Topic: Hastily may have destroyed comstar Wheel?

[excellrec]

So in my haste to rip this bike apart to rebuild it I removed the comstar wheel bolts which came apart and are junk now. I would just get some new bolts and put the thing back together but the rim would need to be trued and the honda shop by here won't touch it because of "safety issues". I'm confused as to how rebolting a rim as opposed to re-spoking a rim would be any more of a safety issue but apparently it is. I'm wondering if I have to scrap this wheel now and get a new one or if I can fix it. Or if I need to get a new one what the interchange is for them. A lot of honda bikes carried the comstars in the late 70's and early 80's but I don't know which one fits and finding a specific one for my 1977 cb750f2 is harder than picking up any old comstar in that diameter and width.

[scrapvalue]

Get the new bolts, put it back together yourself.
Then take it to a Honda shop or other shop and just tell them you want them to check it before you put it on your bike.
You bought it used and you want to be sure it is o.k. to put on your project bike.
They will probably true it if necessary at that point, but I would be surprised if it needs anything.

[rebabal]

I'm pretty sure it's a bad idea to put them back together... why don't you just get a new one to prevent dying on the road.

[CBJoe]

I agree...

I've seen where people have removed the bolts and replaced... I would be extremely hesitant as the proper torque value isn't listed anywhere (that i know of).

Comstars are plentiful and cheer... I'd just find a good used set.

[scrapvalue]

I'm pretty sure it's a bad idea to put them back together... why don't you just get a new one to prevent dying on the road.

Not trying to start an argument, but if he replaces the bolts he took out with the stock replacements, what can happen?

[CBJoe]

I'm pretty sure it's a bad idea to put them back together... why don't you just get a new one to prevent dying on the road.

Not trying to start an argument, but if he replaces the bolts he took out with the stock replacements, what can happen?

I've never seen a listing for "stock" replacements from Honda.  You can match the size and type... but wheels are not one of those parts that I would just "try it and see". 

Unless someone can provide the proper procedure and specs...

Joe

[CBJoe]

The Google's always amaze me...I was surprised to see that Hagon offers rebuild services for the Comstar Wheels

http://www.hagon-shocks.co.uk/HagWheel.htm

Be interesting to see if anyone has discovered their procedure.

Joe

[scottly]

I may be mistaken, but I thought comstars were riveted, not bolted?

[Hannibal Smith]

Old School 3 piece race car wheels were rebuilt all the time back in the day by race crews.

I have never messed with a Comstar, but it might be very straightforward.

Got any pics?

[excellrec]

I agree with all the sentiments here. I would not use new old stock bolts if I rebolted (don't know where to get them). I would use grade 8 bolts and lock nuts though. The comstar I have is in mint condition. I do not want to sacrifice my safety... the question is whether or not I would be. I doubt a grade 8 bolt and grade 8 lock nut would give but I am concerned about truing. I would get another comstar as well but it's not so easy to find one for the 1977 cb750f2 so hence my previous question about interchangeability. What other comstars would fit on here?

[seaweb11]

Old School 3 piece race car wheels were rebuilt all the time back in the day by race crews.

I have never messed with a Comstar, but it might be very straightforward.

Got any pics?

Just for learning sake, I would like to see a photo of where you are at as well.

[754]

 The bolts are a special.. 1 time only use.. fastener.

 Get bolts that fit close to hole size, snug them part way up, give it a spin & see how it looks..

[excellrec]

The wheel is at "the shop" (My folks garage) right now so I can't take a picture atm but it is identical to this wheel-

[scottly]

Is that all you did? Just remove those bolts? I was thinking you disassembled the whole rim. Just make sure you get the proper hardware. A member recently posted that metric stuff marked grade 8 is equal to SAE grade 5, and the metric 10 is the strong stuff.

[camelman]

Find the correct bolt, make a guess as to what the comstar wheel is made of (aluminum alloy would be a good start), and do a google search on torque values for that grade/pitch bolr going into that base material.  I can assure the torque values are readily available.

Here's a link: http://www.engineershandbook.com/Tables/torque.htm

Camelman

[excellrec]

Yeah, the spoke like things are steel and the rim and hub are aluminum.

[kvallelunga]

I wouldn't be concerned if the highest grade bolts were used. either 8.8's or 12.9's with the proper torque value for the pitch/dia/length. Truing them would be the issue.