Zephyr Gears- Mixing original w/ New Repro?
 

I have some partial sets of 18T/26T Zephyr gears, lacking the cluster gear. I have good to NOS 18T input shafts as well as the 24T 2nd gear. I've heard it is not good to mix original gears with the new repro. Is this info based on the first run of repro Zephyr gears? Are the latest run of gears improved over the first and could these be mixed with originals? Paul J.

Re: Zephyr Gears- Mixing original w/ New Repro?
 

As long as the repo gears are accurate copies of the originals they should work. Problems may arise depending on hardness. It is highly likely that the original Case Hardening on your gears has worn through (or close to it) whereas the repo will likely be Hardened (or made from a harder steel) than your original gears. If this is so then your originals will wear faster than if you used compatible gears.

Having said this I use repo gears with originals when I need to. Many thousands of miles can be had from new/old combinations as long as the repos are accurately made, some aren't as I have found.