Would a set of 17" Fikse spoil the classic look of my 78 sc Targa

[TargaEuro]

My 78 Targa has the chrome trim with the brushed stainless hoop instead of all blacked out trim. Would a set of 17" Fikse wheels spoil the classic look. Or should I try to find some 16" Fuchs and polish them. I currently have 15s on it now. Let the opinions fly!!!....TargaEuro

[Greg-slant/cab]

My opinion is you should do whatever you think makes your car look good and not what ever any one else thinks about it. After all your the one that has to drive and pay for it.

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Greg-slant/cab
http://www.geocities.com/gregslantcab/

[TargaEuro]

True, Just curious to know what others thought about Fikse wheels. I think they look real nice on mid 80's Carrera coupe's but on an SC Targa with chrome trim. I just have a hard time visualizing them on my car....TargaEuro

[Saffs]

My feeling would be keep it original. SCs look great with chrome trim, and wheels looking too "modern" for the unusual chrome look would spoil it.

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'75 911S Targa
'81 BMW Alpina C1 2.3

[89911]

These are 17" on an 89. Someone before had black anodized centers on a five spoke pattern that recreated the original look if you want to stay traditional. These also were made by Fikse. Very good wheels.

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8 9 9 1 1, The last of the line.

[This message has been edited by 89911 (edited 09-01-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 89911 (edited 09-03-2001).]

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Having just bought new wheels and tires for my '83 SC coupe, I chose inch-wider-than-stock 16" Fuchses painted body color (yellowbird yellow) with anodized rims. I could have bought anything I wanted, but I think a 1983 car looks silly with late '90s wheels.

stephan

[cegerer]

I think more important than size, is to get wheels with a silver finish to match the roll bar and trim.

[89911]

?

[This message has been edited by 89911 (edited 09-03-2001).]

[TargaEuro]

I like that idea. I could get the same style Fikse wheels as 89911 to match the trim. I could also get 16" Fuchs and paint the centers GP white like the car and polish the lips. I like both Ideas. Guess I got some decisions to make. Thanks for the opinions everyone....TargaEuro

[Bill Verburg]

You can sort of keep the classic look as I have with Kinesis


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Bill Verburg
My Home Page My Pelican Gallery page My Porsche Owners Gallery Page

[TargaEuro]

Bill what model Kinesis wheels are those. If you could tell me the size and backspacing you are running that would help me. Thanks....TargaEuro

[Early_S_Man]

YES!!!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[Bill Verburg]

8x17 & 9.5x17, os +25mm & +19mm, bs 5.5" & 6"
The only reason I did it was for bigger tire and brake clearance, i wanted to stick with the classc look as muchas possible, so i had the ctrs powder paited satin black.
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Bill Verburg
My Home Page My Pelican Gallery page My Porsche Owners Gallery Page

[89911]

Bill, where did you get those from?

[This message has been edited by 89911 (edited 09-01-2001).]

[TargaEuro]

Thanks Bill. Any tire clearence problems with those 17's. I like that look and the fact that I can fill the wheel wells. Did you have to recalibrate the speedo? Thanks....TargaEuro

[orbmedia]

My opinion (you asked for it) is that these wheels are essential for racing but they do destory the proper look of these cars.

[Bill Verburg]

I bought them thru a local race prep shop that I have a good relationship with. This setup requires a lot of work with oil lines, trailing arm nuts & bolts and all 4 lips. I would only recomend it if you are very hard core and in conjunction with Bilstein sport shocks and uprated torsion bars(22&29). Otherwise stick with 8x17, ~23.3 - +24mm os, and 9x17, ~+15 - +16mm os, with smaller, shorter & lighter, tires, no larger than 235/40x17f(mine are 235/45 the extra height causes trouble at the lip and joint between the fender and bumper) & 265/40x17r(mine are 275/40 which caused a problem at the lips and oil lines and adjusters on the trailing arms). The only reason that I chose Kinesis over Fikse was that for my application/sizes spacers were required.

The taller tire does affect final drive ratio another reason to stick with shorter tires(255/40 or 265/40x17) especially with stock engines. At 70 the revs are a little lower(more relaxed) than before(it's hard to keep it under 85, i have the tickets to prove it) and standing start is a bit slower. At the track the gearing is perfect and the extra grip under braking and cornering is very much appreciated, negating any acceleration drawbacks . The speedo reads a little low, its not an issue.

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Bill Verburg
My Home Page My Pelican Gallery page My Porsche Owners Gallery Page

[Randy W]

I think Fikse FM-5s look pretty good on the early 911s (pre-74). The other styles look good on the latter 911s. Still, there is an argument for prefering appropriate Fuchs over any other style of wheel on a pre-90 911 - they just look right.

[not_sure]

Man, I get wood everytime I see that car... Sweet car Bill

[rcilurso]

Well since this got bumped back up again I'll chime in. To answer your question in one word... yes. But that does not mean it will make the car look dumb or anything. Just won't look classic, it's a no brainer. Car's like Bill's look great with the aftermarket wheels, no complaints. I recently got some aftermarket 993s for my 87 and after a month or two swapped them for turbo fuchs. I love upgrading but something about the fuchs on that car did it for me. Bill's car is cool combining the color scheme and new wheels... just find something YOU like. I wound up painting the centers of my fuchs body color. Worked for me. I really wish I had a slammed turbo 96 or newer 911 looking 911, but I'll wait and get one. The old 9's are just cool to me. Look online at tons of photos and find something you like. Just hope you don't go and buy wheels only to decide you like the classic look like one idiot I know

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rj cilurso
87 911 targa