Rims rechroming: disassemble first

Wheels, hubs and tires
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51Hog
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Rims rechroming: disassemble first

#1

Post by 51Hog »

My 51 pan wheels are 16".
When I measure from bead seat to bead seat, I get 3". When I measure outside to outside I get a dimension of 4".
Is this considered a 3 or 4" rim.

Also, These are 40 spoke rims. I need to disassemble them so the rims can be re-chromed. (The rims are pitted pretty bad--although they don't appear to be close to rust through. Should I disassemble them prior to acid dip to remove rust? Will the acid dip attack the bearing race in the hub? My front hub is still in good shape and I can still use oversize bearings in the rear. Will this help loosen the threads on the nipples? --I think that the spokes are going to break when I start trying to take them out.
sleeper
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Re: Rims

#2

Post by sleeper »

51 Hog-
If you are measuring the outside of both rolled out edges, that will throw you off.
You measure bead seat to bead seat.= 3"rim.

I would take a pair of 'bolt-cutters' & cut thru ALL the old spokes. You said they may break, anyway.
Get ahold of Buchannon's & get some stainless spokes & be done w/that for good.. ;)
If you are re-chroming the rims, they deserve new spokes, & would be safer too.
If you don't like the look of stainless spokes, just 'glass-bead them. They will look like cad-plating..
I don't re-use old spokes.
51Hog
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Re: Rims

#3

Post by 51Hog »

Thanks Billy for the advice,
Sounds like a good plan.
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