i have 2 bikes with undamaged but grungy wheels. If I disassemble rims hubs spokes, clean, and then relace, would there be issues relacing the old spokes? I read elsewhere that spokes adjust to to the hole where they are originally seated and once undone shouldn't be reinstalled. This is going to be my winter project. I am willing to buy new spokes but I don't want to just for the sake of having new of the old ones can be cleaned up and put back to use. Thanks.
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The original spokes are just cad plated. It doesn't hold up all that well. You could clean and polish them but that would most likely remove any of the cad plating that's left, if any is. Then they will rust up on you rather quickly. The best option is to get new spokes, and get stainless ones. The replacement cad spokes will only look good for a few years. I've been down this road, using the replacement cad spokes because they were so cheap. I'm going to need to replace them again because they're starting to look bad. I get only stainless ones now.
My vote too it's not about the cost it's the time to do a wheel. The mikes stainless have worked very well for me, about 5 wheels so far and a couple of sets waiting. His rim spoke hole drilling? Well that's a different kettle of fish.
OdysseusXS
XS650 padawan
Is there any harm in physically scraping rust off my old (original) cadmium plated spokes? Polishing alone won't move the rust layer off the front spokes on my 82 Heritahe Special's front spokes. The rear wheel is being respoked at the moment but I can't afford to rebuild both wheels at the moment, especially as the front has 64 spokes! Anyone? Could I use a chemical blueing compound as used on gun barrels to finish them off once they are cleaned back to fresh steel?
How 'bout nickel plating 'em? It's easier than you think. Have a read here.
OdysseusXS
XS650 padawan
OdysseusXS
XS650 padawan
Thanks. I have that gear but was wary of using it as I didn't want to harm the spokes. Will have a go tonight.
The thing about cleaning them and re-using them is that spokes are loaded very heavily in tension and they are subject to shocks as well and so if there is corrosion, there will likely be some microscopic cracks and getting the products of corrosion (i.e. salt etc.) out of there will be tough. That means that you may fracture a spoke in the future and that could be dangerous.
In short, I agree with the folks above - just get some new stainless spokes and then - no worries.
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These Heritage front spokes are thin probably half the cross section of a typical front spoke. so any corrosion will reduce the strength more quickly.
That said I seldom if ever have seen a broken front spoke that wasn't the result of damage and you do have 64 of them. Before I had the luxury of putting in new stainless spokes I cleaned up a Heritage front or two. My goto is nylon web from a ratchet strap and Blue magic back and forth motion will remove the rust. Rubbing compound is a bit coarser so works more quickly. The friction rapidly evaporates the water out of the polishes so don't be afraid to spritz some water on your straps. Good luck and lettuce see before and after pics!
That said I seldom if ever have seen a broken front spoke that wasn't the result of damage and you do have 64 of them. Before I had the luxury of putting in new stainless spokes I cleaned up a Heritage front or two. My goto is nylon web from a ratchet strap and Blue magic back and forth motion will remove the rust. Rubbing compound is a bit coarser so works more quickly. The friction rapidly evaporates the water out of the polishes so don't be afraid to spritz some water on your straps. Good luck and lettuce see before and after pics!
How about bead blasting and clear powder coat?
Leo
Leo
OdysseusXS
XS650 padawan
So not like Zappa suggested? Vigorous circular motion?
Zircon encrusted tweezers?
OdysseusXS
XS650 padawan
Work in progress. Water, autosol polish and cotton boxing tape
Hey Gary,
Here's a shot of a before and after... I used Autosol polish and purple polish with water and some cotton boxing binding tape. It worked a treat! Plenty of work, that's for sure; but worth it! It is a rare thing to be given good advice for free, thanks again!
Hey Gary,
Here's a shot of a before and after... I used Autosol polish and purple polish with water and some cotton boxing binding tape. It worked a treat! Plenty of work, that's for sure; but worth it! It is a rare thing to be given good advice for free, thanks again!
OdysseusXS
XS650 padawan
Good job! Those spokes will be fine. We were all envisioning REALLY rusty spokes.
FWIW I'd hit each nipple with a tiny bit of rust buster. Then a good paste wax. If it's in your market hard to beat Blue Magic for metal and bad paint polishing duty, it also has a wax, protectant in it, helps slow rust's return.
FWIW I'd hit each nipple with a tiny bit of rust buster. Then a good paste wax. If it's in your market hard to beat Blue Magic for metal and bad paint polishing duty, it also has a wax, protectant in it, helps slow rust's return.
Kinky! (Sorry, my 12 year old inner child just couldn't resist...)
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The "Circular Motion Rub-it" would be very time consuming (for a whole set), and useful only you didn't stand a chance in hell of getting another set of spokes in the next couple of years, for the far side of the planet. I'm going to be re-lacing "The Basketcase", (with MikesXs stainless) and considered keeping a couple of "spares" from the old set. Then it occurred to me, "why?" If one broke, and I took off the tire to get to it, I'd want to replace it with another stainless, not an old (rusty) cad-plated one. Suck it up, buy a new set of stainless spokes, and keep a few of the old ones for the thick, stiff wire they are now. 
OdysseusXS
XS650 padawan
Thanks for your reply. I will look into holding up local gas stations to fund my front wheel rebuild. As I mentioned previously, my budget does not allow for a 400 dollar plus luxury item spend like that. I'm not complaining about it. Financial restraint is a fact of life if I want to act like a responsible adult who has a wife and family to provide for. Thanks, I'll stick to elbow grease and saving for more important things like paying off my mortgage so the Bank can be cut out of my life. Forever
