Got a set of 14" SSIII (snap-on center caps) that my powder coater sold me for $75 a few months ago, already blasted and powdercoated a bamboo color. I decided to paint them the color of the 71 convertible I have (Nordic Blue) and put them on instead of the poverty cap rims I have now.

After finally unwraping them today to prep them for paint tommorow, I noticed a significant amount of pitting along the inside of the bead lip on two of them. I am pretty sure there is so much that the rims will not hold air.

What is the best way, if possible, to fix this? I could grind then, but I worry about gouging them too much. I thought about taking them to a machine shop to see if they could machine the lip but worry about cost. I ahve heard of bead sealer, but I wonder if that would seep out from around the tire and make it look cheap.

ANy suggestions??

Thanks!

 

How much pitting is too much? Just an idea I'm throwing out. Why not take it to a tire shop and ask them if it's going to be an issue. Usually they will know if something is going to seal or not - and they see a LOT of wheels in a year. Yes/no?

I know they'll try to sell new rims to you, but IMO they also know who might be the best place to go to fix anything that needs doing? SSIIIs are so common at the bone yards that if it costs more than 20 bucks to fix, it's cheaper just to get a new set. There were several sets at our local yard 2 weeks ago and they sell for 12.00/wheel (all steel rallye type wheel, bare - pick n pull)

 

If the pitting is on the part of the wheel lip that accepts the clip part of a wheel weight, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If it is on the portion of the wheel where the bead of the tire actually seats, then you may have an issue. Also, bead sealer is a temporary solution. You might try J-B Weld or something similar if there is potential for leakage. It takes a little work, but is a much better long-term solution than bead sealer.

 

It's a bummer that you've got $75 into them, but I lean toward Allan's suggestion. Snap on center 14X6 wheels are pretty common in my part of the country too. If you could find a set without the rust pits that may save some time. If your not sure maybe you could post some pictures so we can see just where and how bad the pits are?

A couple (few?) years ago I purchased a set of the hard to find 15X7 bolt on center wheels. When they arrived two had worse pits than I expected. I haven't got around to doing anything with them yet, but thought I might try using the wire feed welder to build it up then grind it smooth. I know that will take some time and I'm still not positive it would work, but that's the best idea I've come up with.

John