been having probs w slo leaks. Got some newer 14" stock type tires going onto steel rims, they're a bit rusty & I hit em good w a wire wheel on a drill. What (if anything) should I use on the beads to help insure a good seal. I'm tired of this crap. iirc a guy suggested used motor oil?? but I wanna check for sure before I do them. Thank you for your time.

The wire wheel should help knock off the loose rust if there is any. In your case, I'd wipe a thin pass of wheel bearing grease on the inside bead of the wheel. I've done this on old tires and old wheels. It not only helps seal a little better, it makes the tire inflate and seat easier if you are using a compressor at home.
I saw on YouTube last night several videos of people using spray chemicals and a flame to inflate tires that have popped off the beads. Crazy, but none of these guys blew themselves up.

I woundn't recomend grease or motor oil because it'll break down the rubber. It also seems like it would allow the tire to spin on the rim after mounting. Use lub they sell for mounting tires. If the rims are too rusty, it's time to replace them for safety reasons.

14" tires? Where did you find them? How old are they? I'd be wary of tires over 7-8 years old.

Wipe the beads with a rag soaked in brake fluid. I have done this on many bead leaks over the years and never had a problem.

A good parts store will actually sell you some bead sealer that you can apply to a CLEAN rim and tire!! Been using it for years!

You know that bead sealer might be the ticket as I can get some under the valve stem and take care of that potential area too. This slo leaker now I have to top it off every several days w a mini 12V air compressor (takes ~5 minutes )and I've took it into the tire shop twice to no avail and the tech there is a friend and he spent extra time on it. No mas

I,ve used tire sealant slime smeared on the bead and rim area where it seats on a funky rim once ,it worked for me.

Petroleum based products = not a good idea.

Slime, detergent, seam-sealer = band-aid fix that might be appropriate for your individual situation.

If the problem is on the rubber side [although it sounds like it isn't], they're not appropriate to be in service.

It really boils down to a metal-working issue. If the wire wheel applied for the amount of time you used it did not fix things (and you are determined to save the wheels), then

a. use the wire wheel longer and/or
b. use something more aggressive (grinder, DA with coarse grit), and then work back to finer grit.

I have the highest regard for your knowledge, and I think you know in your heart the right way to do this, even if it isn't the easiest approach