53 K Spokes Recommendations

[Mayday53]

Thanks Hennesee. The powdercoater I use showed me a two-coat technique that looks like a bit duller chrome, any thoughts or experience on using powdercoating in this way?

[Mayday53]

OK, after cleaning thoroughly, I discovered one rim was bad. I am 99% sure they are unrepairable, see pics. Interestingly, the one that was in good shape seemed different than the bad rim. It seemed like thicker, heavier metal and when the chrome was wire brushed away you could see a lot of copper/brass color. However, the bad rim seemed lighter and thinner and the chrome was different. My analogy is that a replacement rim must have been used a few decades ago, and I assume it was the "cheaper" feeling rim.

I was recommended to put the original 19" on the front and an aftermarket, or original if I can find one, on the rear. Thoughts on who may have a rim?

Bead lip on Rim

Rim Pitting.jpg (139.71 KiB) Viewed 13908 times

Holes in rim

Pitting 2.jpg (96.6 KiB) Viewed 13908 times

Holes from outside view

Pitting 3.jpg (113.17 KiB) Viewed 13908 times

[55khkjoe]

Hi guys, if you need 18" cad spokes they are being reproduced, and 18" early style rims . I have used the spokes on a couple bikes, 55up rear hub. Worked fine. I think they come out of eastern europe which means the threads are metric. He sells on e-bay gnlemont, or throttle masters. I know with stainless you have to drill the rim holes bigger for the nipples, a waist of a good KH stock rim which are hard to find and a points deduction for stainless. I will continue searching for front repro cad spokes maybe get lucky.

[EKHKHK56]

JP Cycles lists the 18" front but not sure on rear...but no 19" for front half brake. The K & W45 HDs use the same front rim with special holes angled for half brake hub. Used '30-'64. I have no idea on quality but $108. It says original rolled construction.

[EKHKHK56]

Buchanan offers rims like original K/H. 18" only. $413

[Mayday53]

I found the replica front rim at V-Twin, $171. The rear rim was discontinued at V-Twin; however, my original is in pretty good shape. I am going to bring it to a metallurgist and have it assessed for metal fatigue integrity. If it is good I will refinish and use it. Otherwise, I was thinking about having the 18" rear and 19" front rim. I believe it was a common practice for a subtle rake change, not factory mod, but at the operator level....I am open to anyone's thoughts on that idea.

Does anyone have any ideas on who may have another original rim?

[55khkjoe]

Mayday, if your gonna ride and not go for the points then 18" rear and 19" front are SWEET on the corners. HD did this combo on the 59 CH. I run a 18" conti rear and a Metzler 19" front. Love corners on my 59CH open up the DC linkert and ride like they were made for.

[EKHKHK56]

The change to shorter rear will enhance the stability in general. Did you get a new original round style 19" front from Tedd or drop center? Just wondering. Erik K

[Yard Dog]

Mayday, check this auction on eBay...291761766624. He says it's an 18 inch but I think it looks like a 19. Either way, it looks pretty solid , rechrome the rim, recad the spokes and you're good to go!

Jack

[Mayday53]

The change to shorter rear will enhance the stability in general. Did you get a new original round style 19" front from Tedd or drop center? Just wondering. Erik K

Here is the info from their site on the rim I am planning to get this week:

VT No: 52-0969
OEM No: 43002-52
Replica chrome front 19" X 3.15" steel wheel rim features conventional bead construction. The bead width is 2.20
Fits:
K 1952-1956 Front