I am overhauling a 1955 Phillips 3 speed, internally geared bike and the steel handlebars have a large area of chrome worn or flaked off. I could just leave it or get a replacement. It has the obsolete English 23.8mm clamp area & 22.2mm grip area. Most "cruiser" or "North Road" style bars have 25.4mm clamp area.

In this photo you can see a little gap at the clamp area.




All of the usual places who sell vintage type components sell handlebars with 25.4, so I am presuming that the difference is small enough that it should fit alright. I would like to know if any of you have done this? How'd it work? Other ideas?

Thanks for your observations & suggestions in advance.