relacing wheels

[turkeyroll60]

I have a 1982 gs450. The wire wheels are looking rusted and in my opinion need reprinting or replacing. How hard would it be to relace the wheels with new or reprinted spokes? I have researched it a little and it doesn't appear to be that hard but since it is my first time I'm nervous about it since the wheels are important when the bike is moving.

[hampshirehog]

It's a bit of a black art and quite difficult to describe. A few 'rules' I use for myself:

Before doing anything take a photo of the spoke pattern, or draw it, so that you can copy it when you put new spokes in. Measure offset (none on your bike so you are ok)

Make sure that you can get all the spokes in order; with some spoke set ups you have to put the inners in first then the outers and other sets you just go round the wheel.

Tweak the spokes up evenly and get the wheel running reasonably 'round'. If you have to start tightening some spokes pretty tight while others are very loose - start again.

+/- 1mm is not good enough. +/- zero is ok....

[JEEPRUSTY]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1_AdHG7fGY

lucy gucy

[Hammered]

Its really easy, just take your time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENrRl2FyNTw

[JEEPRUSTY]

http://4strokes.com/reviews/pitposse/spoke_torque_wrench/

WOW! how cool is that?

[Hammered]

An old swing arm and a few small wrenches is all youd need to lace and balance a wheel.

[platinum2]

count the holes, on the rim and hub, count each side, some hubs have different size hubs, large on one side, and a small on the other side, same wheel, though so your x, where the spokes cross over each other will not be the same on a lot of bikes,, some are 1,3, 2,4 are oposet sides of the hubs also, make sure to measure the sprocket side to keep the chain alignment straight, ,try not to over tighten the spokes,it will stretch the nipple holes, in the rim as well

[turkeyroll60]

What about using some purple power deruster (phosphoric acid) and cleaning them up without removing them?

[hampshirehog]

What about using some purple power deruster (phosphoric acid) and cleaning them up without removing them?

That just turns them black. You can clean them up in situ with wire wool though if you don't keep on top of them with polish they'll rust again quickly.

[turkeyroll60]

I created a Photobucket account so I can now properly post pics. Here is a pic of the front wheel. I'm basically Looking for an easy way to clean up the spokes.

As you can see I spent about 30 mins on one spoke with some 220 grit and some steel wool.

[hampshirehog]

Easy = in situ with wire wool and polish. Nice / sorted = replace with new ones or get the old ones replated.

[JEEPRUSTY]

If it is rust then wet a sponge in evaporust and let it sit on the spokes with the wheel flat.

Near to miraculous and no vile chemistry.