Real Fuchs vs. Replicas

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Zestys1

Have a set they are lighter then fuchs

That would be worrisome given that they are cast.

[McLaren-TAG]

The new real deal Fuchsfelge seem pretty light.

Front: 17x7 ET55 | 16.5lbs | $698
Rear: 17x8 ET52 | 17lbs | $738
Rear: 17x9 ET55 | 17.5lbs | $778

[Ayles]

I just took delivery on a pair of Euromeister 16x9. Each box weighed 23lbs. There was a thin foam sheet and piece of cardboard. I doubt packing materials weighed more than 1.5lbs.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Ayles

I just took delivery on a pair of Euromeister 16x9. Each box weighed 23lbs. There was a thin foam sheet and piece of cardboard. I doubt packing materials weighed more than 1.5lbs.

So they are substantially heavier than real Fuchs.

[Josh D]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

So they are substantially heavier than real Fuchs.

What's substantially heavier?

My 16X8 Euromeisters were only a couple pounds heavier than my 16X7 Fuchs.

[tharbert]

Originally Posted by Josh D

What's substantially heavier?

My 16X8 Euromeisters were only a couple pounds heavier than my 16X7 Fuchs.

A couple pounds (~10%) a rim? That's substantial for rolling weight. Half that would be troublesome. A quarter of that would be pesky.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Josh D

What's substantially heavier?

My 16X8 Euromeisters were only a couple pounds heavier than my 16X7 Fuchs.

16x7 Fuchs are a little under 15lbs a peice, 16x8 Fuchs are 15lbs 5oz. 16x8 Euromeisters are 22lbs a piece, making them more than 40% heavier than either. That's a pretty big penalty, especially as we are talking about unsprung weight.


With a good wheel you get to pick two of the following traits:

Light
Strong
Cheap

With a bad wheel you get one or none. Euromeisters certainly check the cheap box, and might check the strong box. They weigh enough for cast wheels to be somewhat promising in that regard, but there certainly isn't any definitive information.

[Jim Egan]

patz, a "dead give away" of what? Read "twistoffat" above, if "he" is correct it's relevant. As I stated above, I've had two individuals that deal in Porsche parts deem them "original", I'm just wanting to NOT misrepresent the wheels since my intent is to sell them. Jim

[zedsn]

I just called automotion where I got my 17" wheels and a 16x8 is 20 pounds right from the horses mouth.

[HarryD]

Jim. I have no idea if your wheels are genuine Fuchs. However, I find it disturbing that you do not include a picture of the cast in mark that looks like a fox head (which is their symbol). Typically, high end manufacturers include trademark Item like that to help detect fakes.

If it was me, I would post at the Early 911S Registry and give them a chance to tear you apart. There is a ton of tribal knowledge over there on all things early 911.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by zedsn

I just called automotion where I got my 17" wheels and a 16x8 is 20 pounds right from the horses mouth.

Pelican claims they are 22 pounds.

[Ayles]

I can weigh a 16x9 Euromeister tonight on my bathroom scale and report back. The wheels I have, have not been balanced or mounted so no valve stems or wheel weights.

[manbridge 74]

Originally Posted by Jim Egan

manbridge 74: Thanks for looking at my post and responding. Two other individuals who have physically looked at the wheels told me they were "real", may I ask what convinced you of the originality of them? Thanks, Jim

The metal grain appears like every other forging from the Fuch line. Nice and smooth.

I also doubt there would've been a market back then for fake 4.5s. Certainly not low weight forgings.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Jim. I have no idea if your wheels are genuine Fuchs. However, I find it disturbing that you do not include a picture of the cast in mark that looks like a fox head (which is their symbol). Typically, high end manufacturers include trademark Item like that to help detect fakes.

If it was me, I would post at the Early 911S Registry and give them a chance to tear you apart. There is a ton of tribal knowledge over there on all things early 911.

From the Early 911S Registry Forum:

Fuchs 15 x 4.5 part number 901.361.012.01

pair 5.5 x 15 fuchs dated 3/68

Note the stampings.

[whiterabbit]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

While we are on the topic, I have no idea why people are charging the same or more for 16x8s than the cost new from Porsche right now. It's absurd, especially when you factor in the risk of wear/damage/stress/every idiot's chroming and polish job.

Its the date codes for concurs etc. Look at the value of a 76 930 for example. Most owners want date code matching 16x8s when they restore them.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by whiterabbit

Its the date codes for concurs etc. Look at the value of a 76 930 for example. Most owners want date code matching 16x8s when they restore them.

That makes sense for the ones people haven't botched with chrome/polish/whatever, but prices in general are nutty.

[manbridge 74]

Eight worn lug nuts says those 4.5s are real!

Jim, weigh one of them.

[HARVEYWEIDMAN]

Originally Posted by 75-911S

Is there an easy way to tell a real Fuchs wheel from one of the replicas?

Jack

The simple answer is yes.
The forged wheel is much thinner in the spoke areas.
The cast wheels are very thick when you look at the back of the spokes.

The read from the German is mostly spot on except the 4.5X15 replicas have been out for many years. From the front very close but the insides are very thick and machined rather than forged looking angles.

And Fuchs can still make the late (flat) 15s and 16s if enough are back ordered.
But early (deep-901 style) wheels not so much......more of a liability problem I was told.
HTH
H

[HARVEYWEIDMAN]

Originally Posted by Jim Egan

I have a set of 4.5x15 "Fuchs" wheels that I bought used in 1985 to put on my 1966 911. I've been trying to determine if they are "originals". I've read the above and there seems to be some doubt about the markings on the really early wheels; I've just cleaned my wheels up and they show the following markings, all the markings are in the indent nearest the wheel opening: three of the wheels have "770" stamped in the indent and one has "670", two have the letter "F" stamped in an adjacent indent, one has the numeral "0" at that location, three have the number "41" stamped in a recessed "oval". All stampings appear to be from the same "script". Any ideas on what this means in determining originality?

Jim,
The wheels in your photographs are Fuchs.
The markings are consistent with 4.5X15 replacement wheels available through the parts dept. They were made well into 1970....maybe later but the latest that I have on file is 7/70.
BTW, if they are for sale let me know.
HTH
H

[HarryD]

Harvey:
Thank you for "weighing in".

I am surprised by the lack of the Fuchs Logo. It would have made me suspicious.