Fuchs vs. Replica

[Mike Kunz]

Besides the Fuchs (fox) stamp, what are the differences between a 4-bolt fuchs alloy and a replica fuchs alloy?

Is there a difference in value for both wheels in equally good condition?

Thanks!

Mike

[campbellcj]

I'm not a big fan of replica wheels. IMHO, if you have two wheels that "look" very similar and one is substantially cheaper than the other...well, there's probably a reason. The replica Fuchs are usually cast, not forged, and many folks say they are inferior in terms of looks, weight, and strength. The real forged Fuchs (911/914/944 etc) are some of the best OE wheels ever used on a production automobile. Just my $.02 of course.

[Mike Kunz]

I am starting to wonder which I have though...can't find a fuchs marking on the wheel...wheel appears to be visually correct, but not sure.

One thing I did notice is that the center cap fits very loosely to the point of needed of wrap tape around it to prevent it from flying off. I'm wondering if later style (911) caps would fit?

So, would it be correct to say that all 4-bolt fuchs wheels are stamped with a fuchs symbol?

mike

[JmuRiz]

Do your wheels have a part number on them? If they do you can post them and I'm sure someone will know if it is a legit number or not.
The real Fuchs are great wheels...they are really had to beat the weight/strenght without paying 3x as much. Go with the real thing if you ever have a choice!

Nathan

[Kevin Powers]

back spacing is a key issue. i have never measured an after market set. after seeing some at a local show there were obvious differences.may seem petty but the paint lines were way off and the polished rim edge seemed much wider, the horizontal face not the verticle. i have an old set of riveira's and a newer set, the back spacing is way dif.

[Joe Bob]

Pull the wheels, on the inside there will be serial numbers.....five lug Fuchs will have a 911. serial number and a Fox logo....four lug ones will have a 914. serial number and VW logo.

[unclerichy]

From what I've seen, the "shoulder" of the spokes on the real Fuchs seems to be softer (or more rounded) than on some of the replica's.

Rich
'73 1.3
'74 2.0

[flying9142_2]

usually a dead giveaway on the repros is the area around where the lugs go. On the repro american Eagles the lug holes are counter sunk deeper into the wheels. whereas on the real deal FUCHS they are more or less flush. I have 3 Fuchs on my Teener and 1 repro American Eagle ( although I do have a awesome set of real FUCHS that will go on it someday ).
I have the repro on the rear and both the repro and the Fuchs have the same clearance to the fender , running 205/60/15 rear tires ( gotta keep them revs down on the freewayat 90mph )
I can post pictures later this week comparing the two if you would like.

[Mike Kunz]

Thanks! Pics would be great too!

Mike

[philinjax]

The only advantages of the replica Fuchs are; They are less expensive, they will polish up very brightly and much easier
than the stock Fuchs and you can use the same lug bolts as on the steel wheels.

A few years ago, I traded a set of fake Fuchs even up for an excellent set of real Fuchs with a guy from Miami. He even came
up to Jax for the deal. He had a VW van for show. He told me
that the fakes shine up much better than than stock Fuchs.

Phil

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

A really big advantage to the originals:

They are stronger.

The shape of the wheel was designed with the strength of forged aluminum in mind. The same shape (same thickness) seems to have been used on the cast replicas. Since the cast aluminum is not as strong as forged, the wheels are weaker.

The way I drive, I do not want a weak set of wheels on the car. Cast wheels that were designed from the beginning as cast are fine. Cast wheels that were designed as something else originally are not.

I have also run into fitment problems with the fakes. I know of four separate occasions on three different cars where the owner was unable to pull the fake off of the hub without a ton of work. One of those people was me. I finally removed the wheel by kicking on it hard enough that the car almost fell off its jack stands (I was really frustrated by then!!); one person loosened his lug bolts and drove until he heard rattling noises; and one used a huge crow-bar and "dragged the car all the way across the garage" before the wheel came off.

I've never had a problem with the Real Thing, except if you count after smashing it into a curb. (Did I mention the way I drive??)

--DD