wheelwright
Member
Offline
How can you tell if a wire wheel can be trued/adjusted? Are those on Ebay any good? I see plenty of "original" wire wheels,and with VERY few exceptions they are "boat anchors" Wire wheels can be tested easily.Use a 1/4 open end wrench and GENTLY try to turn the nipple,if the whole spoke turns,the spokes are fused,they will not adjust.No amount of lube or oil will change this,they will not adjust.The ones on ebay are probably too bad to be used,or they would be on a car,not for sale.Also,it is a LOT cheaper to buy new wheels than to "rebuild"them,and MUCH safer,as a new set comes w/ a warranty.I would only consider rebuilding a set that could not be replaced as a new set,and that will be a tiny percentage.Also check the splines on a used set of wheels.The splines should not feel sharp or have any visible pits or grooves going sideways,if they do they can "spin" and will likely ruin your hub splines,and thus you will need new wheels AND hubs.You need to use a LEAD HAMMER to knock your spinners on,while the wheel is off the ground.Other tools exist,but a lead hammer is the best and safest way to mount wire wheels.Don't scrimp on safety!!