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How about a new topic, one that I'm sure will generate as much as the lowered front suspension ;).

I'm in parts gathering mode and am looking around for some rims to use.

I'm doing the Flared kit with IRS so keep this in mind.

I really like the looks of the Fuchs rims (it actually took me quite a while to match a name to the rims). So I go to ebay and of course there are fuchs rims there.

I'm looking right now at auction 1870544538 which is for 2 6jx16 and 2 7jx16 rims.

There are also auctions for various other sizes like 5.5x14, "deep" 6x15, etc.

From reading some of the other topics on rim widths, it's obvious that the classic speedster has some limitations on rim widths, but how about the flared speedster?

Is the 7" rim going to cause me problems in the rear? Will the 6" be too wide and not give me very much steering radius? Am I going to be in "shim" hell trying to get these things to work?

I'm not concerned about the bolt pattern because I have "blank" disks with no bolt patterns. After I find some rims I will drill out the correct bolt patterns.

Fire away (this is fun!).
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How about a new topic, one that I'm sure will generate as much as the lowered front suspension ;).

I'm in parts gathering mode and am looking around for some rims to use.

I'm doing the Flared kit with IRS so keep this in mind.

I really like the looks of the Fuchs rims (it actually took me quite a while to match a name to the rims). So I go to ebay and of course there are fuchs rims there.

I'm looking right now at auction 1870544538 which is for 2 6jx16 and 2 7jx16 rims.

There are also auctions for various other sizes like 5.5x14, "deep" 6x15, etc.

From reading some of the other topics on rim widths, it's obvious that the classic speedster has some limitations on rim widths, but how about the flared speedster?

Is the 7" rim going to cause me problems in the rear? Will the 6" be too wide and not give me very much steering radius? Am I going to be in "shim" hell trying to get these things to work?

I'm not concerned about the bolt pattern because I have "blank" disks with no bolt patterns. After I find some rims I will drill out the correct bolt patterns.

Fire away (this is fun!).
I love the Fuch wheels look as well. It looks best with black. Also check out www.thesamba.com for more classifieds related to beetle parts. I've seen many fuch wheels and copies there. I may have to get a set for my classic body. The problem is the risk involved in purchasing a wheel which may not fit or requires custom spacers/adapters.

(Message Edited 10/27/2002 2:50:23 PM)
You didn't mention whether you were bargain hunting or a slave to the look at (nearly) any cost. There is a wheel refinishing and sales outfit that advertises in Panorama and they have a modified Fuchs wheel, made into like a three-piece look, that is killer.

I can see it in my mind's eye on a widebodied speedster...a close runner-up to the one's on Kelly's car.

I can hunt up the name of the company if you are interested...Goota go to work shortly.
MM
I think I'm somewhere in betwen a bargain hunder and slave to the look. I think I also might be jumping the gun on finding rims before I even have the body. Time to get back to the basics of getting the frame shortened and my engine rebuilt. (but it's sooo fun to get the "look" stuff figured out too!).
There are several different styles of 5-lug Fuchs wheels - the original five spoke, later five spoke, cookie cutters (these are ATE), and telephone dial. Lots of different rim widths, offsets, and diameters. Figure out what your car can mount then choose the wheels you like that will work.

(Message Edited 10/28/2002 11:16:21 AM)

(Message Edited 10/29/2002 5:34:50 PM)
I run the 6jx16 on the front and 7jx16 rear. Go look at them at Files, Members, Sweet CMC-C. I do have the 4 to Porsche five lug adaptors, which space them out. I also have an additional 3/8 inch of spacers in the front. A lot depends on your Speedster. Classic or flared? Front discs? Then you probably need spacers and adapters anyway. Properly installed and montiored, adapters and spacers are OK in my book. Note that I say montiored. That means repacking wheel bearings more frequently and checking the torque on wheels like every 1000 miles. I look at them every time I wash the car, or fiddle with it. If you've got discs up front that's the only clearance issue. Less of an issue with the 16 inch Fuchs. Tighter on the 15s and from what I've heard that probably means you will need to either shave the rotors or space the wheels out. Since it is a flared, you want to move the wheels out in the front to fill the well anyway.

(Message Edited 10/30/2002 11:57:04 AM)
Before you buy any from ebay check around at swap meets. They're a hell of a lot cheaper & you can see if they're bent or not. There's also aftermarket Fuch's that are not as good. So beware. Porsche swap meets, bulletin boards, etc. always have tons of Fuch's for sale. Different sizes, colors, polished, etc. Try Rennlist.com
Let us be clear about that - the "aftermarket Fuchs wheels" are NOT forged aluminum alloy wheels made by Fuchs, they are cheaply cast look-alikes. Genuine Fuchs wheels will have the Porsche part number and other data on the inside of the wheel.

There are several reliable companies that deal in used Porsche parts that can usually fix you up with nice used Fuchs wheels at a reasonable price; beware of "bargains" that may have been curb-dinged and repaired.

Caveat emptor...
I just posted a pic of the wheels and tires i got for $550 shipped. I think i got a great deal on these for sure. I also think there going to fit just fine being there the same width as the wheels im taking off my speedster yet there much shorter with the low profile tires. By the way what lug nuts do i need to get to work with adapters and these wheels? pic is under Jills CMC.

Mike
It should be noted that the 80s style Fuch wheels have a significant offset that makes them ideal for Speedster applications that have wider setups. i.e., rear disc brakes or 944 Turbo rear control arms.

I came to this conclusion as I was putting on a set of softer yoko's rear tires for the winter. These wheels have huge offset. I should have measured it, but was at a tire shop and the guys were not going to slow down for anything. Although they let me stand around and inspect their every move.

Just an important side note to consider if you are wanting to go with the rear disc setup, or the aluminum 944 Turbo rear arms.

Here is a site for the Fuchs. You can use goggle's translator:
home.t-online.de/home/UweH.Reuter/t_radser.htm

(Message Edited 11/12/2002 4:15:41 PM)
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