do i need to buy new rims or rip the old tires off. and do i have to buy tire glue?

What I did/do is just rip the old tires off of their rims, then clean any old glue up. I buy the glue at my local hobby store.

Ryan

If the tires are still in good shape and you want to save them there is an oven trick but I don't remember the method. It may even be easier than ripping junk tires off. I riped my last set of tires off and it wasn't that easy. I think i saw nascardad24 had a post somewhere about the oven trick.

I have tried that! Just don't forget about them or it may be bad news!

I have also tried boiling the tires in hot water for 15 minutes and it worked fine. There were a few tough spots but the hobby knife takes care of that.

Just hold the tire completely submerged in boiling water for 15minutes, then take it out. I cooled it off under cold water. The glue will not re-bond after the seal has been broken.

Ryan

With the oven method i do remember he got it up to temp. and turned off the oven when he put the tires in. I bet that it still make's it smell like burning rubber. I have never tried the boiling water trick because of the hot water will be in the foam ready to come out and boil me. Can you wait to take the glue off after it cools down on it's own?

getting new rims would be a lot easier - and you've got a spare set of wheels just in case you're out bashing and break one

You have a great point there. My last 3 set's of tires/rims were not worth saving and it doesn't look like this set is going to be any better when the tread is gone. My racing rims seem to survive much longer and they will be worth it when they are cashed...maybe.