Galvanic corrosion?

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I have an early 80's eara Worksman Cycles bicycle with Worksman wheels. These wheels are beasts! I am not sure what they had in mind for their bikes, but they went overboard on the wheels. (45mm wide with 11 ga spokes!) I think Worksman used to make Postal bikes, so maybe the mail man is catching some air on some sweet jumps on his rounds? :p

When I had the tires off of the rims, I tried to loosen some of the spokes. Eventually I would like to pull the wheel apart, paint the hubs and outer rim, maybe install a nexus or SA rear hub and then re-assemble. But I couldn't budge the spokes. I only tried maybe 4 - 6 spokes, I was worried about replacement parts if I managed to break a spoke so I didn't really try to wrench one.

Is there a way to overcome the (I am guessing) galvanic corrosion/welding that is holding those spokes to the nipples? Just WD-40 or something more fancy? Through my work I can get my hands on just about any chemical, so don't be shy with suggestions!

Is it possible to buy replacement spokes? I e-mailed Worksman and didn't get much of a response. I would hate to have to put a more standard wheel on that bike, the rims are one of things that really "make" that bike.
 
There may be a bike specific suggestion from an experienced wheel builder, but I would try a product called "PB Blaster" first if it was my project.

It is a penetrating oil like aerosol (some form of petroleum distillate?) It has worked successfully on similar issues for me.

It can be found in Advance Auto, Autozone, hardware stores maybe Walmart). I even saw it in Odd Lots the other day.
 
if the PB Blaster doesnt work and everything else doesnt work then you can always replace the spokes. Your Local Bike Shop(LBS) should have some heavy duty spokes in stock.
To get them off if they are rusted up, use bolt cutters and nip all the spokes. It'll be a mess but you will have fun cutting away!
GOOD LUCK!!
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I stopped at a local bike shop and asked about the spokes and they (as nicely as possible) told me to "man up" and use a wrench on the spokes. The bike tech's were a little surprised about the rim and spoke size though. I asked about replacement spokes and they didn't know of any and told me to check with the place I bought the bike. I also had asked if they could take a slight wave out, but they sort of declined.

I'll put a caliper on the spokes and nipples and check the size- then check the internet to verify replacement parts first.
 
Did you try Earhardts ?

You should be able to order almost any type of spoke imaginable. My main preference is Schwinn Cruisers (actual model name) most of them come standard with heavy gauge spokes. I have had a couple of wheels and hubs worked on by the guys @ Earhardts Schwinn on University right there in Tempe. They are good, and very knowledgable. Stainles steel spokes are available in heavy gauges and are the best, but they carry a price tag that you may not appreciate about $3.00 a piece if memory serves me right. Check em out dude ! Later & PEACE !!!!! :mrgreen:
 

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