Rusted Rim Fix-able?

[jetattblue]

I am fixing up a 2wd L2550. It has 15x3.00D rims on the front. Overall, the rims are in pretty good shape. But, the hole in the rim for the tube valve to stick through is rusted out. It is very jagged around the hole where the rust has eaten it away, and I am concerned that the jabbed edge will just cut the tube once I install it.

Is there a simple way to fix this? Can I just smooth the edges? Or, do I need to just get a new rim? The rims from Kubota are pretty expensive, so I would prefer to salvage these.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Weld a washer over the rusted hole.

 

[jetattblue]

That's a great idea! I'd much rather pay for a washer than a full wheel. Thank you.

 

[Thunder Fish]

You could also fill the hole by welding it than drilling out to the size you need, one trick is to put a heavy pc of aluminum as a backing plate than proceed to fill the hole.

 

[G.rid]

If you're welds are not all that pretty. Weld the hole in complete, grind it smooth enough that it won't damage a new tube. Could even add spot putty if it's real bad . Then just drill a new hole somewhere else is sound metal. That way if there is a nick or porosity in the weld it won't effect the valve stem.

I'm not trying to imply that your welds are bad. But we've all seen both ends of the scale on this forum.

 

[Wbk]

Would it be possible for you to simply drill a fresh hole in another spot and then patch the the old hole.

 

[shootem604]

Would it be possible for you to simply drill a fresh hole in another spot and then patch the the old hole.

That's what I do.

 

[William1]

Would it be possible for you to simply drill a fresh hole in another spot and then patch the the old hole.

Simple and effective solution. Kudos!