I skimmed over those...looks like lots of options. I definitely saw HD steel wheels...didn't find one that would accept a rotor for the disc brakes, but like I said I was just skimming. I'll look harder when I have more time. I'm sure with all the options there surely I can find the exact fit for me. I appreciate your help. Yeah no big hurry on it. It'll be a bit before get started on my new build, however it shouldn't be too terribly long. I'll be starting a new thread as soon as I get my new bike ordered and I'll be sure to link it here so you and others can follow. Thanks again!
I considered the drum breaks myself for the look. I kinda like the way the drums look...old style like you said. I just didn't know how well they would hold up. Real good stopping power? How long before the shoes wear out? Can you replace the shoes or would you have to replace the whole wheel? All of those are the concerns I had for going with drums because of my lack of experience with them on bike wheels. Do you have any experience or thoughts on those items?
The shoes on drum brakes will outlast any other type of brake pads by years, whether they be rim brakes or discs. Let me put it this way. I have a friend who has whizzer bikes from the 1940's, some with the original drums on them. Drums have ok stopping power, not quite as good as disc, but if you have a rear coaster brake you should do just fine. I run a coaster and front drum, and I only use both if I need to stop quickly. I do not think I will ever use anything besides a drum up front.
On my particular frame, no modifications had to be made for clearance on the second rim/pulley in the rear. It was tight but it did clear as it was. On some frames, there's a very good chance that it would be too narrow and it would have to be modified, either by bending it or cutting it and adding more tubing to go around the the second rim. As far as a front pulley, well anywhere that sells those types of small engine parts, local hardware store, lawn mower shops, TSC, local auto parts, etc.
