55, any time you use mess with a split rim it is bound to get scratched. My personal preference for the best use of a split rim is either a dock anchor, flower planter or fire ring. But that is a personal preference.
If you are going to use them for the sake of authenticity, I would suggest you get the tires you are going to run with mounted first, then clean, mask and paint them. That way you don't have to worry that they will be scratched by the person you have mount your tires.
