Wire Wheel Rim Band

["Timothy H. Collins" <thcollin@mtu.edu>]

The rim band on wire wheels only covers the spokes in the center of the 
wheel. Those spokes (the long ones, I think) aren't covered by the rim 
band. As I understand it, the rim band prevents chafing between the inner 
tube and the spoke ends. If one set of spokes needs to be covered, why not 
the other set too? When guys use tape I believe the cover both. But, from 
the factory, I believe the rim band only covered one set of spokes. Why?

Tim Collins
Midland, MI
1966 AH Sprite