Topic: Evaluating Rim Condition

[CB550Ken]

I am part way through a 1977 CB550 rebuild and have come to the wheels.  The front rim is in reasonable shape on the exterior, but I have found some rust on the inside.  Please see attached photo showing the worst part after a little wire brushing.  There does not seem to be excessive pitting in the spoke holes themselves.  This is my first build and I am not sure if this is typical or if I need to think about replacing the rim.  Thanks.

[grcamna2]

I've used a lot worse than that ...if that's the worst of it you're good to go.

[CB550Ken]

Thanks!

[ekpent]

People have coated the inside before with a primer or such after cleaning to mitigate more rust in the future.

[Shane72]

People have coated the inside before with a primer or such after cleaning to mitigate more rust in the future.

Yes!

Cleaning up like you have and then coating with your choice of product certainly works well.  Even a coat of spray paint inside the rim can work well.

Shane

[nancy]

Yes that rim is good enough. My front was like that. I soaked it for 2 days in an electrolyte bath (covered here if u want to search) and wire-brushed the result which was rust-free pits. I coated the entire inside with a rust treatment paint-on stuff which stays on like a coat of varnish. Had the wheel rechromed (NZ$150) and fitted new stainless spokes (NZ$60).
Mark