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the spokes are old and look rusty / corroded / grubby
Depends on what the original finish was. There was a finish called "rustless" which always looked grubby but was otherwise OK, it was a self-passivating steel which didn't meet the alloying content to be a stainless steel, somewhat like Cor-Ten. I have wheels from the early 80s built with these which are still in service. On the other hand, chrome plated spokes which have significant corrosion are definitely on their way out so you might as well rebuild now.
gbj_tester
I'm doing a restoration build and want to keep the front wheel. The hub needs servicing but should be OK, the rim looks fine so far.
But, the spokes are old and look rusty / corroded / grubby.
Are old spokes ever a reason to rebuild a wheel?
Can I go for the "ride it and if spokes start snapping rebuild it" approach or will that lead to instadeath?