Got some used araya 7b's I want to have relaced to put on a rider and was wondering if I have to restore the old heavy gauge spokes or will newer light gauge spokes work just fine ?

I'm just wondering how well the nipples will fit the holes !

Thanks for any help you can give

If they are drilled for the 105 or 120 gauge spokes you'll need washers on the nipples to use an 80 gauge (or modern equivalent).

OK Thanks

Actually, you don't need nipple washers to lace 80g spokes to a 7b that is drilled for 105g spokes, I've laced 7bs like this a few times with NO problems at all.