Kelsey Hayes rim identification

[big-louie]

I have a 1959 Panhead that I'm restoring and need help with identifying the original Kelsey Hayes 16inch rims that came on this bike.

Did Kelsey Hayes stamp their wheels and if so what do I look for?

biglouspan@hotmail.com

[Robert Luland]

I posted the same qeastion on the AMCA site with one vag ansewer. They are numbered. Just got to fine some one that knows the code. Palmer's book has very little on this subject. Good luck buckaroo!

[panz4ever]

BigLouie....The rim is stamped "Kelsey Hayes". It is a circular stamp with Kelsey on the top and Hayes on the bottom. W/in that are the words "Made in USA".

Next to that are two rows...top says "401-705"; bottom says "16X3.00" To the immediate left of this row is the number "5" stamped at a 45 degreee angle' to the immediate roght is the number "49" also stamped at a 45 degree angle.

There is also some type of trademark? stamp that I cannot begin to describe about 3 inches to the right of the previous. If I can get the wife to help I will try to phtot and post it.

Hope this helps...good luck with restoration

[FlatHeadSix]

panz4ever

Excellent description, that is exactly how they were marked. Should also mention that the marking was on the inside surface of the rim, usually somewhere near the stem hole (but not always). The numbers set an an angle on either side of the rim size were a date code, yours indicates that the rim was made in May of 1949.

I would also post a picture but I'm working in Fairfax Virginia this week, won't be home 'til Friday. Unfortunately I have to earn some money to support my bad habits.

mike

[panz4ever]

FlatHeadSix...now all I gotta do is find another. The two that originally came off my 49 are straight but beat up and badly pitted. They make a metal filler you can paint or even powdercoat over. Think for 49 rims were painted black. Not sure which way I am leaning..chrome or painted rims.

[Robert Luland]

Panz, ya got no problem. Any good chrome shop can lead and polish that pitting. This is what they do. Bob L

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[biglouie]

Thanks for the insight on identifying these rims...If any one has any for sale I'd be interested......Big-Louie

[FlatHeadSix]

I finally got home from my business trip and had a chance to take a couple of pictures.


with the stem hole facing you the markings are usually a couple of inches to the right of the hole on the inside of the rim. As you can see the stamped marking is not always complete. The date codes on the 1949 rim were stamped upside down from the rim size, the "4" indicating April on the 1947 was upside down but the 47 was stamped right side up when compared to the rim size, must have been made on a Monday!

sorry Louie, not 4-Sale (unless you want to make me a ridiculous offer)

mike

[FlatHeadSix]

as panz4ever said, the trademark or hallmark stamped just to the right of the product code and rim size is a little tuff to describe. It would be interesting if anyone could find out what the symbolism means. Its not quite as obvious as a bar and shield.

mike

[51Hog]

Thanks for the insight on identifying these rims...If any one has any for sale I'd be interested......Big-Louie

Big Louie---
I have a set. PM or email Me

[51Hog]

A couple more pics of KH logos 1951 and 1960

[Guest]

Big-Louie, It appears that your hotmail account doesn't like me.
It kicks back the emails that I send you.

[51Hog]

Big-Louie, It appears that your hotmail account doesn't like me.
It kicks back the emails that I send you.

That last post was me--I was logged out.