interesting reading those replies. i was an avid roadie at the time and knew everything about everything as i worked, rode and breathed cycling back then!
for a late 80s top end italian bike, then there was no question that it would have been fitted with ambrosio metamorphosis or campagnolo record strada or pave rims - sprint rims for tubular tyres, of course. and 32 hole rims at that.
the "Wired on" rims that were around back then were not fitted to purpose built italian imports. we built many hundreds of both italian and british top end road bikes back then and the MA40 was the standard option as most non competitive customers didn't want to get involved with glueing on tubs. the wolber rims (or "wobbler" as the non educated called them!) were a cheaper alternative and some even asked for F.I.R or ambrosio anodised wired on rims.
anyway, bottom line is if it's a top end bike of that era you're building then it's gotta be a nice pair of sprint rims:- mavic gp4, GL330, SSC or ambrosio if it's an italiano!
tyre levers? glue and patches? chalk and sandpaper?!
MA40? weren't they the ugly wee brother of the G40?!
what's a michelin hi lite?!! those were the dreadful bald tyres that very few pro teams and TONS of rank amateurs used and mostly to their DOWNFALL!! horrendous for wet bends and icy conditions!!
my poor ageing hips are creaking at the thought...