Restoring wheels/ Buying new wheels

[XSrocker]

While I am restoreing my bike (1979 xs400 2e) I am thinking about the wheels. They are the chrome laced wheels. They have a bit of rust, maybe surface, on them and drum brakes. Would it be easier to have someone "spruce up" the wheels or get new ones. If I get new ones should I be concerned wether or not they had drum brakes on them?

Note: sorry for the very newbie questions, I am still a newb at this.

 

[bcware]

Before you buy anything new try removing the rust. I found that any oil, even wd40, and ultra fine steel wool removes most surface rust. If you keep everything well lubricated with oil you shouldn't have any problems with scratches.

 

[xschris]

Any pics?

 

[HoughMade]

SOS pads and soapy water work great and will not scratch the chrome- just removes the rust. Follow that up with chrome cleaner or wax to keep the rust from coming back. I don't have spoked wheels, but I did this on my fenders, gauges and shocks and the rust has not returned in over a year.

 

[Daddio]

I would reccommend copper or brass wool as they are softer than the chrome finish and harder than rust or grime. Always use a lubricant or polish. But keep the laced wheels. Have fun with it and do small areas at a time as the results will motivate you.

 

[XSrocker]

I will try to clean them first and see what happens as they arent as back as most of the bike! lol