When the tires are removed from old automobiles, many of the wheel rims (and demountable rims) will be found rusty and in some cases the rust will be quite thick.

The best way to clean the rim would  be sandblasting, but if this is not available, then hit the rim with the edge of a tire iron or hammer to remove the thick layers of rust, then brush with a steel wire brush and you should have most of the rust removed.

Before the tire is replaced, the inside of the rim (the part covered by the tire) should be painted with a mixture of powdered (not flake) graphite and gasoline, mixed like thick paint; a brush one inch wide will be large enough to apply the mixture. Wait a few minutes before mounting the tire, so the gasoline can dry out.

If a can with a brush and graphite in it is kept near where the tires are changed, a little gasoline can be added to make the mixture right and should be applied to the rim every time the tire is removed. It will help to make the tire removal easier and will keep the tire and tube from “sticking” to the rim and will smooth the sharp edges of rust and will help to keep them from cutting the inner tube.

 1957 - Antique Automobile