rim restoration

[eteled1234]

Hello I have a 1943 wlc and would like to restore the rims does anyone know if the hub outer rim and spokes are all olive green or are the spoke something different. what is the process if they are different do you have to take the spokes out? Thx

[Chris Haynes]

The Hub and Rim are OD and the spokes and nipples are Parkerized.

[Paps]

Yes...you would need to remove the spokes to parkerize them.

[eteled1234]

Thanks for the photo and information fellows now all l need is the nerve to take it all apart, is there any literature on the method of doing this. l know l will have no problem taking it apart it s putting it back together in the right sequence that bothers me. I know that once I have it relaced properly I can do the rest as I have replaced spokes and retrued my sons dirt bike rim a couple times.

[Paps]

I don't know of any literature on removal but I suggest you photo and tag the photo views for reference. Soak the spoke nipples in PB Blaster or equivalent. Cracking them loose may be a task. You may need to work them both directions to get them to break loose. I also suggest using visegrips on the spokes close to the nipples. Pad the grip jaws to prevent damage to the spokes. Loosen all a small amount at a time.

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by eteled1234

Thanks for the photo and information fellows now all l need is the nerve to take it all apart, is there any literature on the method of doing this. l know l will have no problem taking it apart it s putting it back together in the right sequence that bothers me. I know that once I have it relaced properly I can do the rest as I have replaced spokes and retrued my sons dirt bike rim a couple times.

The information is in the service manual.

[Derek43WLC]

Perfect!!! I found this post about Rim Restoration!
I'm also from Ontario, Canada and I also own a '43 WLC that I am putting together/restoring.
I need to determine which one of the two hubs I got with it is the correct type for a '43 WLC.
One is, a rolled tube with a seam and recessed grease fitting.
Second is, a one piece tube and no recess for the grease fitting.
Now, I have heard there are '36-39 hubs and '40- '43 hubs but what are there differences.
How many members in Ontario, Canada with WLC's. Nice to see, please contact me as I know I will have tons of questions once all my parts are correct and ready for assembly.
Thanks.
Derek43WLC

[rd.king]

Hi Derek
I am also in ontario and have a WLC.
are you truely restoring it or just civillianizing it.
I do have both of the Palmer books and can look things up in them for you.
and if you like you can PM me or Email if you like rather than spam the board with questions about little things.

To answer your question your bike should have the 40-43 interchangable
star hub
which has the spoke flanges brazed to the center tube and no noticable step from the flange to the center piece and the area around the grease fitting is milled flat.
if there is a step and visable spot welds you have a 44-66 star hub.

Todd

[Chris Haynes]

The '35-'39 hubs are stepped on the inside of the mounting flange. See page 96 in Palmers civy book.

[Derek43WLC]

Thanks, Todd & Chris.
I will try to take a few pic's of both hubs that came with this project.
Some history on this bike:
Goal is to rebuild/restore the bike back to full "43 WLC military.
I bought the numbers matching project from Carp, Ontario, Canada (with an Ontario ownership!).
Lot of civilian parts with it as well (...full fenders, extra bars, seat..
Most of the big parts are still OD (excellent: frame, forks, motor, tranny,handlebars, rim..)
M88 carb is painted silver.
Motor is sweet and HD pistons 5 thou over, tranny shifts nice. I will probably have both opened up and checked over.
PART MISSING:
seat, one rim, headlight, bracket for taillights, rear crashbar, probably small misc. parts.
The other existing parts are in need of repair, rebuild...so I'm always looking for a better condition replacements.
Thanks, Derek