unlacing a rim

[b4himdude]

so i have this ,actually i have two spare rear rims and two  spare front rims. and ive decided to unlace a set and change the hub color. i don't know yet if i want to change the rim color as well but that's the next step after cleaning them, .but first unlacing a rim...do i just loosen all the spokes just a little all the way around until the tension is off the rim and then just pick and pull? or is their some pattern to  unlacing as there is with lacing? i wouldn't think so but i thought id ask because im not sure. i know truing it will be a learning experience as well but isnt everything?  any advice will be appreciated.

[alward25]

Do not reuse old spokes, u will hate yourself when to try to re-true it.  Get new spokes.  Cut old ones with whatever you like to cut metal with , lots of sparks are always fun.

[b4himdude]

gotcha thanks

[sandblaster]

I'm partial to my bolt cutters 

[b4himdude]

ya know i didnt cut the old ones but i broke a few removing them. and then i headed down to the shop to purchace new ones and new nipples. i bought twice as many as i broke but decided that a wire wheel wd-40 c.l.r and some good old elbow grease would make up for the rest. jesus christ those arent cheap. so i bought 10 and that was $80 including nipples. so anyway ya ....it would have been a lot easier just to cut the old ones off and spin the new ones on .but if you wire wheel them real good get a pair of (or 2)vise grips and work the nipple down and up and down and up until you can spin em on and off by hand then put it together it trues out without any problem using the old spokes. but talk about a time eating project.didnt expect the spokes to be that much . project came out  looking good tho. have a nice set of rims to go chip up when i need em. before i do tho i need to find some sort of thick clearcoat.