refinish fuchs or purchase replicas?

P951 · 04-09-2007, 05:42 PM

I'm located in San Diego. I have a 1986 944 turbo with black fuchs and a chromed outer lip. The fronts are 16 x 8's and the rears are 16 x 9's. The chrome is beginning to flake off of the right wheel and I suspect that the others are not far behind. I can't find a place that can refinish them. Any recommendations, even in Los Angeles or Anaheim? Also, I've seen fuch replicas for about $550 for a set of 4. Is there a big difference in terms of weight and strength? Would the replicas even fit on my car?

Thanks - confused in california

dogslovetrucks · 04-09-2007, 06:13 PM

Al Reed in Anaheim would be the closest/best refinisher to you. It's about $100 a wheel. Repro wheels are not only not as strong, but you will never see the resale value should the time come to sell them.

P951 · 04-09-2007, 06:23 PM

Thanks Dog. I'll give Al a call

P951 · 04-09-2007, 06:32 PM

Do you have a number for Al or a website that I can visit? Thank you. Also, if I'm not particularly worried about resale as I plan to own it until it won't run anymore, wouldn't the replicas be a good option. I know it takes like a month or so to correctly refinish wheels and I can't be without my car for that long. I like the idea of just mounting on new wheels and i'm off. Thanks for the info

dogslovetrucks · 04-09-2007, 07:10 PM

No website that I'm aware of- phone is 714-632-3907. According to others on the board, it may take a few days to get through. There's nothing wrong with aftermarket; the only thing is that they are...well...aftermarket. The copy fuchs are not as strong but are close in appearance and weight. Considering your wheels have been at least partially chromed, you may want to look at finding a set for sale here. The chrome process is not really a favorite here as it weakens the wheel (and looks a little too bling). Good luck and post pics- welcome to the board!

P951 · 04-09-2007, 07:14 PM

Thank you for your help, Dog

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

I also vote for refinishing. Repos are simply not the real thing, and if you look even remotely closely, you can tell the difference. The spokes on the repos, for example, are more squared-off than the real things.

Besides, one of the things that makes a Porsche a Porsche are the subsequent names that are affiliated: Bosch, VDO, KKK, Recaro, and Fuchs.

onZedge · 04-10-2007, 01:02 PM

There is a rather long thread going on the 911 tech forum here about somebody involved in the design of fuch reproductions. I subscribed to see if they are going to make late offset (52,3mm). My feeble research has not come up with a source for origional fuch's to fit a 924S. Like 6 or 7 front and 8 or 9 rear.

pozican · 04-10-2007, 01:35 PM

However, when the time comes for some 305 width tires, you may need some repros - Until then, stick to the real thing

P951 · 04-10-2007, 01:36 PM

Yes,

I saw that also. I believe only CAD drawings have been made up, though.

onZedge · 04-10-2007, 01:55 PM

Castings have been cast and prototypes have been prototyped...

P951 · 04-10-2007, 02:15 PM

Cool, Let's see what they will be priced at?

Dantilla · 04-10-2007, 05:56 PM

The new Fuchs wheels are 17" to take advantage of better tire selection.
It's getting hard to find high performance tires in 16" sizes.
They are going to be early offset. There are already plenty of late offset choices, but it's the guys with 1989 and earlier 911s that are waiting in line to get the new 17's, and keep the classic Fuchs look.
They are going to make 17x7.5 fronts, and 17x9 rears. There is talk of adding a 17x11 next, for the turbo bodied cars.

They are trying to bring them to the market for less than $1000/set.

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

That is impressive. How much do they weigh compared to the "real deals"?

Aufgeladen944 · 04-12-2007, 05:33 AM

I refinished my own, and I think my friend and I did a pretty darn good job. I wouldn't score points at a Concours event, but the car is driven daily and doesn't just sit collecting dust.

I used painter's tape to block off all the parts I don't want painted, and just used engine enamel paint on the spokes (the black part...), and then wet/dry sanded the "chrome." Only thing is, mine weren't ever chrome-y. I have a picture of when the car was new, and they were distinctly aluminum-like in appearance. I kind like that look, anyways.

Anyways, they came out decently well. Couple small spots of overspray where the paint didn't hold up, but other than that they're pretty nice.