Posts
866
Joined
7/21/2011
Location
London
GB
a22
12/15/2017 11:40am
12/15/2017 11:40am
Got about 3 bikes here, 2 old Crossers and an old 1970's BMW road bike. Wanting to start restoring all of them.
All the wheels are in a poor condition and spokes, think the alloy wheels may however still be strong and good though, by the look of it and will inspect further.
Is it possible to restore rusty spokes? How is the best way to remove them if they are somewhat corroded? Obviously maybe soak in WD40 before but any other tips on removing them and also if possible to restore them, can you buff them with a wheel etc? Or get new ones?
All the wheels are in a poor condition and spokes, think the alloy wheels may however still be strong and good though, by the look of it and will inspect further.
Is it possible to restore rusty spokes? How is the best way to remove them if they are somewhat corroded? Obviously maybe soak in WD40 before but any other tips on removing them and also if possible to restore them, can you buff them with a wheel etc? Or get new ones?
If they are plated, chances are they can not be restored to shiny new. Some bikes did come with stainless spokes and those can be polished. Unfortunately, they did not always use stainless nipples.....
I have re-plated spokes and nipples in the past. Extreme care in the removal process to keep the nipples in good shape.
Here in the states, you can get a set of spokes for between $100-$150 a wheel. If you are going for a rider, no big deal. If you want a concurs restoration maybe not the solution. Give it a try to salvage those you have, you can always order new ones later!
Thanks alot Hasletjoe- that really is superb information and also things I did not think of, i.e, the Heat/ Torch.
For some strange reason, I am sort of trying to save the original spokes on all the bikes wheels, I like the idea of it being old and original.
The information and help on restoring stuff on this 'Old School Moto Vital' is great and I love reading it and following threads as well as the Tech sections(and trying to learn things).. I sort of understand some stuff but the work some people do is incredible and inspiring. ... thats sort of what has made me dig these old bikes out!
The Shop
Just measure and note down the offset, grab the bolts cutters/grinder (whatever is you weapon of choice!) and cut the hubs out. Powder coat them, then have them rebuilt with new rims and stainless spokes. It will save you whole load of time and effort that you can put into much more worthwhile parts of the rebuild. Having rims properly refurbished to "as new" is hugely expensive and labour intensive.
Secondly, Japanese rims have a very high magnesium content, meaning 1) They corrode from the inside out, which you can't see. 2) They become brittle and highly likely to break/crack/snap.
Taking that risk really isn't worth it!!
Cut 'em out, throw them in the trash and have a nice shiny new set built up. They will look WAY better, It will have saved you whole load of time/effort/money and you can safely ride em with out risking serous injury
The ONLY time it is worth restoring the spokes/rims is when the bike is incredibly rare and/or incredibly valuable and is going to be a museum piece. And even then, the rims and spoke need to be in reasonable condition to start with.
Stevie
Also the time to do all this may take ages to only arrive at a wheel that looks better but maybe already weakened etc. Thanks mate and look forward to seeing more of your incredible work and bikes!
Aluminum rims can be stripped and clear anodized for the factory finish.
Hand polishing rims and spokes is cheap but it's a never ending process as the spokes will quickly rust and the bare aluminum will quickly oxidize.
As others said, f you decide to replace the spokes go with stainless.
Also though some useful things others have posted, i.e, retapping/threading / replating etc.
Post a reply to: Restoring old wheels /spokes?