Restoring spokes

I would like to restore a set of spokes for my Commando to original type finish. Any suggestions on what kind of plating they should have or someone who could do the job? Thanks for your help.

The original spokes look like they are zinc plated. I am guessing you can buy a new set for a lot less than having the originals replated.

Russ

I clean my spokes with a wire brush on the grinder then have the spokes zinked and the nipples nickled.
Al

I did mine myself. I started on a wire wheel on a bench grinder, then sand paper from 80 to 1000 grit in hopes to polish them on a buffing wheel. They turned out really nice, but they started to tarnish within a week. So i cleaned them off one more time on the wire wheel, sent them to be cadmium plated, and for $75 i had both the front and rear spokes plated and they look great. I detailed them with a couple of passes with fine steel wool after to make them even shinier, but they look great cad plated anyways. And I think cadmium was original (maybe not?)


Matt

Wow, those wheels are beautiful! I had my tarnished spokes replaced with stainless, and although they look nice, they don't look the same as original. I think they are a larger gauge. That's why I am looking to do up a nice set of original. Thanks for the tips, I appreciate it.

James,


Pretty sure original was zinc plated, with nipples nickle plated. I had two sets zinc plated and it was around $50 for the spokes, nipples were dearer about $100 I think. Cad plating is not available much now, too toxic for the plating people I think?

Note mine have been on the bike for 5 years now, and I have covered 10,000 miles, and have been in rain etc. The front spokes are tarnished now, not rusty but dull finish so they won't last forever if you ride the bike. Chrome is to be avoided, due to hydrogen embrittlement, but otherwise a dull chrome finish would be great!

Cheers Richard

Hyrdrogen Embrittlement usally effects hi tensile steel , if chrome plating cause's weakness in spokes ,i would guess they will break one at a time..so a few snapping will be a clue. and a prompt to change them. If not enjoy the shine 8)

Before you put all that effort into the spokes consider that they may well be at or near there fatigue point(s). Spokes stress at the hub and just above the nipples; the stress is enhanced if the spokes become loose, are not properly tightened or the wheel is aloud to roll with too much axial/radial run-out. Of note is the off-set of the Commando's front wheel due to the disc/caliper; the spokes on the disc side are relatively loose compared to the spokes on the other side to achieve the off-set.

To be plain: consider replacing old spokes/nipples if you are going to strip you wheels, it may well be less expensive (if you consider your time worth anything) and is quite a bit easier

Mattthomas4444: your wheels are beauties!

RS

I would never re-use spokes for a rider.

Thanks for all the tips. I never considered metal fatigue. :?