******* repairs

Isabo · 12-04-2006, 12:03 PM

I have a chance to get a set of original 9 X 16 Fuchs at a good price. They are a lot less than perfect. They are badly kerbed, I have been told they can be refurbished by my mechanic. I imagine this would involve adding metal in some way, the wheels are structurally ok just look bad, almost as if the kerb took some little bites out of them. Can I expect a decent result, will the work effect the wheel balancing, or is it best to use them as they are?

RickM · RickM's Garage

Isabo,

Yes, a competent restorer can repair by welding filler material into the void. The wheel is then trued on a large lathe. I would verify that your mechanic is going to use the proper equipment to do so.

If done properly you will be hard pressed to distinguish from new.

Isabo · 12-04-2006, 12:53 PM

My mechanic would send it out to a specialist shop. I'm sure the result will be cosmetically perfect as they're used by the concours crowd, it was the drivability that really concerned me. I've decided to go for them now, I'll try them for a week or so as they are and then have them sent off.

jorian · 12-04-2006, 01:04 PM

If you plan on anodizing the lips, the welded/repaired bits will show through as a stain. Ask me how I know.......

safe · safe's Garage

It depends on how deep the scratches are, if they are not to bad they can be sanded down.

jpahemi · 12-04-2006, 02:33 PM

Were they inexpensive enough to justify the repair? Once you've had them essentially restored, what's the final price?
j.p.

Isabo · 12-05-2006, 03:43 AM

After restoration the total will be about euro 700 for the pair. About US$850.

Nape75'911T · 12-05-2006, 04:08 AM

repaired and trued......and refinished......

Good refinisher.....cost approx $125 USD per wheel.......

Joeaksa · 12-05-2006, 04:15 AM

Isa,

Are you sure you do not have any single daughters who are looking for a long meaningful relationship with a grey haired old fart?

Not being forwards but its not often that we see a lady on the PP forum working with getting some 9X16 Fuchs reworked... and I like it!

Need more ladies like you on the forum!

Joe

Isabo · 12-05-2006, 05:16 AM

Nape,
$125 looks VERY GOOD but the shipping would destroy me. Look at what a restored set sells for though!
Joe,
It's because my daughter's grown up and in a serious relationship that I can chase down a set of 9X16 Fuchs. I have to do these things now in case she makes me a grandmother

Thanks for the compliments.

Joeaksa · 12-05-2006, 05:24 AM

Isa,

Next time I have an overseas contract and am heading to Europe or Italy will try to get ahold of you. I have carried 911 parts across the pond for friends before!