split rims

[d p - 400se]

I've borrowed the "special" tools to get the bolts out of my tuscan wheels and took the bolts off one wheel this evening.
However I am unable to split the wheel apart because of the rubber seal between the two halfs. Does anyone know if there anyway the halfs can be split or will i have to refurb the wheels without detaching the rim?

[stainless_steve]

They should pull apart,depending on what type of sealant was used to stick them together before and by who.

[father ted]

They may need a bit of force to separate them - Aircraft wheels are the same.....try adapting a set of suspension spring clamps.