From:Steve Ciccalone
E-Mail:<hensteveamc@aol.com>
Subject:RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Wheel rims
Response to:694
Date:Tue Jun 22 22:12:18 2004
Hi Dennis,

Saw this post and need to respond. Per the original service
bullitins, optional colors were not offered until 1928. 
These included maroon, sage green and a bright blue which is
what Spiker replicated as official Henderson blue.  Since
sage green came out with the 1925 Super X, a customer
probably could have paid extra to have the Hen painted that
color.  Do what you want but if you are going to have it
judged be prepared to back it up.  I'm going to do my '28 in
this color combo.  Pinstripping is red and black.  John
Pierce has mixed the exact Sage Green off my nos '25-26 S  

ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
Okay, now this shows that I'm not an expert. When did
Henderson ditch clinchers in favor of drop center rims?

I am an expert on one thing. Ken must be English because he
spells "tire" with a "y" and "gray" with an "e".

I think it's interesting, Ken, that your parts list (even if
t is pencilled in) says you must specify grey or cream
rims. Since I want to paint my '25 Sage Green with cream
wheels, and Rob has an NOS Sage green front end, and your
list says cream was available, that's it!

Denis

----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
Thanks for the response , I have an original parts list
including sidecars , someone has pencilled inside cover 1923
whether it is or isn't I do not know , the only reference
to a date is in the first page refering to ordering of parts
and quotes how to order giving a 1923 part as a "for
instance . There is reference to old and new parts including
w low frame and old high frame , it includes parts for new
Timken wheel bearings and what to order for the old style
ball bearing hubs , also gives part number for front or rear
m and in brackets says (Specify Grey or Cream colour)it
does not say anything about tyre sizes but the rims shown
are beaded edge , if anyone knows how to date Henderson
parts lists I would welcom a response and it may help put a
few facts right , many thanks , Ken  PS  Steve M. balloon
tyres are not wired on


----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
Steve is correct.  K and early Deluxe models were equipped
with high pressure tires, either 3.30 or 3.50 by 20.  I
can't remember exactly but it is listed in the
specifications pages of the sales catalogs. The balloon tire
e was increased slightly to the 3.85 by 20 we are so
familiar with.  I've wondered if the earlier rims are
partially responsible for the new tires coming off the rims.
have to look carefully at my rims to determine if there
is a difference and I will report back.  Timken bearings
were also announced with the new balloon tire in lieu of
ball bearings but I believe the hubs were changed prior to
that, sometime in 1923, based on looking at news clips in
trade magazines of the period.

As far as wheel color goes, I have a Motorcycle and Bicycle
Magazine (August 1925) article announcing the new 1926
Models.  It states "little has changed on the 1926 Deluxe
models except the wheels are now painted a rich cream
color."  This is also reflected in the 1926 sales catalogs. 
 1925 and earlier brochures list the gray wheel.  I have
several original paint gray wheels that have a single
Henderson blue pin stripe near the edge of each side of the
rim and one that doesn't have the pin striping. I've never
seen original striping on cream rims.

Happy Henning, Steve 
 
----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
It was earlier than this. Balloon tires were first
introduced with the low frame model - late 1924. It was
around about this time that the wheel rim colour changed
from grey to yellowish cream but whether the colour change
happened at the same time as the tyre change, I couldn't say
sure - seems logical though. Safe riding guys - Steve

----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
Thanks Denis , it's a thought , I'll have to delve into that
a bit more , thanks for reply , Ken


----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
Maybe they did this when they added a front brake, 1928 or
so?

----- ORIGINAL MESSAGE FOLLOWS -----
When did Hendersons change from beaded edge tyres to wired
on rims ??