82 Special front wheel has gone rogue in the aftermarket

[Kmaul]

I've got an 82 Special I'm turning into a cafe. I'm having an issue with front wheel, the rim is bent and I can't find a special rim any where. I would like to convert to a 36 spoke since those rims are more avalible. Is it possible to lace a 36 spoke rim on the heritage hub? Or does anyone know where I can find a 36 spoke hub? Or does anyone have any other ideas. Thanks

 

[fredintoon]

I've got an 82 Special I'm turning into a cafe. I'm having an issue with front wheel, the rim is bent and I can't find a special rim any where. I would like to convert to a 36 spoke since those rims are more avalible. Is it possible to lace a 36 spoke rim on the heritage hub? Or does anyone know where I can find a 36 spoke hub? Or does anyone have any other ideas. Thanks

Hi Kmaul and welcome,
that's lacing a 36-spoke rim onto a 64-spoke hub?
Well, I suppose if it was a 72-spoke hub you could use every second hole but with a 1.7778/1 ratio that ain't gonna happen.
And I'm sure you don't want to switch to the alternative 7-spoke cast wheels?
{Mind you, I like them. They are far easier to keep clean and they take tubeless tires plus the front wheel from an XS750/850/1100 will drop straight in.}
First place I'd look for a 36-spoke front hub, or even a complete wire wheel, is this list's want ads.
You could also look for a rear?
A matching set of deep groove aluminum rim wire wheels would get you into an 18" rear tire and that plus aluminum rims would really add to the cafe look.

 

[Kmaul]

Thanks for your answer, I wasn't sure if a 36 spoke would fit. I understand what you mean about the mags but I just like the look of the spokes. I did buy a 18' rim for the rear off mikes xs. At that time I wasn't too sure what to put on the front and the only option they have is a 21" which after research won't look right on a cafe. So now I'll be for sure in search of a 36 spoke front hub.