Clincher rims help

[ncpapaul]

Can someone tell me the correct size rims for a 1923 Harley Model F? I am helping a friend do repairs on it, real slowly. Several years back he called McRoberts and bought what suppose to be correct rims. He sent them on to Buchanan's and I sent the repaired hubs to meet the rims, had them lace up with stainless spokes and send back here to me. We located some 28 x 3 Ensign clincher tires and now they will not fit. The tire bead is close to 22" and the laced rims from McRoberts are 23" . Educate me please and any help/advice will be greatly appreciated. Paul Dakin in Mississippi dakin@olemiss.edu
662-915-5664

[ncpapaul]

I took a close measure and my rims measure close to 22.5" at the bottom of the "groove" and not in the center where the spoke nuts are. Of course they don't have a drop center, and I am not measuring at the top of the side support. Most replies I am getting say the tires with go on but tight going with soap. Thanks, Paul

[rwm]

put the tire in your car with windows closed get it good and hot helps it flex.