Building a better Fuchs
 

Well, at least 'building one that's almost as good' would do.

I'm putting together a set of custom-made 17-inch Fuchs (in 8.5- and 10-inch widths), and I've got a choice. The safe way to go is with three-piece wheels with 20 (or more) bolts holding the sections together. Mike Marshall has a set of these, and they look great and (so far) have held up well.

A less ideal option is to have two-piece welded wheels made with the same Fuchs centers. It's a direction I'm considering because I can't get 3-piece wheels made in time for the Open Track Challenge next month. The two piece wheels are made by heating an outer rim up so that it expands enough to slip a Fuchs center in, and then letting it cool and welding the center in place. Lindsey Racing has been using a set on a track car that's heavier than mine without incident for five years.

Here's what they look like:

http://www.lindseyracing.com/project/944q.jpg

I know nothing's quite as good as a one-piece Fuchs wheel, but I'm interested in other guys' thoughts about this 17-inch version.

"I can't get 3-piece wheels made in time for the Open Track Challenge next month."

I think your own statement gives you the best way to go.

I am sure that both wheels are very good. I would think that down the line any damage to a three piece wheel could be more easily repaired.

It also looks like the "weld-in" version will require you to chrome the wheel for a shinny :D finish. You know as well as anyone that the forging will weaken the center portion of the wheels, and will eventually peel off the surface (at least the centerportion.)

Those look chromed in the picture, but they're polished. On mine, the insets will be painted black, and the spokes and rims will be polished.

From a strength and repairability perspective, I like the three piece solution.

Two piece might be just fine, but I wonder what happens to the center when it is welded. Does it get harder and more brittle? And do they heat treat these to anneal? May not be necessary, just questions I'd be asking.

I've seen Marshall's wheels and from an appearance perspective - they KICK ASS. They keep the classic look but update it very nicely with 17 inch. I think the bolt circle helps to visually fill out the space to the rim.

If your taking a vote, put me down for 3 piece.

Jack,
Ask yourself which design you really want for the long term. If it's the 3 piece, and I suspect it is, wait for them. Whichever you choose, go with your gut, it's usually right.
Mark

I saw a three piece recently that cracked in the rim right below where the fuchs center bolted to it. The fuchs center was fine though. But I think this only makes a good argument for the quality of the fuchs forge and a bad one for the rim manufacturer.

Bobby

Hey Jack, I've got a solution and you'll save a bag full of money as well! In my travels today, I spotted a Ricer with 20 inch diameter hubcaps on normal diameter wheels - yes, they covered part of the tire sidewall, leaving only about an inch or 2 showing. They were chrome and even had a Fuchs-like design!! Just trying to be helpful. :D -- Curt

You know, someone would make a bundle of money if they started turning out forged wheels of the same build quality and style of Fuchs, but in 17" and 18" sizes.

I'd pay *loads* of money for 18" Fuchs.

Jack, for my money i would go with the welded wheel if it is as strong as the 3 pcs. I have seen the 3 pcs. in one of the catalogs and they are great looking in a high tech sort of way but i really like the stock look of the welded wheel. I am shopping for new tires right now and wish i could go up to the 17in but can't see spending the $ for the bigger wheels . How much for the welded wheel? What ever you get are going to look tits on your car .
Jerry

I was looking at the Excellence article in respect of this car (http://www.early911sregistry.org/jCalzia.html) last night. With the black, early style painting the rim to spoke mouting hardware looked like it fully blended in.

I suspect Jack (and others) have seen the car in the flesh (metal?) and can give a better idea.

The idea of a set of custom offset 16s which allowed 225s on the back of a narrow car (ie a 911R offset) is semi-attractive at this stage (except for the (I imagine) unholy cost).

Mark, to tool up to forge a new fuchs wheel 17 or 18 in. could cost thousands and thousands of $ and requires equip that can handle 40 or 50 tons of pressure. Very large forging equip. It is a lot different manf. process than the computer driven mills and laths that are used for most wheels today. There was an artical in either excellance or panorama a few years ago that showed the process fuchs used to make wheels and it s a very complicated process.
my 2 cents
Jerry

Is the welded wheel really much weaker than the bolted wheels? The welded wheel has heat weakening of the rim, the bolted wheel has localized stress concentrations around each bolt. Neither is going to be as strong as an original Fuchs, but both seem to work. maybe you could get a welded wheel heat-treated to bring it back?