Wheels options on 120mm dropouts

[LippyTheLion]

Have just bought an old raleigh 12spd racer to mess about with.

Its got 120mm dropouts, have i got any options to put new(er) wheels on it? The tyres are 700c x 25mm.

I reckon I can salvage the 6spd freewheel, would this fit onto a modern wheel with or without quick release?

Will i need to bend the dropouts out?

Failing this is there a decent method for cleaning up the existing wheels, they are pretty dull and oxidised.

Sorry for all the questions

 

[tyred]

I would consider it perfectly safe to spread the frame to accept the next size up. Any wider, then you would probably need to have the frame spread. Sheldon brown had a guide for doing this. It is the beauty of a steel frame. It's easy to work with.

To use a 6 speed freewheel, any hub you use will need to be of the traditional threaded type. These should still be freely available.

Are your rims chrome plated steel? If so, clean with a brillo pad or some other sort of kitchen scouring pad with a few drops of 3 in 1 oil on it and then treat any rusty spots with Jenolite or similar and finally polish the remaining chrome with Autosol. If they're alloy, then fine wire wool should bring them up.

 

[LippyTheLion]

THanx tyred, i'll try the wire wool first