How to remove old rubber from rim?

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

I picked up what looks like a decent combat rim. The guy I got it from cut off most of the original tire, leaving about 4 inches of rubber and the bead still on the rim. To complicate matters the metal bead-lock contraption is still in place in pretty rusty shape. I've been trying to get the remaining rubber off and ain't having much luck. Seems the rubber has bonded itself to the steel rim and doesn't want to play nice at all. I've been using big screwdrivers and mineral oil/penetrant to try to break the rubber loose.........but it's a ridiculously slow and ugly process. A buddy told me to get out the die grinder and just obliterate the rubber bead, going slowly so as not to mess up the rim. Is there a quicker way I'm not aware of to remove old tire rubber from steel rims??

thanks,
bob

[Tuko]

Gasoline will break down the bond very nicely from what I have been told (please be careful if you choose this route )

[DJ]

Get the wire in the bead cut in two,then at the cut start prying the tire off the rim.

[w30bob]

Hi DJ,

Thanks for the response, but you're a little too late. See, I thought the gasoline thing was a good idea......so I poured some liberally around the rubber, waited a few mintues for most to evaporate, and then hit it with the propane torch to soften up the rubber. So I'm sending this from Heaven right now........or at least I think this is Heaven........but I don't see any M37's up here or my combat rim. I'm not sure what's up with that, but I'll keep looking.

Seriously, I plan to attach this problem again this weekend, so thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

regards,
bob

[k8icu]

Bob,

Sawsall and a BFH will get the tire off one way or another.

[Elwood]

Bob,

Sawsall and a BFH will get the tire off one way or another.

Had to use a Sawzall on one of mine, too. Just be careful not to nick the rim with the blade.

[jimmy_stikx]

Liberal use of acetone or brake fluid? I know that tends to eat rubber.

[w30bob]

Jimmy,

Yeah, that might work. I've already spent way too much time dicking with these rims and my patience is growing short. If the damn beadlock mechanism wasn't installed (and rusted solid) this would be a much easier project. I've uncovered the multiple strands of steel wire in the bead and will probably work on it again tonight........unless it's hot out and floating in the pool with a cold one just makes more sense.



thanks,
bob

[k8icu]

It's not hot out it's like freekin October! Have you tried your molasses tank? I'm just wondering if it would loosen the bond between the two enough to pop the tire off.

[w30bob]

Hi K8,

Well...........the molasses tank has been converted to an electrolysis tank. But I will say that as a molasses tank it did succeed in catching every insect within a half mile of my place when I left the lid off. If only I liked insect soup.

Looking at all the possible ways of getting the darn tire remnants off the rim............I think I just have to get down and dirty and obliterate it with the die grinder. It's gonna make a mess, but it'll work. And from now on I'm only buying combat rims that are tireless and apart!!

Thanks,
bob

[k8icu]

I wonder if one of those vibrator tools that they are selling at the home centers and advertising on TV would work? You know they have like 4 different blades on them. Use on to cut out old grout and another to trim your molding for new flooring etc. When I worked for Glass Doctor we had the same type window with a putty knife blade that we would use to power through windshields to cut the glue holding your cars windshield in. Maybe one like that with a cutting blade could get between the tire and the rim and cut it off cleanly with out to much mess or damage to the rim?

JOE

[w30bob]

Joe,

You're timing is PERFECT! I've been looking at those exact tools, but couldn't think of a good reason to buy one. Now I got one. And if it doesn't work at least I won't have keep thinking so hard for a reason to buy one.

later,
bob