48 FL wheel rims

[harleygreg]

Hi Guys

It appears that the correct rims for this bike are those with the non rolled edge, part numbers 3940-40, 43006-40 (both black). Whilst these are commonly advertised, it appears all are the 43006-40A with the rolled edge or even the later ones with the safety bead change. Any ideas on where to get OEM rims or replicas that would be correct?

Thanks
Greg

[BigLakeBob]

I picked up four for my projects this past year at swap meets, Wauseon and Walnecks. $40 ea. They are out there, especially somewhat rusty ones that would be a good candidate for painting.

[1950Panhead]

New
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...Condition=1000

Used
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...Condition=3000
Many used wheels are bent or rusty so inspect closely or expect to repair.

[harleygreg]

Thanks for these comments. Having explored some options, it appears the costs of shipping and UK duty will make these an expensive purchase to buy in the US and ship to the UK.

If anyone has old used ones, at the $40 level, rims only, this may make it effective???

Greg

[exeric]

No one wants to hear this, Greg; but everyone wanted chrome rims in 1948. Utility motorcycles were commonly ordered with black rims, but people willingly paid the extra $7.50 for chrome rims, or went for the higher optioned groups that H-D offered. Check out the excellent site that Chris Haynes maintains as it has the order blanks that H-D dealers used. I have a 1948 H-D FL and I considered painting early non safety bead rims black, but in looking at the plethora of old pictures on the CAIMAG site, and the popularity of chromed out 1948 Big Twins, I decided that even blemished chrome rims would be preferable. Post war America was rabid for new, shiny things, and by 1948, American industry was pumping out just that. Personally Greg; I would consider reproduction, chrome safety bead rims that would be un-noticed by 99.9% of the motorcyclists in this world.

[BigLakeBob]

As I have always resided in the US I am not familiar with UK duty. I do know some US duty that adds a realistic increase to parts costs from swap meets. Time off work, gas, hotels, road tolls, and swap meet beer consumption takes a $40 rim to about $200+, but that is the fun of searching and finding. Hopefully you will find some rims on your continent on ebay and save some $. Best of luck.

[harleygreg]

Hi Eric, thanks for your comments. The chrome safety rims I have are saveable with chroming, but as the wheels will be rebuilt, I thought it would be worth seeing if the originals would be available. I also agree with your thoughts about chroming at the time, though the black rims, with a black paint job and selective chroming looks far more attractive IMHO.

[exeric]

I found this picture in my 1948 picture collection. It's a new restoration and not typical of Big Twins from the late 40's and early 50s. However, it is a good look and I can see why you would like it.

[harleygreg]

Yes, Eric, I'm deciding between the following 'looks'

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0117-28...head-springer/

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0114-18...y-davidson-el/

[exeric]

Greg, I've seen the second '48 from Mecum, and saved that picture. Something about that bike knocks my socks off. I think it has the perfect balance of chrome and black and I believe the chrome rims really make it.

[exeric]

This is my '48FL in red. I do like red, but the paint is getting tired, and I have been thinking of going to black. I haven't had a black motorcycle in many years so it could be a nice change.

[Chris Haynes]

Here is what was available in 1948. Note that Chrome rims are part of both the Deluxe Solo Group and the Sport Solo Group. Also part of the Deluxe Sport Sidecar group.


http://vintageamericanmotorcycles.co...geViewsIndex=1

http://vintageamericanmotorcycles.co...geViewsIndex=1

[exeric]

Chris, thank you for maintaining your Vintage American Motorcycles site. That has been a real benefit to many enthusiasts.

[harleygreg]

That's a lovely bike, one day I hope mine will be too. Thanks Chris from me too, I downloaded the order sheet for 1948 today.

One very small question - A lot of these bikes including Erics have a black front light with a chrome rim - a look I personally like, but I suppose this is non standard, as the chrome light means the whole light is chrome, and the black option, again, all black?

This goes for the tail light too?