Are these wheels salvageable?

[Shanester]

2001 B7500 bought in 2008 with calcium chloride in both front and rear tires. Of course hindsight is always 2020 but I really should have removed it when I bought the tractor back then. The rear wheels are starting to look really bad. Also the rear tires are out of round and is really noticeable going down the road. The front tires have some noticeable wear on them but the wheels look great from the outside. The main two questions I have are: Have any of you guys been able to salvage wheels that look this bad from the outside? Once the beads are broken there's no going back if they are not. I like to plan if possible. It saves money. The other question is am I overlooking another option for a rear turf tire than a Goodyear Softrac? These things are pricey. Looking at $1,000ish for a pair.

 

[bird dogger]

My father's IH M rear wheels were in similar or worse shape. I found a donor wheel to cut up for patching parts. In fact, one outer rim was completely cut off and replaced with another onto the original wheel. Both wheels rolled true on the floor before putting the tires back on. All done with tire irons and my little mig welder. The only place I screwed up on was not matching the inner wheel seam up on the two parts when they were welded together. Unless you'd look for it, you'd never notice anything had been amiss.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I've see way worse.
It looks to me that you should be fine.
Worst case scenario put tubes in the tires.

 

[Motion]

I'd consider removing the tires, sandblast the rims, use some neutralizer, paint with a good implement paint and as Wolfman says install tubes.

 

[D2Cat]

Even if they need some steel replaced it's all dependent upon one's time, tools, ability. Cost is negligible, unless you purchase new.

I've done some similar to Bird Dogger, but I had power adjust wheels and they had 1" sq. steel bars running diagonally in the wheel. I cut out the bad and had pieces to weld back in.

If you decide you just have to buy new, here's a place to check for price and availability. https://www.heywheel.com/

 

[D2Cat]

Hey Wheel can custom build any size/style you may want.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

have done far worse, cut and remove ALL rusty steel

after cleaning and before you painting, do the lick test

wet your finger with saliva, wipe on rim, lick your finger, ANY salty taste.... wash them again and retest

 

[Henro]

have done far worse, cut and remove ALL rusty steel

after cleaning and before you painting, do the lick test

wet your finger with saliva, wipe on rim, lick your finger, ANY salty taste.... wash them again and retest

Why not just save a step or two and just lick the rim itself?

 

[Freeheeler]

Why not just save a step or two and just lick the rim itself?

You beat me to it !!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

bandaid on the finger is easier to explain than one on the tongue !!!

 

[Henro]

bandaid on the finger is easier to explain than one on the tongue !!!

I remember when I put my tongue on a light pole, like in that movie, whatever movie that was, when I was a kid...in freezing temps...so I get your point, big time...LOL

I think I may have been just testing out the theory...never again...