it's a very "specific" end result that unless someone else "specifically" does what you have done it simply isn't available.
Right. I've certainly never seen another one like mine. And I've always wondered why the CVO didn't do this from the start.
Does the company you worked with that did the chroming offer a warranty on their work? Just curious....you mentioned having "due" date issues....how long did it take to get it back from your "chromer"?
They warrant their work for one year, but in the case of this hub, it would be at my expense to break the wheel down to the bare hub again. When I called them before sending the hub down there, they said it would take about two weeks from arrival of the part and then shipping time back to me. I figured that within 3 weeks I'd have it back. Well, it took a little over 5 weeks, with seldom returned phone calls, "equipment problems", somebody's not here so we don't know anything about your part, that sort of thing. They seem to have done a good job, but I'm not sure I'd use them again.
http://www.spschrome.com/index.aspI am assuming the 43662-80B is simply a 21" chrome front rim without a hub correct?
Correct. Bare rim, not includiing the rubber band that covers the inside against the nipples.
I am assuming the 43610-87 is simply a new hub without a rim for a 21" wheel correct?
Correct. This hub is the part number for a FXR2 but it was also used on mid 90's FXLR's and maybe other pre-2000 bikes, I don't know.
I am merely curious if you could have purchased a brand new 21" 40 spoke wheel inclusive of spokes for around $280.00 which is approximately what I paid for a 19" 40 spoke chromed wheel through HD which properly fits my FXR2 (inclusive of chrome spokes of course and "ugly" hub of course lol.....basically a complete wheel) and then simply taken it apart seperating the spokes and the hub from the chrome wheel. Then added the stainless steel nipples and spokes you desired and then paid the $130.00 to have the hub chromed as you did. When you factor the $150.00 for the nipples and spokes, $100.00 for assembly, plus $40.00 to install back on to your bike, the total might have been closer to $700.00.
Sure, I could have done that, assuming the hub was the same --not sure that's possible--, but there would have been more labor on somebody's part to break the wheel down. I considered using my old wheel along the same process you mention but then I would have had to have stored the bike without a front wheel for some time--a scary thought when my six-year old is chasing his basketball into the garage. Plus, I wasn't sure my old hub would clean up as nicely as a new one. In the end, I decided to go with all new parts for the sake of: 1-all new parts, and 2-a one step swap from old to new upon completion of the new wheel assembly. Plus, I knew that when it was all done, that it would fit properly and be exactly what I wanted. Was this the most cost effective way? No, but what about owning a HD is cost-effective?
I went through all sorts of considered scenarios of how to go about this. At first I was all for a simple one-piece replacement from the aftermarket but then I discovered the issues and ended up doing what I did. I didn't want to do it more than once and I didn't want to compromise on the goal.