wheel & tire help

Submitted by howson1984 on Sun, 03/16/2014 - 11:52

i am wanting to replace  the wheels on my 1963 imperial  mark II, as they are in pretty bad shape... i don't believe  the wheels  are original ...the tire  size reads 700c x 35...AND 28 x1 1/2....when i measure the rim they are approx. 24 inch....

im planning  on ordering  a replacement coaster brake wheel off ebay...but im now unsure what to get....im hoping  someone  can shed some light on what to get....also what size the stock wheels & tires should be?

please help

3 Comments

Submitted by ianjay on Mon, 03/24/2014 - 15:19.

I have two 1962 Imperials.  One has 26" wheels and is a three speed.  The other has 28" wheels and a coaster brake.  The 28" wheeled bike is currently riding on CHENG SHIN tires which are marked 371-622 and believe it or not, have both 28 X1 5/8 and 1 3/8 markings.  I know the rims are original on the 28" bike because I had one when I was a lot younger.  These tires are definitely not as large as the OEM tires.

It isn't going to be easy to find 28" tires.  The 26" bike had 1 3/8 EA3 rims which seem to be original and it was no fun getting something close for it either.

I would love to have whitewalls for both bikes, but am still searching.  If I come across anything, I'll let you know.

The Imperials both have original paint, but the 26" three speed has had its fenders replaced.  The 28" has the original double pin stripes but the paint is quite faded, like your appears to be.

Submitted by Ian Kinross on Wed, 04/02/2014 - 21:23.

Maybe take the two wheels or the whole bike to a good bike shop and see if they can order you a couple of 28 inch tires.  i have a Imperial coaster bike almost identical to yours. the front wheel is original, and my bike shop was able to order a tire for it.  the back wheel and coaster brake is a replacement.   Your bike is a nice big solid cruiser -- needs a little tlc and will be a nice ride.

Submitted by bleedingfingers on Mon, 04/07/2014 - 07:40.

I don't have a rear wheel but I do have a  28x1 1/2  new old stock wheel in the for sale section for $25.00+shipping.

B