Refinishing split rims

[Tekirgis]

I am refinishing some rusty split rims for my 1926 and wanted an opinion on using rustoleum rusty metal primer and topcoat. Or using a product called Rust Bullet which comes in a metallic gray . The Rust bullet does not require a topcoat. Just thought I would pose the question as to which would be the better choice since I already have both products

[Humblej]

Painting over rust is not the way to go. Sandblast them to clean metal, have them zinc plated or paint silver. Braze or weld any loose lugs and locks.

[CudaMan]

I use Eastwood's Oxi-Solv to remove rust from rims and other parts. I pour a gallon into a shallow pan and submerge a short section of the rim at a time. Takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to remove the rust, then I rotate the rim around to the next section to be submerged. Oxi-Solv leaves a grey, powdery coating on the bare metal that inhibits further rust. It is best to strip off the coating just prior to priming and painting.

[John kuehn]

Hopefully your split rims are not deeply pitted under the light scales of rust. I have a couple I saved for the lugs that’s on them. They were on some wheels that were exposed to the elements under a half open shed. When I began cleaning them up the pits were almost through on the weathered side. Others I had weren’t real bad and I used those on one of my cars.
If the rims anre off the tires they usually are in good shape but if old tires are still on them those are the ones that get damaged more because of the moisture I’ve found. Good ones are out there but fairly hard to find.
Hope yours are still pretty good.

[Allan]

I'd second the sandblasting back to bare metal. Then inspect the rims closely either side of the split. The split allows water into the rim/tyre assembly and they will rust along the edges, enough that I have seen rusted thin rims blow apart at this juncture. It is worth fiding this out before you do any re-finish work.

Allan from down under.

[Tekirgis]

Thanks for the advice everyone