18" Rims

[Bill Pedalino]

I acquired two used 18" rims for my '47 FL. One is pitted all-around on the outside surface on one side.

My question is; Is it prudent to fill these pits with body filler prior to painting, ir will the rim flex during use to the extent that the bondo will fail.

Is brazing a better fix ? - if so, the rim miight have more brass weight than steel...What about warpage from the heat?

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Bill Pedalino

[flthead]

rim fix

i would sandblast clean an either use marine tex or 3m panel bond - http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/e...eme_us_aad_3_0 http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/e...eme_us_aad_3_0 copy and paste ,if you need more info email me on this

[flthead]

marine tex

http://www.marinetex.com/PRODUCT%20P...rod%20info.htm

[exeric]

I'm just curious. Did H-D offer 18" rims for the big twin in '47 ? If so, how late did Harley offer 18" rims for the big twins. I have heard Indian offered 18" rims until 1953 for the Chief.

[AdminGuy]

will those products hold up to the 300 degree heat of powder oven? or would he be better off with the metal epoxy stuff?

[Paps]

I thought the heat range was 400. Paps

[VPH-D]

The parts books show 18" rims in use thru 1963. I would venture a guess that they weren't real common.
VPH-D

[AdminGuy]

3-400 temp range. OK!!!!

It's great that Stark repoped the 18 for IND. Has anyone picked up a set? I'm considering picking up a front for my 640.

[rousseau]

I know nothing about these wheels,but there is one on ebay. Look at #4640504424

[HarleyCreation]

I prefer the 4:00x18. They handle better than the fat 16 donuts. Also easier to mount and get off the rim IMHO.

[KNUCK]

My 46' Chief I just finished have 18" rims. I sure like the look and the way they feel so far. I bought them from Ziggysmotorworks.com They were rusty but straight. Hand sanding some grinding, sandblast , then powdercoat.

[Erdos]

Yoy could use two layers of powder coat. Have them coated w/ a contrasting color like grey and sand the rim leaving the powercaot to fill the pits. Then have them coated with the black powder.

[KNUCK]

I forgot to mention I did have them powder coated twice and sanded between coats. Good point Erdos. Came out about a 9 on a 1-10 scale.

[LouieMCman]

Hey Knuck how about a picture of your '46, I'd like to see what my '47 would look like with the 18" wheels. Thanks.

Louie

[KNUCK]

I will do it this weekend if I can. I have had trouble sending photos. I may send to the Admin guy to process for me. I just finished the Chief last week.
What a relief after 3 years of many weekends and evenings.