07-02-2021, 11:38 AM
If the restoration included more work on the wheels than just painting them it may well be that the nipples are not heavily rusted on the spokes. Appearance of paint around the nipples will give a good clue to the situation. I suggest that trying a suitable nipple key or proper fitting spanner on a spoke which needs adjusting will soon reveal whether the nipple is rusted to the spoke. Do not use pliers or a self-grip wrench (Mole) on the nipples. I have found that small BA spanners are a good fit (I forget which size). If the spokes are sound you should be able to turn the spanner up to say 30 degrees without breaking the spoke. Once the nipple starts moving a bit work it both ways to break up the rust in the thread, and maybe apply a bit of penetrating oil, assuming you have already removed the tyre and tube. If you break just a few spokes they can be replaced individually without dismantling the wheel, but some positions will require the new spoke to be bent to get it in place, straightening it before you tighten the nipple onto it. If you do have to get replacement spokes there are three different lengths depending on which position they are to be fitted.