Pre-war wheels?
 

I just picked up a pre-war track frame. I think it dates to about 1939. I want to keep it all period correct, and was wondering what a wheel set from this period would consist of. Rims, hubs, etc.

The most straight forward option (for a bike you can still ride) would be a pair of vintage BSA hubs laced to modern Ghisallo wood rims. Chrome or zinc plated double butted spokes. And do not forget to tie & solder the crosses.

You're in the same boat I am, looking for a 40h wood rim for the rear. A pair of dam d'allesandro in NOS condition went for $200 a few weeks ago. The 32 isn't too hard but finding a matched set is extremely difficult.

A company called Bussi made aluminum rims in the 30s, as did Ambrosio, Fiamme and Mavic. I doubt you would want to ride any rim, aluminum or wood from the 30s as their safety would be questionable at best. Fiamme Sprint rims from the 50s can certainly pass as period correct, they are hard to find but they are out there.

For hubs, I think your best bet is English - Brampton, Blumfield, Bayliss-Wiley or Airlite are still out there. If you are lucky, you could find some Simplex or FB hubs. I have 2 1/2 sets of prewar NOS FB flip-flop hubs, but I'm not going to give those up anytime soon.

you need these hubs
http://cgi.ebay.com/HUGE-FLANGE-Prio...item5639dd6cda
and then your life will be complete

Those are not track hubs.

thanks for the help..here are some pics. its all chrome underneath the oxidizing. Aluminum foil and water seems to take the oxidization off nicely!
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=138481http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=138479

Do a search on eBay for wood rims. Italian guy makes them. Some nice wood tubular rims would go nicely with that frame.