Hello forum, this is my first post. I have bought a basket case '71 A65 so no doubt this will not be my last!
I have disassembled the wheels (carefully measuring the offsets) because the rims are too rusty to restore. The spokes however look fine. They are a dull grey metal colour which can polish to a reasonable shine. The nipples are rusted though. My question is, would the spokes have been zinc plated originally. that's what they look like though I've never come across zinc spokes before. I'm wondering if I could give them a touch up of bright zinc plating.
Thanks in advance, Glenn
Hi Glenn,
Welcome to the forum.
Personally I would replace the old spokes, opting for stainless steel with nickel plated brass nipples, a lasting solution and probably safer.
Not sure the original spokes were Zinc plated, they were mainly used on pre-war wheels. Your bike being over 50 years old there's a high probability the rims, spokes and nipples are not the originals and a cheaper solution used. Probably the original lacing was chrome. However if you want Zinc they are still available new, again safer than having the originals plated.
Best wishes...
Thanks Bess, I'm sure you're right that it's best to get new and what you say about not being original makes sense as they are in such good condition and the whole thing came apart so easily. I had to cut them off my last restoration! I also think you're right when you say they would have been chrome. That's certainly what I would have expected so I guess I'll go that way or probably stainless. Just trying to save a few bob! Not always a good idea.
Thanks for your response, Cheers Glenn.
Hi,
Did BSA ever use chrome spokes? I thought zinc plated was the standard fitment. Stainless look good and clean easily with a wipe.
Dave.
Thanks Dave, I used stainless on my Triumph and they do look great. I might polish up a few of these Zinc ones then and see what they look like. Central Wheels seem to say they might have been Zinc originally. Mind you I don't fancy polishing them on the bike very often!
Cheers Glenn