The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline new rims

I had the tires taken off my 53 3100 rims last night only to find out 1 of them is rusted through around the valve core hole. the rest are maybe usable. Can'tseem to find a new rim of this size 16x4.5 6 lug and 3 3/8 back space anywhere. Called a few placed but everyone seems to have 6 inch wide rims and i just can't see where 6 inch will fit without hitting the tie rod. Does anyone have any ideas for a new rim.

basham,

Maybe a hole repair bushing of the right size would allow you to use the old wheel/rim?

never heard of that before. will be using tubless radials, will that work.

That solution may work for it's intended purpose but I doubt it will work on a hole that is rusted ragged. The proper fix is to fill the original hole and drill a new one opposite it.

Long while back, I did a cheapo cosmetic restore on a '46 Willys Jeep (still have it on my dad's farm). I found some original spec military steels that had rust issues around the stem holes. I simply wrapped a piece of leather around the valve stem (tube) and 10 years later, still holding strong. I don't really recommend this approach on a road going vehicle, but for the farm, not a concern for me.

Anyway, I would weld in a patch and then re-drill the stem hole. Opposite side or original location. Either way would be fine.

ok, this is just an idea. let's hear how bad an idea. the other 3 rims are not to bad except around the valve hole. solid but pitted. what if i took some bondo just to smooth out the pits around the valve core so it will be sure to seal good. just an idea.

Bondo isn't intended as a structural repair, only cosmetic. Best would be to put new metal in and redrill the hole

I've run into that a lot in restoring antique tractors. Many of the tires have been "filled" for weight and the calcium chloride is wicked corrosive.
Open the rusty hole up with a drill or file. If you are using tubeless, make the hole as big as the outside diameter of the valve stem. Clean the inside of the rim well. Get a body washer with a hole the same size as the original stem hole and braze or weld it to the inside of the rim. You may have to trim or shape an edge depending on the rim profile. Then just snap in a valve stem. With the valve stem in and wheel painted it isn't noticeable.

neighbor said he just gave away some of these rims. he's going to check to see if the guy stll has them.