Topic: need spokes for 550

[Ketch]

Anyone out there know of a good place to get a set of spokes for a 18 inch rear wheel for a 76 550f. Looking on a budget. But what the wife don't know won't kill her right.... 

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Check http://www.partsnmore.com/ for budget spokes.  http://www.buchananspokes.net/ for quality stuff.

[Ketch]

How do I tell if my rim is a ss or sz? Looking on http://www.buchananspokes.net/ and not sure what I am looking for. Does it say this on my rim somewhere and I'm missing it or what?  Thanks OldSchool for the link by the way.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

SS means stainless steel spokes with stainless steel nipples.  SZ means stainless spokes with nickle-plated nips.

Look at the pre-packaged kits, Honda CB.  Then pick the length, 18" for rear and 19" for front.

[Ketch]

Thanks OldSchool I feel like a idiot that seems pretty simple. I guess I'm just a lil worried I'll mess this up sorta nervous My first rebuild. Got any suggestions on getting the cam and chain back on right. I have a clymer manual but its not a whole lot of help.
 Once again its a 76 550

[Kong]

If you are going to buy them from Buchanon's just call them to place the order.  You will have to know two things, which kind of spokes do you want ("tapered" or one gage end to end) and what size nipple.  The difference in cost between the two different styles of spokes is about $15 with the "tapered" (they are actually stepped, not tapered) one's being more expensive.  There are two sizes of nipple hole, one for 0.25" diameter nipples and one for 0.281" diameter nipples.  So you will have to measure yours to see what size you need when you place the order.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Check the FAQ section of this forum.  There is an excellent write-up on installing a 550 cam.  When I put my first cam in, I struggled with it for hours.  Even thought of breaking the chain!  But once I saw "the trick" it practically fell into place on it's own!