Need info on a rim

Uncle Stretch · Jan 5, 2009

I bought a prewar Roadmaster and it came with this one back wheel that is a skiptooth. It says Bendex and the only other markings are 36-13 . The rim turned out to be a good one. The rims I build arnt as true as this one. It has double butted spokes and the 1'' nipples , and although it has some rust it looks like it will cleanup really good. I was wondering if anybody knows if this is the wheel that would have come on the bike originally or if someone just stuck it on there to have a wheel. Another question ,does anybody have a good front one they are willing to part with.... reasonable. I could do just a rim and lace it to something but would prefer one together of the same kind. Its flat and round on the edges. Sorry my camera dosent like closeups :roll:

cashman · Jan 5, 2009

I have read somewhere that the no-band Bendix like that was same internally as the Morrow model V and came out during WWII. I may be wrong, but I remember reading that somewhere? It is a neat hub though. Thanks!!!

2manybikes · Jan 5, 2009

I think the rim is a Lobdell.

Rustinkerer · Jan 5, 2009

I've seen those style rims on early-mid 50s Roadmasters, I'd say it's a replacement. I think the Bendix brand replaced new departure or morrow in the early 50s. Most of my older roady's have standard drop center rims, some would have triple step down rims. ~Adam

yeshoney · Jan 5, 2009

Paul,
Those are stock AMF Roadmaster wheels. I can't tell you exactly when the switch from triple steps and drop downs were made but all my Roadmasters either have or had these style rims on them with the exception being my Prewar/Post war hybrid bike. That one has the drop downs it being either a 41 or a 45. I have 4 of these rims in decent shape - no hubs or spokes and I have a front wheel that was on my AMF Roadmaster Flying Falcon - The green one for sale. Will require lots of work to clean up for an already assembled rim. LEt me know if you need pics. Joey Mac gets first dibs on a pair of rims only for his Roadmaster Lux Liner - still leaves a pair. obviously would rather sell as a pair as not sure who would need a single. Let me know if you are interested and need some pics.

Joe

Uncle Stretch · Jan 5, 2009

I had thought these were rims off of a prewar since the frame was. I bought 5 bikes and the person that originally had them kinda did a mix an match on parts for about 30 bikes so Im having a hard time telling what really goes with what . The hawthorn has rims like an elgin. skiptooth but that design. I need to get me a book on these bikes and read up . I really thought they were good rims. man this one is straight as an arrow and in good condition and having that bendix hub instead of a new departure or the ones with the elgin type . Not really looking for a huge investment as i will probably just use alloy wheels which I have a bunch of and flip the build as usual. Thanks everybody for the input...Thought I had something. :cry: