Magnesium spokes.

[coachfhs]

Remember I am a newbie but old and feeling older. The more I listen to you guys the more i realize why I was a coach and not a mechanic...anyway, I saw where one of you all talked about magnesium spokes...i think that maybe what i have...i just thought they hadnt been polished in years. Why magnesium...and I noticed they have wire wrapped around some of them apparently like weights i guess. Thinking about putting new motorcycle tires on the front so how will they balance them. I have never seen anyone around here use wire like that.

 

[Youngster]

You don't have mag spokes. They where cast with 10 spokes about as big as a quarter in cross section.

Ron

 

[Mike]

And that "wire" wrapped around some of the spokes is likely solder. You can wrap solder around the spokes to balance the wheels/tires. It can take time, but when you have the new tires mounted, you can sometimes move the tire on the wheel, to help with balance problems.

 

[coachfhs]

Thanks guys...i just ordered two new 100/90-19 Bridgestones for the front. I may have to take the solder off and use stick on weights. Any one know how to polish the aluminum wheels easily...with out buffing etc.

 

[Mike]

There's really no reason you can't go back with solder, unless you don't care for the look. Determine how much weight you need, cut off enough solder to do it and start winding. We used solder when we ran the wire wheels on the race car and it worked just fine.

 

[RPM]

We used solder for a bob weight when balancing 1 cylinder cranks.

 

[bobby6319]

take your wheels to a motorcycle shop they make weights that crimp around the spokes

 

[pat h]

yah what bobby6319 said, any good motorcycle shop should have correct type weights for spokes zinc or chrome plated,if you bring your wheel in shouldnt be more than 35-45 bucks to mount & balance, while the tire is off always check the spokes they do seat and loosen up over time/miles. Thanks Pat. dumb question 100-90 /19 tire is approx. rated for 500# is this safe for 1900-2000# car I ask because I dont know thanks again .