ABOUT THE WOODEN Rims
are they safe?
it all depends on the glue they were laminated up with
some glues like aerolite have a 40 year lifespan-after that the glue turns to dust and the component comes apart at the seams.
I have seen this with wooden masts.

I predict it was glued with shellac based glue, do not put alcohol near the rims.
if the spokes are shot, de-spoke the wheel and carefully flex the rims and see how they hold,
if you tap on them and they sound good and a nice tone they are most likely just fine.
shellac can hold up very well,
if needed you can now varnish them with a good marine varnish- a 2 component varnish would be great and offer a watertight and airtight wheel