and now my first wheels question

yes that is exactly what it seems to be Grim. i took some measurements and the spacers are about 3/16 thick. they are fitted to go about 1/3 of the way around the inside of the rim so it seems to be there to help lift the rim above that bead you spoke of. now the question is where can i find these spacers? i can try to make em. have a welder and a cut off wheel. but if i can get them for 10 bucks each i just assume do that. anyone know who sells these spacers?