What would you do?

[rustjunkie]

Nipples that are identical to those that came on your bike are no longer available (nla). They had 2 flats for the wrench and were longish. Modern nipples have 4 flats and are usually much shorter. If you replace you'll need 14g.
I'd put a drop of tri-flow into each nipple inside and out, then align the spoke wrench to where the flats were and push it on. Nipples are brass (softish), the tool is steel (hardish), so they can sometimes be "reshaped" this way to correct the damage enough to save them.

 

[37fleetwood]

those should work, or just find a handful off of another old wheel. I have a few ruined wheels that have provided matching patina spokes and nipples from time to time.

 

[37fleetwood]

Nipples that are identical to those that came on your bike are no longer available (nla). They had 2 flats for the wrench and were longish. Modern nipples have 4 flats and are usually much shorter. If you replace you'll need 14g.
I'd put a drop of tri-flow into each nipple inside and out, then align the spoke wrench to where the flats were and push it on. Nipples are brass (softish), the tool is steel (hardish), so they can sometimes be "reshaped" this way to correct the damage enough to save them.

could even use the screw driver slot in the ends of them.

 

[rustjunkie]

could even use the screw driver slot in the ends of them.

fo sho

 

[Euphman06]

I think I have a 24" Higgins donor wheel in the basement. Will have to see if the nipples will work from that... thanks for making me think of that!

 

[scrubbinrims]

-I'd ditch the Huffy in a heartbeat for the SD. V/r Shawn

x2
Maybe an sd is more common than this 40's huffy model and this particular sd is the most common color combo, BUT more collector value and this is a good year to have with the tank crash rails and medallion and I prefer the train light to the pedestal.
Only bummer is the emory lobdell seat is correct, but not the right color...should be red.
As to the ride, it is a deluxe bike and rides like one.
Chris

 

[stoney]

I would keep the Colson, sell the Huffman. The Monark Super Deluxe is a MUCH nicer bike in my opinion.

 

[Euphman06]

Looks like I'm dealing with a slightly taco'd rim. Any advice on taking care of that? Do I need to unlace it first?

 

[VR6GTiGuy]

Looks like I'm dealing with a slightly taco'd rim. Any advice on taking care of that? Do I need to unlace it first?

If you can see the bend looking at the wheel without spinning it, then yes you should try to straighten the rim first. The goal is to have even spoke tension all the way around. You may not need to unlace it all the way. Simply loosen all the spokes and try using a door jam or slightly open work bench drawer to carefully move the rim back in to true and then re-tension the spokes.


I can not speak to the Monarch or Huffy as I do not have much experience with either, but I have learned the hard way not to buy something just because it was close or a "good deal". I now keep a list of bikes and parts I really want and add in a positive way to my collection. I try to hold out for what I want in the condition I find acceptable. I strayed from that recently and regret it already.

Hope that helps.

 

[Euphman06]

If you can see the bend looking at the wheel without spinning it, then yes you should try to straighten the rim first. The goal is to have even spoke tension all the way around. You may not need to unlace it all the way. Simply loosen all the spokes and try using a door jam or slightly open work bench drawer to carefully move the rim back in to true and then re-tension the spokes.


I can not speak to the Monarch or Huffy as I do not have much experience with either, but I have learned the hard way not to buy something just because it was close or a "good deal". I now keep a list of bikes and parts I really want and add in a positive way to my collection. I try to hold out for what I want in the condition I find acceptable. I strayed from that recently and regret it already.

Hope that helps.

yup... can definitely see the bend sitting still. Thanks for the help!