Cheap steel wheels for 911: do they exist?

[daniel911T]

I am wanting to throw a set of snow tires on my '69, but I don't really want to mount them on my original 14" Fuchs. What I really want is a cheap set of painted wheels that I won't worry about to mount snow tires on.

Anybody know if anyone makes them? Failing that, does anyone know the full specs for the hub?

I have a feeling that there is probably a old Mercedes size that would work, but I don't know what bolt pattern they use.

Anyhow, any info would be much appreciated!

-Dan

[combatic]

This might get you closer and able to do a search if you are not looking for 'period correct' wheels.

911 wheel weights

I am also interested in what is out there =)

[diverdan]

Bet there are some cheap narrow alloy wheels with bad curb rash that would really look okay with some black paint.

diverdan

[Arne2]

Porsche bolt pattern is 5 on 130 mm. It is totally unique, no other vehicles have used that, with the exception of the VW Toureg and big Audi SUVs, which are brothers of the soi-disant Porsche whose name should never be spoken in polite company.

So when looking for winter wheels, you need wheels that are Porsche-specific.

[LakeCleElum]

Didn't I just read where Toyota bolt pattern is the same? 114.3 X 5?

Wheel Bolt Pattern Cross Reference Database and Conversion Guide: Ford*RANGER 4WD

[303462]

How about the steel 5.5x15 spacesaver spare wheels used on 74 on 911's and 944's. They look almost like the period steelies . Remove the spacesaver tire and put in a standard valve stem. I have seen them for as low as $40 on Craigslist and have purchased them out of 944's at the local self serve wrecking yard for about $25.

[DaveE]

cookie cutters are usually pretty reasonable.

[oh snap]

Could diamond racing or one of the other custom steel wheel makers build some?

Maybe piece together some space savers and mount new tires?

[56 nomad]

Originally Posted by 303462

How about the steel 5.5x15 spacesaver spare wheels used on 74 on 911's and 944's. They look almost like the period steelies . Remove the spacesaver tire and put in a standard valve stem. I have seen them for as low as $40 on Craigslist and have purchased them out of 944's at the local self serve wrecking yard for about $25.

hows the back spacing on the 944 same as on the 911? thanks , ben

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Didn't I just read where Toyota bolt pattern is the same? 114.3 X 5?

Wheel Bolt Pattern Cross Reference Database and Conversion Guide: Ford*RANGER 4WD

No, Toyota is a bunch smaller. The site linked does also show M Benz G-wagen with the Porsche pattern, which was news to me (if correct). But probably still not much help.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by 56 nomad

hows the back spacing on the 944 same as on the 911? thanks , ben

Wheels from early offset 944s (1983-1986) are interchangeable with early-offset 911s (through 1989)

All Fuchs are early offset
All Cookie Cutters are early offset.

Phone Dials are the only wheels Porsche used in both early and late offsets.

Cookie Cutters can be found for $200 a set if you look around. Really nice ones go for $300 or so.

I used to have a gaggle of 944 parts cars (racing will do that). The steel spares usually sell for under $50 each. It would be no problem for you to collect four for under $200.

[daniel911T]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

It sucks that there don't seem to be any 14" options. Both my Fuchs, and my wife's snow rims are 14." I was really hoping to get some tires that would fit my car for the 3K mile trip across country, then could go on her car when her current snow tires wear out.

The 911 is being driven across the country this time, but as she's ungalvanized, and her undercoat is in crappy shape, she generally spends all winter in the garage. I don't expect to take her out to play in the snow again.

If I realized that only 15" steelies could be found, then I would have got my wife's Honda 15" winter wheels. Oh well. I guess I'll just have to mount the tires on the Fuchs.

The original owner of my car ordered the "comfort package" and for the most part I appreciate this. It did get me full instrumentation, S trim, a front sway bar, and somehow it came with Koni shocks all the way around. The only down side was the rare 14 X 5.5 Fuchs. They're great, until you try to buy tires.

Anyway, thanks for the help! It's a bummer that they don't make cheap wheels for the 911, but it shouldn't surprise me.

-Dan

[56 nomad]

[QUOTE=Dantilla;6430961]
" Life is short. Drive fast."

That's a Roger. Thanks Ben

[porterdog]

Use SearchTempest for Craigslist searches and you'll find a set that will work for you. Best bet might be a nice set of wheels with snows already mounted; drive your drive and resell.

[Ramathorn]

phone dials would be a good cheap solution

[Dave Colangelo]

Modify it to accept tank treads, problem solved.......

But on a serious note, if the 944 wheels do fit, which I think they do, try and get a set of them. They wont be super cheap but they will be reasonable. Porsche made alot of 944's and 924's a good deal of which are now driven by silly teens (myself included). All whom find it necessary to put "rims" on their cars, thus the original wheels go up for sale frequently. Many people also part the cars out often and sell the wheels as a set.

Regards
Dave

[Etarga]

Originally Posted by Ramathorn

phone dials would be a good cheap solution

+1. They should fit on the slightly flared '69 body, not on '68 and earlier. And nobody would give a hoot if they got horribly corroded and turned into hose reels!

[Vin-barrett]

Originally Posted by daniel911T

I have a feeling that there is probably a old Mercedes size that would work, but I don't know what bolt pattern they use.

Mercedes is 5x112

[porwolf]

About the undercoating: Back in the old days in Germany, 1960's, it was not uncommon to put the car on a lift before winter and spray the underside with used motor oil. After that the car was driven over dusty roads to collect a solid oil drenched thick layer to cover the bottom for the season and protect agaist salt. That was our undrcoating then. And it worked.

[daniel911T]

Originally Posted by porwolf

About the undercoating: Back in the old days in Germany, 1960's, it was not uncommon to put the car on a lift before winter and spray the underside with used motor oil. After that the car was driven over dusty roads to collect a solid oil drenched thick layer to cover the bottom for the season and protect agaist salt. That was our undrcoating then. And it worked.

A properly leaky engine takes care of some of that.

-Dan