What are they Rivieras or Formula V?

[geladen]

I have been looking at the different Riviera threads using the search function to try and figure out what I have. I have 2 sets of these wheels, one set was on my 71 914 when I got it and the other set I have had for a while, they came off a 69 Beetle. Both sets are the same, like the early Rivieras with out the raised block on the spokes.
I saw in RuntRod.com that there was a wheel called Formula V that looks the same.
Now my question, does any body know how to differentiate the 2 and also were these ever made for the 914 or did the dealers install bug wheels on the 914s? I was onced told that these where optional wheels on the 914. Any truth to that?

Kris

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

They may be both, or either Riviera or Formula V. It wouldn't be the first time two different companies made the same wheel and called it different names. Or it may be that the early version was called Formula V, and the later was called Riviera, or some such.

Rivs (or FVs) were never factory-supplied options on 914s. They were not infrequently installed by the dealers to make the cars look nicer (than the original steel wheels) and to add profit margin.

There are also bug-offset Rivs. If you cannot fit tires wider than 165 under the rear fenders without rubbing, you have Bug-offset Rivs. If not, then you probably have 914-offset Rivs.

If you like numbers, the 914 version will have between 4" and 5" of "backspacing"--the distance between the inside lip of the rim and the part that sits against the hub. Bug wheels will have more like 2 1/2" - 3".

--DD

[geladen]

Thanks, I saw different posts where people mention backspacing and such, so I guess they did make 914 specific Rivs/Formula V wheels. I mean, they are OK, I was considering keeping them for Auto x tires but from what I have seen, they are not the best wheels for that. I think the ones on the 914 have the correct offset since I tink there was 195 series tires on them.
Anyway thanks for the info.
Kris

[geladen]

Well, I just measured one of the wheels I had in my attic and they have 4.5 inch offset, so I guess that makes it a 914 Riv.
What is interesting too is that I have a Cookie cutter from a 911 and it too has a 4.5" offset but it is a 6" wheel instead of 5"...
Hmmm... maybe I need to look for 2 more and convert over to 5 lug...
Soo many projects....soo little money.