Did I get a surprise

Geo-TH,In · Mar 30, 2017

Had a rim develop two pinhole leaks. I tried using JB weld, but that only lasted a short time. Took tire to the Sullivan tire store what works on tractor tires.

The tire was filled with water and mud and the rim had major rust issues. I bought the tractor used so I guessing the tire came off the rim, got mud in it and they just aired it up.

The tire store recommended going to Wal-mart and buying as seen on TV Flex seal that you brush on. I also bought metal conditioner which I used on the rust after I wired brushed it.
Then I brushed on rustolum. It took 3 days for the think layer of rustolum to cure. Now I'm applying Flex seal. I'm impressed how well it filling in the major rust pits. The way it turning out I may not need a tube. The tires was tube less when I discovered all the mud.

I'll post pics below from phone. Hope they are in focus. Hard to tell with my old eyes on a phone screen.

Has anyone used flex steel on a rim?
geo.

larry@stinescorner · Mar 30, 2017

Dont use it all up,,you can use the extra to make a boat from an old screen door!

onefarmer · Mar 30, 2017

Walmart has it in spray cans too. But if you get the quart/pint can, have them shake it reeeeeeaal good. I got one and it settled to where I never did get it mixed up to my satisfaction.

Russ from MN · Mar 30, 2017

No, but we have had very good luck using Slime in tires, ATV's and bicycles.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 30, 2017

Pics before and after. I forgot to take of last application of flex seal. Inside of ring is coayed, all white.

From heat on, I'll insist in tire removable next time I have a leak.
George

old · Mar 30, 2017

So far every thing I have used that flex seal stuff it has cracked and peeled. Me I use pickup truck bed liner spray on rims and it lasts

Glen SW Wi · Mar 30, 2017

Slime never worked on my ATV. Fix a Flat did it right away. Still holding six months later.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 30, 2017

I didn't use a third of the flex seal. I was thinking of repairing leaky work boots. Also thinking of using it to repair lineman's and needle nose pliers. Have to get ohmmeter out and see if it an insulator. If it is, it might make watertight wire splices. Liquid electric tape. Possibilities are endless if it's an insulator.

300jk · Mar 30, 2017

Hey George looks good! I have had to do some rim repair in the past. Have welded in patches on the inside and ground it down then skim over it with body filler and sand smooth. Also works good for any rough areas after wire wheeling. Just another approach with what I had at the time, before flex seal was around. I have also used the baby powder trick on the tubes when mounting the tires. Seems to help.

Adirondack case guy · Mar 30, 2017

George, eagerly waiting for you to cut your Termite in half with the new Metal Max blade on your 4-1/2' cordless Dewalt angle grinder and then put it back together with the new flex tape as seen on TV. Inquiring minds are eager to view and hear your results. I really like to view customer testimonials.
Just pulling your chain George.
Loren

Ivan in Mich · Mar 30, 2017

If you have some left tip the can upside down and it will last longer. Does flex seal dry hard so you can paint over it

Bob Harvey · Mar 30, 2017

I agree. That stuff is tough. I had 1 rim on my JD '60 that was pretty nasty from calcium and a leaky tube. Sandblasted and used 'truck bed liner', thing came out smooth, the tire guy liked it - no problems to date - however only put a few Kms. per year on it. 'Ole John' is retired and lives in a heated shop

Bob Harvey · Mar 30, 2017

Must be true ! A seen on TV ! ;^)

Geo-TH,In · Mar 30, 2017

Not sure. I used it to fill the rust pits so rim wouldn't damage tube if I have to use one. Not sure it will seal the two pin holed. Just hope I don't have to buy a new rim.

gab · Mar 30, 2017

Water, mud and rusty wheels is what you have from somebody using some kind of fix a flat.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 30, 2017

Loren,
You like to stir the compost pile. Best way I can stirring up fit.

I read another person post on metal max and he wasn't impressed with it bouncing.I have a few years supply of cutoff wheels I got on sale from rural king for a buck each.

Keep sitting the fit pot.

BTW, this rim is off a terramite.

Texasmark1 · Mar 30, 2017

Ever compare Flex Seal to automotive undercoating in the aerosol? That's how we kept our cars from rusting out down here before Detroit got on our side and took measures to keep water and salt away from steel.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 30, 2017

I think the undercoating in can is more like tar, oil based, which I think will damage a rubber tube. The undercoating I've used isn't as smooth either, which the reason I'm using flex seal.

Hobo,NC · Mar 30, 2017

(quoted from post at 05:24:21 03/31/17) Water, mud and rusty wheels is what you have from somebody using some kind of fix a flat.

Fix a flat did not dodat a pizz poor perp then a power coat paint job did...

NCWayne · Mar 30, 2017

I don't know why it hasn't been mentioned yet, but when I've got a pinhole to patch up in something, I usually braze it. With the rim as clean as you've got/had it, a bit of flux, and a bit of brazing should fix the holes with no problems. Once the actual holes are repaired, you can then coat the rim with something to protect the rest of it, and allow the tire to go on without a tube.

Good luck.

Harold Melius · Mar 31, 2017

I have never used flex seal before, but I have used the spray truck bed liner for things like that and it has worked well. Probably cheaper too.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 31, 2017

I think it cost me around $25 for the metal conditioner and Flex seal. I used very little of each. The tire store recommended getting the brush on Flex Seal. Plan is to fill in the rough rust pits so it won't damage tube. I think it's going to work. Going to wait until Saturday for it to cure before I get tire put back on.

I asked tire store what a rim would cost. He said around $250 and it would take some time to get it.

Next time, tires are going to be removed and I'll clean it up, acid treat, rustoleum and then flex seal.

Texasmark1 · Mar 31, 2017

So it does seem to be a better product and earn the higher price? Seriously curious as maybe others too. Thanks for the reply!

Bret4207 · Mar 31, 2017

On really bad rims I go at it with a knotted wire wheel on the 7" 1950's B+D angle grinder. Nothing slows that old girl down. Then I paint it, 3-4 coats if needs be and then I wrap it in good quality duct tape to keep and remianing pointy parts away from the tube. Used to be able to get liners that fit between tube and rim, but haven't seen those in many, many years.

Geo-TH,In · Mar 31, 2017

Brett,
My worst areas were curved edges on each side. So tape wouldn't work. The ruff areas would have eaten the tube. The flex seal is like a liquid rubber coating. I applied the last coat to the entire inside of rim. Going to have tube and tire back on Saturday. See how it works.
geo

GVSII · Mar 31, 2017

(quoted from post at 15:17:56 03/30/17) Slime never worked on my ATV. Fix a Flat did it right away. Still holding six months later.

My experience is dead opposite!

gab · Mar 31, 2017

Didn't know John Deere powder coated rims in 1970.

Did I get a surprise

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