Rusted rims

[J.R.]

The front rims on my '71 Gilson have severe rust and pitting on the inside at the bead area. (Just starting my restoration)
Assuming I can get it smooth enough with body filler, will tubeless tires seal ?

 

[4getgto]

I'm almost thinking you might scratch up the filler with your tire iron putting the tire on...filler isn't very hard at all.
I'd try to grind or sand the lip of the rim the best you can and go from there.
Or just use tubes.

 

[Toomanytoys84]

A good slather of bead sealer on there might be enough to seal them. It’s made specifically to seal leaking beads with rusty and pits.

I used to use Napa brand bead sealer on my 4 wheelers back in the day. Not because of pitting but because I’d blow the tires off the beads jumping and sliding. Solved all my problems and was definitely a strong seal because I’d have to take them to my buddy’s shop to use his tire machine to break the beads.

 

[Sawdust]

I’ve dealt with that before it’s a hit or miss with a lot of trouble trying to fix. I would just clean them up spray some rust protection and put tubes in.

 

[BMaverick]

I had already answered this in another forum. lol

 

[J.R.]

I had already answered this in another forum. lol

Sorry, didn't mean to be repetitious. Forums are a new thing for me.
Any feedback will be helpful.

 

[MNGB]

Sorry, didn't mean to be repetitious. Forums are a new thing for me.
Any feedback will be helpful.

That's not a problem JR many of us are on many forums and we post like you on them, good luck with your rims personally I'd look for some better replacement rims or just use tubes

 

[olcowhand]

Over the years I have had good fortune using JB Weld on pitted rim beads.

 

[Sawdust]

I had already answered this in another forum. lol

Maybe he wanted another opinion