Machining 16X6 Fuchs for BBS halves....who?

[MotoSook]

Hey gang...

I know of a couple of sources that use to machine 16X6 Fuch centers (cut the centers out) so that they will bolt up to 16" or 17" BBS wheel halves. But they're not really available.

I know some of you guys out there have wheels like this. I'd like to know if there is more to the machining than just cutting the centers out and drilling the 20 bolt holes. Do the centers require any other machining at the perimeter? My 16's are in storage so I can't visually inspect them tonight.

Also, who out there is doing this machining now? Someone that's available (keyword).

[zotman72]

Contact Jim Lyon at True Design Wheel
http://www.trudesignwheel.net/
He might be able to help you. HTH

[equality72521]

Gary Stratton (Sonjay) here on Pelican.

[barney911rs]

+1 on Gary, he's done a lot of those.

[MotoSook]

Hi, Bill. Thanks for the reminder about Jim. I just got off the phone with Jim at Trudesign. We had a very nice conversation, and I have to say he's someone I would send my business to without a second thought, sounds like a great guy.

Anyhow, he provided very candid answers to the questions I had. Most interesting was his thoughts on the Fuch centers. He won't machine them for 3-piece applications anymore.

I don't think he'd take offense to me posting this, but he won't machine the Fuchs for a 3-piece wheel as one ends up with a center that is crack prone, at the bolt holes, due to a lack of material after machining.

I thought that was interesting since there are a lot of guys running 3-piece wheels made by others.


I sent Gary an e-mail, but having heard back yet.

[ShakinJoe]

There are four for sale here in Florida. $800 for all and they are already machined.

[oh snap]

Bumping an old thread to see if anyone has any more information with this. I have some 7s that I would like to make centers out of. I dont live near any of the shops that do it already and shipping the wheels kind of makes the whole thing not worth it. Is it something any machine shop can do or is there special equipment needed?

[jackb911]

Jim at TruDesign did these back in 2010. They started out as 17x7's that were purchased via the Pelican classifieds. "Pleased" is an understatement.

[Trackrash]

I'm guessing that it is more cost effective to have wheels welded up rather than machined and bolted together. I'm also guessing that those who weld them have perfected the process to eliminate any defects.

Additionally, the new cast replicas may be another option.

I have a pair of three piece Fuchs with BBS halves. Soon I will disassemble them and check for cracks.

Maybe others with a lot of track experience will chime in as to how these three options compare for longevity on the track.

[KTL]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

I'm guessing that it is more cost effective to have wheels welded up rather than machined and bolted together. I'm also guessing that those who weld them have perfected the process to eliminate any defects.

You're right. Trudesign and Lindsey Racing offer their Fuchs-based wheels in welded configuration & its quite a bit cheaper to go that route. They're very durable. Jack Olsen has used them for many years on his stout strace car (street + race car)

One thing worth noting, Trudesign can use 16x7 wheels to make welded wheels whereas Lindsey only uses the 16x6 for donors.

[not_hans_stuck]

If you're interested, I have a set of Truedesigns that I'll sell you. PM me.

[Retro]

I have a pair of unused 17" x 6 1/2" inner halves if any one can use them?

Stephen Retrotech: Classic and vintage Porsche cars, accessories and Porsche parts