When did they switch rims on deuces from rivets to welds?

[John S-B]

At least one of the rims on my deuce has rivets in it, when did they switch to a welded rim? Mine is a '71. I'll be going through all the rims and tires this winter to clean an paint them, I have a few spares, so I might switch that one out. Just wondering how old that rim is. It does have a lot of layers of paint on it.

 

[gringeltaube]

..... when did they switch to a welded rim?

Good question. Hard to tell, maybe sometime in the early 60's (?)

Just wondering how old that rim is. It does have a lot of layers of paint on it.

If you are lucky there will be a manufacturing date somewhere under all that paint.

Here is a real old-timer....

 

[tommys2patrick]

I have a 68 and they are all riveted. I bought some spares from a guy that had several post ww2 deuces. all riveted and looked just like my 1968. never looked for any date stamps. now i am curious

 

[tommys2patrick]

I have been told they are just as good. welding them just became cheaper to make.

 

[John S-B]

Good question. Hard to tell, maybe sometime in the early 60's (?)

If you are lucky there will be a manufacturing date somewhere under all that paint.

Here is a real old-timer....
View attachment 934722 View attachment 934733

Yep, just like that. I just scraped off the biggest chunks of paint that were flaking, and shot some OD green spray paint to camouflage the dirt and rust for the Veteran's Day parade this Sunday. I'll probably move that tire to the inside or switch it out as I have several spares.