New wheels?
 

I recently purchased a 87 centurion le mans, the wheels on it have some rust around the spoke nipples, is there a way to clean that? Or should I get new wheels? If going with new wheels, what might be better? NEW wheels, or new to me? Oh and the current one are the original Arayas, (I know I spelled it wrong)

Rust means they are steel wheels and should probably be replaced. If you can find a good used set at a good price, go for it. If not, there are new ones out there that aren't too expensive.

If you do opt for new wheels, hold out for a traditional cross-laced pattern with at least 32 spokes per wheel. Radial spoking and reduced spoke count wheels are silly fads from racing and are inappropriate if you care about reliability.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that well built wheel has steel spokes? is that correct? Are the nipples apart of the wheel or spokes? The wheels are really light so I assume the rims aren't steel, thanks for the responses thus far.

The rims are probably aluminum alloy, but it might have steel eyelets that the spokes nipples sit in. The nipples should be plated brass, and the spokes will be plated steel or stainless steel. You are most likely seeing corrosion of the eyelets. I'd say clean it off with a stiff brush, put a drop of oil on each spoke where it meets the nipple and the rim, and ride the wheels. If spokes don't break and they stay true then keep riding!