Topic: Buchanan Spokes on '77 CB550F Rear Wheel - Widening Spoke holes?

[dagersh]

Hi Guys,

Did a search, and not really finding the answer.

I have powdercoated my hubs.  The front wheel with the Buchanan Spokes literally fell together.  However, I am having a problem with the rear wheel.

In order to even attempt to get the inner spokes seated I would really have to wrestle it in.  I spoke with Buchanans and they suggested cleaning out the PC, which I did.  It helped a bit, but still not enough.  I can only get them 95% there, getting hung up at the bend of the spoke.

Interestingly, the outer spokes slide right in as they should, and also slide right in if I put them in the inner position as well (they go in both ways easily).

So, here is the question:

I used a 15/64 bit to carefully clean out the PC from the spoke holes.  Can I go up to 1/4 (the next size up) to widen the spoke hole? 

I think if I do, I can lace the inners easily.  However, I do not want to compromise the rim.

As always, your input and advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gersh

[540nova]

I would never put a drillbit through my hub holes like that. Use some oil on them and twist them and spin them as you wiggle them in.


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[jonda500]

Sounds like the inner spokes are the wrong ones - there are different spokes used in these wheels that are the same length but different length in the short bit after the bend - maybe you could make the wider part of the hubs holes deeper(so the heads are more counter-sunk) to suit the spokes you have?
John

[dagersh]

Good answers guys.  Did it very carefully, and ended up taking off the PC.  The spokes still need to be forced in, but they do go and fit well.

Jonda500, I thought the same thing myself, in conversations with Buchanan's, its the Outer spokes that have as many as three different sizes.  I had sent them pics and measurements at purchase.

Now, when I laced up the wheel, I think I got my spacing off, and I was not able to get my last side of outers to lace.  I will give it another go today.

Thanks!

Gersh