1953 Terrot 125cc

[JoeJ]

Now the back wheel before rust removal....

[JoeJ]

Another of the before condition....

[JoeJ]

Rear wheel after rust removal....

[JoeJ]

One more after....

[JoeJ]

Phew. Not bad for a weeks work, eh?  Now the tough part will be restoring them so they actually function, though that is a bit down the road from now.  Any idea how I keep track of the pattern of the spokes?

Still trying to get the front fork off the frame...the main bolt is quite stuck. It took me about 5 trips to the hardware store to find the right size rachet - 1 and 3/16 (inches).

[murdo]

I wouldn't be even thinking about putting filler of some kind in those rims if your thinking of riding the finished bike. Rims flex as they turn and your filler would soon fall out anyway. New rims are not very dear, but are a whole lot safer. Measure the diameter of the rim, it's width, the number and diameter of the spokes, how many other spokes they cross and the hub diameter. This should give you all the measurements you need to scource new rims.

[iansoady]

TBH I wouldn't even consider filling that rim. It looks so weak it'll just collapse when you get some weight on it.

[JoeJ]

hmmm....good advice. I wasn't sure how structurally safe it would be, so you have confirmed my fears.  Too bad because I want to keep the bike as original as possible.  I don't plan on riding it, but it should at least be safe, good point.

[mark2]

they do look a bit poor I have to say , I understand you not wanting to re rim as when finished whats the bike worth ?

[iansoady]

I suppose if you just want it as an ornament it's OK. It's very easy to spend far more on a restoration than the bike will ever be worth, especially with a lightweight. Rims and spokes are going to be the thick end of £300 even if you build them yourself.

[JoeJ]

I agree they are a bit pitted and in rough condition.  I was going to sand them a bit and see what I have. And yes, the restoration can cost much more than I will ever get for the bike.  My plan was that it would be oramental; would get it in running condition, but the restoration of it to a good condition is my goal.  Maybe I can find a wheel on ebay.fr or leboncoin that won't be so bad. I guess time will tell as I have many other parts to retore before I get to those.

Thanks for the advice - always welcome.  The next bike I restore won't be a basket case from a cellar!! 

[murdo]

Didn't want to put you off Joe, but want to be safe.
If your only going to make a show piece then filler will be fine.

[JoeJ]

Thanks.  Any advice is worthwhile to me, whether you think it is good or bad.  I am a total novice at this so I look to the group for advice.

[R]

Its a bit hard to see how bad that rim is, but pitted steel rims are still a lot stronger than new alloy rims are,
and they survive well enough. Especially on a lightweight.

Rim probably needs sandblasting, so you can see exactly how much good steel is left.
Any holes right through the rim are probably beyond redemption, although I have seen someone mig up a few stray deep pits.
It really depends on how bad they are.

If the rim needs replacing, note especially the spacing and angle of drilling of the spoke holes.
That determines if a replacement will fit or not.
A lot of smaller trailbike rims will seemingly fit almost anything - note if they are 32, 36 or 40 spokes though !
hth.

[iansoady]

The only problem with filling it to use as an ornament is that one day it will pass on to someone else who may well be unaware of what has been done, and take it for a ride with predictable consequences......