Pitted wheel rims

[chris22]

My latest project (another XBR500) came with spoked wheels from a CB250RS. They have been modified to fit correctly, the hubs have been powder coated and stainless steel spokes fitted. For some unfathomable reason the rims were re-laced without any reconditioning so they are scratched and pitted and look cr@p.
Anyone managed to smarten up the alloy rims without the spokes being removed? I have been quoted £80 per wheel just to have the spokes removed and refitted.
Cheers
Chris

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[Moto63]

Hi chris22
Not sure about reconditioning your wheels, but Shirley the rs250 rims are much narrower than the XBR rims. What tyres are fitted as a matter of interest and how was the handling ? Assuming you rode it before the wheels were removed. Regards Michael. Moto63

[chris22]

I bought the bike with an MOT so I have been carrying out a "rolling restoration" and have covered a fair number of miles on it. As far as handling goes it is right up with my other (standard) XBR500.
The tyres are 90/90/18 front and 110/90/18 rear. I believe that the front is correct for the rim. The rear is oversize but does not look out of place and does not effect the handling.

[Moto63]

Hi chris22
Re your wheel rim dilemma , you kud try masking each nipple/ spoke off with a little masking tape then with some fine grade steel/wire wool so as not to scratch the nipples, start rubbing. Then work your way to using some scotchbrite  tape then good ol solvol. Probably take a couple of skinned knuckles but cheaper than 160squidlys (depending on how much solvol etc you get thro lol). Best o luck keep us posted.  Cheers Michael

[steveD]

Do not know where you are but up here in Huddersfield I know of a man that would refir your old spokes  for a darn sight less than your quoted price. If you took them apart and supplied all the bits to him I recon you could get both refitted for about £60. I can check that price if you want.

Steve

[chris22]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. Unfortunately I am a long way from Huddersfield (Tring, Herts). I had thought of the masking idea - time consuming but would allow me to get a painted finish.
Work in progress - the tank is off my other XBR.

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[themoudie]

Aye chris22,

Please don't put wire or steel wool anywhere near your rims!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    They are aluminium alloy and small pieces of steel embedded in aluminium = electrolytic reactions = corrosion of the aluminium alloy!

Remove the tyres, inner tubes and rim tapes and then plenty of 'elbow grease' with a grey 'Scotchbite' or similar abrasive pad used for finishing metal or wood (B&Q, Wickes or Screwfix) and an engine cleaner (MucOf, Jizer or Autoglym). An alternative is to set up your own soda blasting kit (if you have a compressor!). Once you have washed the rims with hot water and soft soap flakes and then thoroughly rinsed the rims, you can then use Solvol Autosol (or similar) again with a grey Scotchbrite and then with a course cotton rag, finally buffing with old cotton underwear or Tshirts for that gleam! 

A brass suede brush can also be used to remove initial heavy corrosion, but avoid the steel! 

Power to your elbows.

My regards, Bill.

[Moto63]

Ah that would explain why my wheels fell off at the weekend.

[chris22]

Thanks Bill, you have saved me making a mistake cleaning these pitted rims - I was going to use a rotary wire brush but shall take your advice.
Do you know of a source for old cotton underwear?
Regards
Chris