18" Rims for 1945 FL

[vph-d]

Could some one recommend a source for accurate 18" rims ? Or are original rims not that hard to find ? Who has accurate cloth covered throttle and timer cables ?
Thanks
VPH-D

[Rubone]

Original rims show up regularly, however some are a little rough. They are the same as WLA rear which were made by the thousands. Chuck at Kick Start has the cables (and lots more). He advertises in the club mag. No website. Any particular reason you are going with 18"?
Robbie

[vph-d]

I just like the look of the 18" rims versus the 16 inchers. The 1945 order blank lists prices for 18 and 16 inch tires, so I assume ??!!** either size was available. If this is not the case, I sure would like to know before proceding any further.

Thanks for the info on the cables, I've ordered parts from Chuck in the past.
VPH-D

[Rubone]

The 18" rims were available as an option all the way into the late '60s. The rim was available as a repair part even longer, so it should not be an issue. They did not come in any package though and virtually all machines were equipped with at least the basic utility solo package which included 16" rims. So it would likely have to be considered an owner or dealer modification. The 18" rims do improve the handling immensely, but make the ride a little rougher.
Robbie

[vph-d]

I want to have the bike judged, so I'm concerned about the accuracy of using 18" wheels.
Thanks,
VPH-D

[Chris Haynes]

I just like the look of the 18" rims versus the 16 inchers. The 1945 order blank lists prices for 18 and 16 inch tires, so I assume ??!!** either size was available. If this is not the case, I sure would like to know before proceding any further.

Thanks for the info on the cables, I've ordered parts from Chuck in the past.
VPH-D

The only information on my 1945 order blank about 18" wheels is a small piece on the bottom right side. It concerns the price difference between real and synthetic rubber tires.
16" are listed as standard in the description of each model motorcycle. Oddly enough 16" are also listed as Supplementary Equipment Items on the back of the Order Blank. There is no option for 18" wheels.
However if you look at the Equipment Groups you will that every group includes 500 x 16 tires. Except the Standard Police Group. Did the Standard Police Group come with 18" as standard wheel? That is doubtful.
I have seen a 1945 Invoices where Harry Molenaar ordered 1945 motorcycles with 18" wheels. He was given a discount on the price of the bikes for ordering the 18". So they were available even if not listed on the Order Blank.
It would be best to have some documentation that 18" wheels could be ordered with you when the bike is being judged.

[vph-d]

Thanks, Chris
That's the problem about the 18s, I can't find concrete proof they were optional. That is, other than the little note about prices in the '45 order blank. Every picture I've seen of civilian machines show 16s. Perhaps 16s are the way to go...
VPH-D

[Chris Haynes]

I know a guy who has a 1945 invoices from H-D to Harry Molenaar showing bikes ordered with 18" wheels. I may be able to get a copy if that would be helpful.
Wadda ya think Kevin?

[kval]

I know a guy who has a 1945 invoices from H-D to Harry Molenaar showing bikes ordered with 18" wheels. I may be able to get a copy if that would be helpful.
Wadda ya think Kevin?

okay Chris
you caught me looking at this HD stuff, having an invoice from 1945 showing 18" wheels can only help prove that they were an option

[vph-d]

Chris, If you could post a copy of that invoice, I would be very thankful. Growing up in the Chicago 'burbs I was one of many who considered Molenaar's a special place. When did the place close ?
Maybe I'll use the 18" rims after all !
Thanks
VPH-D

[Chris Haynes]

I'll post if if the owner will allow it.