1932 VL - New SS Spokes

[loch]

I posted this in a reply on a different topic - thought maybe I'd bring it to the front for more visibility.

I purchased new stainless steel spokes because I broke 4 of the old ones trying to loosen them. The new spokes are different. The distance from the peened head to the curve is longer on the new ones than it is on the old ones. The longer part appears to allow a bit of play or movement of the spoke in the hole it passes through. The old ones fit snuggly with very little movement.

Is this a problem? Should the new spokes fit as snuggly as the old ones?

NewOldSpokes.jpg

[joe fxs fxr]

What brand of spokes? I would think they should be the same.

[PaulCDF]

VL's I do not know.
I had Indian 741 that had spokes of different lengths for inside and outside of the hubs.
Of course on my first go I "cocked it up" but I had gotten the spokes from Buchanans and they were GREAT and I got it right.
Buchanan's Spoke & Rim, Inc - Contact Us (buchananspokes.com)

[loch]

The spokes are Buchanan, a kit for 19" VL rims, which is what I have.

I heard somewhere someone say about pre stretching the spokes. Is this a thing? How is it done?

[Rubone]

That long bend is similar to mid 70s disc brake hub outer spokes. If the spokes stick out too far they can interfere with the backside of the brake drum, as well as having a stress point out on that bend. They may also flex due to that length. I would talk to Buchanan's about it.

[exeric]

What Robbie said. I would want a spoke the same as original.

[loch]

The Buchanan Spoke directions say to torque the spokes to 80 ft lbs. Is this procedure necessary? Or do they just need to be tight?

I don't imagine factory workers in the early 30s payed too much attention to torque specifications. But I could be wrong.



Thanks everyone for the input!

The wheels are laced. Not according to the directions in Steve's text. Rather exactly the opposite. They seem to fit fine this way.

I'm not at all happy with the Buchanan spokes however. The section from the bend to the head of the spoke is too long for both the 95 and 75 degree spokes.

We're going forward with it as is, see what happens.

Thanks!
Lochlain

[HDSmitty]

I would try lacing it up as per the instructions that you have from a knowledgeable person ..true the assembly and .torque the nipples to the manufacturers recommended specifications...and see from there if you are happy or not with the results. If you are not happy ,or if it doesn't look like you think it is supposed to look....Take pictures of your specific concerns and explain in detail just what your concerns are.to the manufacturer......Buchanans has been in business for a very long time and are a trusted and reliable seller in my experience. Steve Slocombe knows his VL's (after all he DID write the book!) and I doubt if he would lead you down the wrong path. ....Hope this helps....Smitty