Splitting rims?

[LennyDaVinci]

I have recently found the INSIDE rim of my split-rim wire wheels has split around the circumference of the wheel allowing the tyre bead to bulge out. Has anyone else had this problem, and how did they fix it? I am lucky that a friend saw it while parked, but I have been driving on it for some time I guess. Can they be welded? or is it fatigue that requires replacing the whole wheel? This is a problem down under with so few spares!

[Guest 1930]

Technically if its starting to split there than it would prob. start in other places as well, if it were my rim and without seeing a pict. of it I would weld it and keep my eyes on it and all the other rims.

[LennyDaVinci]

If I was to seek a replacement wheel (19" 48 spokes), are they available in the US? and around how much?

The shipping will probably cost more than the wheel, but maybe that's cheaper than trying to have a new one built.

[stooy]

G'day Lenny,

I have had the exact same problem on my 1930 DeSoto CF8 Sedan.

It cost me quite a bit of money and about 2.5 years to get a solution I was happy with.

Once the wheel rims get to the point where they break they are dead. Some people will tell you to weld them up but they have broken due to rust thinning the metal so they will break again.

There is a guy in Queensland who makes the rims. Dick is his name. I have four of his rims on my car and have done 15,000 miles so far with no worries at all. I drive my car in rally events and have even raced it once or twice so they have had a pretty good test out.

Elflint Pty Ltd - DiggyGuide Australian Business Directory - Business Products and Services Information

He charges about $225 per rim.

Check your locking rims to make sure they are in good condition, if they are there is no need to replace them. (I had to have new ones made for my car, they cost me about $400 each). If they aren't badly pitted then I wouldn't replace them.

As far as getting them spoked, I used this guy (his name is Phil).

Lightfoot Engineering 14 Lightfoot Street, Mont Albert VIC 3127 <nobr>(03) 9898 3677</nobr> ‎

It cost me about $2000 to have the wheels built, including new spokes and nipples. He takes a while cause he is a one man band, but his work is fantastic.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Stewart

[stooy]

I should add, the rims including lock rings are available from Coker in the US for $500 for both. When I researched them I was not happy that the lock rings where cast brass rather than forged steel as per the originals which is why I had a set made. (I am not sure if this is still the case).

Cheers

[gundog99]

I had the same problem a number of years age, I had three rims go; they had all been repaired before.The main reason they broke again was the the car was fitted with very old (Australian) tyres,the rubber had over the years become very hard and hence they were not absorbing any road shock.I have fitted newer tyres and have no problems with the rims since.

I managed to buy four second hand rims ,not ease for a Senior.

I would have it repaired by a specialised welder, us it as the spare and check the tyres.

[LennyDaVinci]

Interesting ... clearly expensive to make them new, but not uncommon to happen with age.

I have new tyres on all wheels now, but I don't know how long they had old rubber before I got the car. I might try welding (professionally) and see how they go. With a 6-wheeler ... it gets expensive!

[Guest 1930]

If I was to seek a replacement wheel (19" 48 spokes), are they available in the US? and around how much?

The shipping will probably cost more than the wheel, but maybe that's cheaper than trying to have a new one built.

The rims are very difficult to find even here, I do not know of any persoanlly and have not seen a set for sale in a few years, parts are drying up quick over here thanks to forums like this.

If you do find a set ( over here ) and need a middle man that works for free let me know and Id be happy to help in any way I can.

[LennyDaVinci]

Much appreciated Jason. I will continue the search in Oz. "Stooy's" local manufacture options would break the bank unfortunately.

[Dodgy6]

As wheels interest me too, (I have none and will need some), I did a little search. I came across this one from NZ.

Vintage Rims - Home - Home

[Guest 1930]

As wheels interest me too, (I have none and will need some), I did a little search. I came across this one from NZ.

Vintage Rims - Home - Home

Wood wheels are not as hard to find over here

[Guest 31DH]

On our 31DH rims were rusty,pitted and splitting .Took to our farmer neighbor and migged about 3 beads on inside and grind fairly smooth.Drove to alaska and across Canada each over 6000 mi.