at Tori and turned to Teresa:
— Here. He waved the plastic bag. “This was delivered to us by plane from Los Angeles. I would have arrived here earlier, but the plane was delayed due to the weather; the storm moved south.
— But what is it? Teresa asked.
- A wig whose color exactly matches the color of your hair. Didn't Claudia call you? Don't you know you're taking on the role of queen again at tonight's banquet? Tori…
— Dan, you better start over. Apart from Gypsy, some girls and Mr. Crenshaw, no one called. We haven't heard from Claudia. She must have drowned.
Drowned? Ah, rain. Did she fall under him?
Little by little they pulled all the information out of him and learned that Gypsy immediately informed the club leaders that Teresa - the victim of someone's bad joke - would not be able to appear at the coronation and at the parade.
Gypsy suggested using a wig and Dan volunteered to go get it.
He drove all the way to San Francisco, making frequent phone calls along the way and finding out that the establishments that were open didn't have exactly the right wig. Someone called back to Los Angeles. A plane was chartered and Dan flew back to the county seat to meet the plane and the wig.
“Dan,” Tori spoke softly, “Betty Buff has been formally crowned. Someone reported that Teresa Thomas was unwell, and Miss Buff gladly accepted the scepter from her. The ceremony has already taken place, Dan, Bettily is the official queen of the festival.
For a while he wandered up and down the yard.
"So we can't leave this matter in any case," he declared. Teresa, tell me exactly what happened.
The girl, laughing, said:
— At first I thought that I would die an unnatural death, perhaps I would go out and throw myself under the wheels of the platform. And then I thought how stupid I would look then, and I was laughed out loud.
After all, I was in my underwear, because they had to take off almost everything from me in order to dress Bettily. Some of the girls wanted to help, but there was nothing much they could do. They were summoned and told to take their places on the platform. But one girl dug up an old bathrobe in the shower. And in it, my dears, I made my way home. Never felt so ugly! Honestly, I died a thousand deaths. I suffered. I am the queen crying green tears in the side alleys.
— But will you go to the banquet?
Teresa frowned:
— No. I don't want to see any of them again.
Everyone was silent. Teresa glanced from one to the other, but all she saw were blank, unsympathetic faces.
— Well, why should I go there? she burst out.
Again, her answer was silence.
— Oh, okay. She sighed. “Perhaps I should go. I'll go just like Teresa Thomas, in a wig, and I'll sit, and everyone will think ... - And then her face lit up. But they won't think so. I won't let them.
I will go there and have a great time. Will any of you come with me?
"We'd all love to join you," Mr. Sadlick said. “Dan, I think we should also change.
- Indeed, but I have one thing to do. I heard something on the radio today. If I act quickly, I can catch the guys in the Courier and get them to convey this story correctly. Would you like to hear me talk?
Nancy had a direct telephone line that connected her to the Courier office, which had not yet been disconnected. Everyone gathered around Dan as he called for the executive editor on the phone.
“But we already have this message ready for printing,” he protested irritably.
- I don't care if you already printed it and you have to destroy the print run. You will print the true message, or, I promise you, not only all the merchants of Lakeville, but all the subscribers will turn their backs on you. Think about what will happen to your newspaper then.
He asked to have a ready-made note read to him, or rather, that part of it, which told about the queen.
The editor obediently read what was asked of him and added:
- This was reported by G.I. Buff.
— What time? Dan asked sharply.
- At one o'clock.
Dan turned to Teresa:
— What time was it when that woman ruined your hair?
— It was exactly one thirty.
- Everything is clear. Dan spoke into the phone again. “Your good friend with a big advertising budget called you half an hour before a certain hairdresser with a strange approach to business appeared to ruin the appearance of the chosen queen. So you know.
Annoyed growls were heard:
— We can't print this without proof.
Teresa stepped forward and asked for a pipe.
“Mr. Ennis,” she began, “this is Teresa. I don't want you to print this. My point is that Mr. Buff is just one person. There are hundreds of wonderful people in Lakeville. We must not let the name of our city suffer because of him. Could you just report that at the last moment "someone played a bad joke on the queen-elect"? What? Yes, because of the timing inconsistency, we're pretty sure it was Mr.
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