Leaking Loaded Tires

[Ben(LA)]

I have a '52 TO 30 with loaded rear tires that are unfortunately starting to corrode. One has surface rust and a very slight leak around the valve stem. I'm probably grasping at straws here, but does anyone have a temporary fix that will buy me some time before I have to buy new rims? Thanks,
Ben in Louisiana

 

[Richard L]

My only guess might be JB weld but if they are as bad as it sounds I don't think I want be out in the field when the rim completely goes as I think the rim could also cut the tire beyond repair. Richard

 

[Tony in Mass.]

Yeah, get ready to murder the piggy bank. Even if you can patch up and save the rim, saving 100-150, you must wash it and grind the rust off well, and paint it inside and out, and get a new tube- about $50 if you are lucky. And hope the tire doesn't self distruct trying to dismount it. I was told the guy that invented calcium cloride in tires has died. Shows there is some justice in the world.... I just took a rotten tire of a rim that was never loaded, it was almost a fun job, rather than a messy torture.

 

[gshadel]

I have seen several rims where guys have tack welded on a couple big washers over the valve stem hole to prolong the rim life, and grind the hole smooth, maybe cover the rough edges with epoxy, like JB Weld. Another option I have seen is to rotate the rim around and drill a new whole for the valve stem and plug-up the old hole by welding up a piece of sheet metal or epoxy, like JB Weld over the old hole and file/grind it smooth.

George