generator/alternator conversion

[jww]

rickeieio,
Sorry to hear your still having tire problems. If this is too elementary please overlook.....just trying to help.
Are all of the spokes and nipples relatively smooth and are you using a rim strip to protect the tube?
After getting the tube and tire on the rim air it up to about 10 psi and "bounce it" all the way around the circumference of the tire. Let the air out, repeat. Then air it up to operating pressure. This process helps get any possible pinches and wrinkles out of the tube, given it wasn't pinched bad upon installation.
Good luck
johnny

[DWN]

Johnny,
I've been changing tires since dirt was new, and I can still screw up occasionally. So, as far as I'm concerned, you can't be too basic.
I was very careful installing this most recent tube. I installed it in early Feb. and hadn't moved the bike since then. My brother aired up the tires this week and commented that the rear was very low. A red light in my head failed to illuminate. Duh.
I bought a 21" tube this time, on the logic that the 19" might be easier to pinch. I'll try your trick too. That's how I mount tires on my old Hondas, so the bead seats properly. The tubeless tires on my modern bikes seem to seat themselves.
There was no rim band in the wheel previously, but it has some tape wrapped around it. I'll double check that too.

[Tom Lovejoy]

Good luck on your lights, my Hends lights work - but normally you cant tell it. So dim and such a small tail light, I try to be home before dark on the deluxe. Funny thing though - one time got caught out late on a club ride up in the mountains. Had to ride back to the hotel on dark mountain roads with plenty of curves, surprise, surprise - once my eyes were adappted I could see pretty well and made it back safe no problem :-) Those lights worked better than I thought. Good luck with your clinchers, ride safe.

[ronald]

For a number of years myself and some friends around the Seattle area riding HD's have been using Lynwood Auto Electric, Lynwood, Wa. to rebuild/convert our 32E 3brush generators to 12 volt 2 brush and using a 12 volt "look alike" electronic voltage regulator available from various sources. To eliminate the points "problem", I've been using the electronic ignition offered by 45 Parts Depot. Works great and will rip your arm off if you accidentally touch a spark plug. With careful installation you can totally hide your conversion. Lights always work, a halogen headlight bulb works well, and you can even use a pair of electric gloves, if you are so inclined. Moisture has not been a problem with either installation. As to longevity, I don't have a clue. Mine has been on the road for about 3-4 years and about 15k trouble free miles. I'm using one of the AGM mini 12 volt batteries available from VT# 53-0549 in my '32 V bike.
Ron