Harley 45" spoke nipple diameter differences question

[Buster]

I have an original 18" rear 40 spoke interchangeable wheel which had bad spokes and nipples. In process of changing out spokes and nipples. I ordered new spoke and nipple set from a reputable supplier and the nipples are the standard 0.28" diameter. The old nipples that came out of the rim are smaller 0.255" which is the same diameter as a 45" solo front wheel spoke nipple. The rim has smaller holes for the smaller in diameter spokes. I am guessing this wheel is an early model prior to Harley coming out with "heavy duty spoke" in 1929? I will have to drill the holes in the rim out with 9/32" bit to make these repro spokes / nipples work. Is this normal when using repro spokes / nipples' early 45" interchangeable rim? Thanks.

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Buster, check out Johnny Sells' book on the 1929-36 Harley 45s for more detailed information. Harley started with drop centre rims in 1930, with the 18" small twin front wheels taking the light spokes and the two-flat 3947-16 nipples to lace in the front brake drum. The later WLC took the Big Twin front wheel with the heavier spokes and 3947-29 four-flat nipples. For the first 45 star hub rear wheels in 1935/6 rather heavier spokes were used with 3947-35 nipples. From 1937 up the much used 3947-29 nipple was used which is 0.28" in diameter. So you may have an original 1935/6 rear wheel, which I would be reluctant to drill out.

The problem with repro stainless spokes is that a judged bike needs them bead blasted to simulate cadmium. Some manufacturers also put dots or logos on the ends, which need grinding off. The new spokes and nipples are 32 tpi while the originals are 40 tpi, so you cannot easily replace broken original spokes with repros. The repro nipples are also subtly different in shape to originals, so those pesky judges will take off a quarter point per wheel each for shiny stainless spokes and incorrectly shaped nipples, plus another quarter if you forget the Schrader valve cheaters, so old Harleys are 1 1/2 points down before they start, if chasing the 98 point Marque Excellence award next season.

[Rubone]

I have an original 18" rear 40 spoke interchangeable wheel which had bad spokes and nipples. In process of changing out spokes and nipples. I ordered new spoke and nipple set from a reputable supplier and the nipples are the standard 0.28" diameter. The old nipples that came out of the rim are smaller 0.255" which is the same diameter as a 45" solo front wheel spoke nipple. The rim has smaller holes for the smaller in diameter spokes. I am guessing this wheel is an early model prior to Harley coming out with "heavy duty spoke" in 1929? I will have to drill the holes in the rim out with 9/32" bit to make these repro spokes / nipples work. Is this normal when using repro spokes / nipples' early 45" interchangeable rim? Thanks.

Not sure what you are referring to as an "interchangeable " wheel for early 45 as no such thing existed. No 45 solo wheels were ever interchangeable The first star hub wheel on a 45 started in 1935. It was the same type used as interchangeable from '36 up on big twins but was never interchangeable on a 45 solo other than the mentioned '42-'43 WLC. VL models had interchangeable wheels but they were splined hubs. The 18" star hub wheel on '35 up 45s is the same nipple diameter used throughout its life.
Is it a star hub wheel, stepped, ??

[duffeycycles]

Wasn't 18" drop an option in '28-'29? Didn't the '35-'36 45" wheel have smaller holes/bolts to bolt to drum?

[Rubone]

Wasn't 18" drop an option in '28-'29? Didn't the '35-'36 45" wheel have smaller holes/bolts to bolt to drum?

Yes but the hubs and spokes were totally different than later "interchangeable hubs. But you are right on the very early star hub in which case it could be smaller diameter spokes.

[duffeycycles]

Thanx Robbie,I am very ill today but my brain is sort of working! My point was check the bolt hole size.
Sells book page 16-25 says '35-'36 45" had nipple 3947-35,.....'37 & later 45" used nipple 3947-29

[Buster]

It is a star hub. I read that in Johnny Sells book and did not cmpletely comprehend. I believe it is the same as what Steve is saying.

[Rubone]

It is a star hub. I read that in Johnny Sells book and did not cmpletely comprehend. I believe it is the same as what Steve is saying.

If it is an early wheel you should try to swap it with someone doing an RL or very early 36 EL.