Rust proofing spokes.

[xgs550x]

I took the old spokes off my 77 gs rims and cleaned them up. Sandblasting and polishing and they look like new. I know they will rust if I don't coat them with something. Any suggestions on what will work? Or at least slow down the rusting process so they look nice for a bit.

[Ranger]

Not cheap but you can dip them in individually before truing the wheel.

http://www.amazon.com/Valspar-044-0021829-007-Industrial-Alkyd-Enamel/dp/B000LNXGRK

[salty_monk]

http://www.caswellplating.com/

Should be able to use one of these treatments too...

[SqDancerLynn1]

Why not get some stainless spokes

[bwringer]

Why not get some stainless spokes

Yep.

http://www.buchananspokes.net/products/spoke_kits_suzuki_gs.asp

I really, really don't like the idea of removing material from old spokes through corrosion and sandblasting, then trying to re-use them. Just doesn't seem like a good idea or a good use of the time involved.

[xgs550x]

I would normally agree here, that just buying a new set of spokes would be the way to go. However, these spokes once cleaned and polished are good as new. There was no pitting and minimal rust that needed to come off. The media blasting was very light.
Also, a few of us challenged ourselves with trying to do a custom rebuild all the while re-using as much from the original bike as we could. So although I know that it's not the best solution, or a permanent one, I would like to delay the inevitable rusting that will occur. So, that's basically why I was looking to see if anyone had found any success with anything.

[Qckslvr]

paint the spokes black, they will look real trick then

[Sie Motorräder]

Parkerize them. They would look great.

[Nessism]

The spokes were zinc plated when new. It shouldn't be too hard to find a local shop to do this for you although I'm not sure about the cost. You could try painting but it won't last as long as plating. Por-15 paints are pretty tough so that may be a reasonable way to go.