Topic: Lesters score! now to refinish

[y2kc0wb0y]

Well it took about 3 years but I finally found an 18 inch rear Lester to match my lonely 19 inch front. Funny thing was it was sitting in my buddies garage the whole time I was looking.  No dampers and the bearings were locked up so I'm in for about $175.00 just to get them functional. Braking service looks great just need some cleaning up.

Planning to have them powder coated and after searching here I'm left wondering a couple of things.

1. Is dent repair in the finished/polish rim something you can DIY or is that best left to the pros?
2.  Is preping the painted surface worth the time/detail or is that something included in PC?
3.  Any special valve stem for these or can a standard valve stem cover the tubeless needs?

Couple of shots of the hard to find item and the bearings that took a good soaking and several hits with the steel dowl/sledge to come loose.

Rear







Front




They are in good shape with just a couple of dings on the lip. Honestly I could just run with it and PC them (after all they are pushing 40) but seeing I waited this long why not restore them fully.

[Rookster]

I had the edges polished by a professional and he flattened out the high spots in the few dings I had but left the low spots.  Once mounted it is very hard to see any dings.  I left the paint on the spokes alone and just did a few minor touch ups.  Yours look great as is.  I wouldn't bother powder coating as I wouldn't trust the coater to not blast the shiney edges.  I have been on the hunt for a reasonably priced 18" rear as well.  I have let a few go becuase I don't want to spend $300+  I got both my wheels for less than $300 about 8 years ago on ebay.  The prices have gone insane on these wheels.  Here's mine with factory paint (just used Mothers Back to Black) and fresh polished edges:





Scott

[scottly]

Yours look great as is.  I wouldn't bother powder coating as I wouldn't trust the coater to not blast the shiney edges.

1+

[singedebile]

wow those look beautiful!

[y2kc0wb0y]

I will be looking at my options with this new information about protecting the shiny bits. Thanks for the mother's polish tips. I agree your Lester's look amazing for original paint.

[scottly]

It's not just about protecting the shiny parts. Sandblasting can damage any precision machined areas and threads, and powder coat in the same areas will mess things up as well. Also, I'm not too keen on having a rare cast spoke wheel heated up to 350-400 degrees. I wouldn't take such chances with my Morris wheels, but that's only my opinion.

[Don R]

I recoated mine with lo gloss rustoleum engine enamel from a local farm store. If you get a little on the rim no worries just a rag and some laquer thinner will take it off. I just cleaned well first, degreased and pressure washed a couple times. The bike they were on was an oil leaker and they were caked.

[y2kc0wb0y]

It's not just about protecting the shiny parts. Sandblasting can damage any precision machined areas and threads, and powder coat in the same areas will mess things up as well. Also, I'm not too keen on having a rare cast spoke wheel heated up to 350-400 degrees. I wouldn't take such chances with my Morris wheels, but that's only my opinion.

Well said and definitely noted

[Greggo]

I carefully sandblasted my pair myself, and painted them silver..I love 'em.

[Whaleman]

I bought my Lesters new in 1978. The instructions that came with them said DO NOT attempt to install a tubeless tire as the bead was not the correct design. I might still have the instructions. I will look and scan. I am not saying it won't work just saying that what they said back in the day. Dan

[bollingball]

Rookster Bike looks good but what is up with that hose clamp.
I deducted 20 points
Ken

[Rookster]

Hi Ken,
Those pics were from the build.  The hose clamps were just sitting there.  They mount the fiberglass front fender.



Sorry about the small hijack.  Thanks for the compliments.  I have found that the polished edges on the Lesters stand up really well to polishing.  Mine haven't dulled in 3 years and they don't get the white spots/corrosion on them either.  I hit them with aluminum polish a few times a summer.

Scott

[y2kc0wb0y]

Sounds likema good sanding and paint is the safest route
No tubeless tires
Anyone have suggestions on dent repair?

[Stev-o]

I have a pair of Lesters that I will be refinishing soon too. I will be the unpopular guy here and say I don't like them and will be selling them on eBay. Thanks for the tips.

[goldarrow]

I have a pair of Lesters that I will be refinishing soon too. I will be the unpopular guy here and say I don't like them and will be selling them on eBay. Thanks for the tips.

You'll be selling off your lester wheels?! 

[Stev-o]

I have a pair of Lesters that I will be refinishing soon too. I will be the unpopular guy here and say I don't like them and will be selling them on eBay. Thanks for the tips.

You'll be selling off your lester wheels?! 

Yes, on eBay. Need to fund another bike purchase.

[scottly]

Anyone have suggestions on dent repair?

How bad are the "dents"?? I hope you are just talking about minor nicks and gouges from tire irons!

[y2kc0wb0y]

Anyone have suggestions on dent repair?

How bad are the "dents"?? I hope you are just talking about minor nicks and gouges from tire irons!

Not bad just some nicks and such probably just leave them alone.