Hello,

I was filling and checking my tires today and I was surprised to find
the spare flat.

My spare is at least 10 years old, and is in excellent shape since it
has been off the road and out of the UV all this time.  It became a
spare as a lightly used tire and I've never needed it.  When I did a
quick check for what could be leaking, I found that the bead to steel
rim seal was leaking in a lot of spots.

So, what caused this problem?  All the leaks are on the side that was
up.  My first thought was rust, but I live in Phoenix and we get little
rain.  Besides, the rim doesn't look rusty.  Do other Vanagon owners see
the same problem with old spares?

How do I fix the tire?  I am uncomfortable with just remounting it if I
don't know what the cause was.  I could put a radial tube in it.  This
is a spare.  I just need it to work in an emergency for a relatively
short distance.

Information and advice please?

Thanks,
Mike   '84 GL since new --- Phoenix, AZ