Pitted Rims

Have been thinking about replacing the rims since even with polishing the pitting is still there.

CB charges about $53/rim and then there's also shipping. Saw Beauty Rings on www.peakperformance.com. Don't know how they mount. Anybody ever buy these?

It might not make too much sense economically but the Brazilian Mangels are pretty solid wheels and my opinion is that they're worth the trouble of re-plating them right. The stock chrome coating on them is pretty thin but once they're replated right they'll stay like that forever, provided you don't abuse them, of course. I had stock beauty rims on a '69 (4 lug) Karmann Ghia I used to have. I don't think they look right on a Speedster. FWIW, earlier Porsches (5 lug) had a "turbo" beauty ring that helped ventilate the brake drums; not Speedsters, though.

JP,

If those are four lug rims that are pitting and you're thinking of replacing . . . I'd be interested in buying them from you.

I'm kind of gathering parts for a stupid new project (sort of 356 related) and I need some four lug chromed rims, but don't need a perfect/really good pair. Just some street wheels for now.

Maybe let me know, here or email,

Thanks, TC

TC,

Debating about replacing wheels and tires. Checking out various tires.
The wheels are 4 lug. I'll let you know.

P.S. What tool do you use to remove the baby moons? A regular screw driver is difficult and I don't want to scatch them up.

Use the regular VW tool which is a two pronged wire thing. Put the prongs in the two little holes in the hubcap and pry it with a screwdriver.

Ricardo,
That's my problem. Unless I'm blind and have no sense of feel - there are no holes in the hubcaps to insert the thingy.
Joe

Actually the "u" shaped OEM prong was meant to be used the the handle for the lug nut removing "socket" --- it put pressure on the tire and not the rim so no scratches. Unfortunately not all the aftermarket hub caps have the two holes so you end up using a screw driver.

Well Joe; if your hubcaps don't have the holes then that's a whole new ballgame. My suggestion then would be to try and pry them loose with a tool (be it screwdriver, etc) wrapped in cloth. That way you'd be minimizing possible damage to them as well as the rim.

Also, you're right Wolf, now that I remember, I used the steel bar to pull on the wire thing using the side of the tire to lean the bar against it, thus eliminating damage to the rim or hubcap.

drill you caps before reinstallation, seal drilled holes with
clear nail polish to prevent rust.

OK, I started this thread. I finally went with the 165s and bought 4 new 5 1/2 wheels. The fronts fit fine but I didn't realize the rears had an offset - the new ones rub. Several machine shops said no to cutting and welding, some said they would try. I know 165 is 165 but:

1, Would 4 1/2 wheels work on the back for an offset?
2. If so, would it affect the steering/tracking if used permanently?
3. If they would work could I use an extra tire that I have on a 4 1/2 as a spare - this would give all 4 wheel spare possibilities and be used for limited use only? I know it would not fit in the trunk but be kept in the garage just in case.

joe-this subject has been gone over before look in the history.
i forgot who "but somebody" knows who is making the 5.5" wheels
with a 1/2" offset to correct this issue. i think the spyder
guys use them, their clearances must be a little tighter back there.
ps-did your old rim/tire setup rub?

J.P Many of us notice a 1/2 to 3/8 difference in the clearance of the rear tires. My drivers side was rubbing, when the passenger side had 3/4 clearance. In california ( gotta be a "Wheel" place in the east.) a pretty well known among hot rodders place called
"Stockton Wheel" Took my chrome 5 1/2 rim.....cur the welds, moved the rim in board 1/2 inch, and rewelded it, Can't tell that it's any different from the others, but the clearance is perfect all around.
I did not want it rotated, so I painted the inner side....red, so it will stand out as different. Cost me $60.00


Gclarke "The vacaville Guy"

Bruce,

No the old rear rims have the offset. They have clearance. good on the driver's side and Ok on the Passenger side.Remounted the old rears so I can drive and figure this out.

Bruce, forgot am running through the history section now. Found it undr Offset. let's see what i find.

Joe, as you have in IM, Henry has the rear wheels modified. I think they start as a set of 4 wheels that are 5.5s, but the rears get widened to 7". I'm not sure of the exact mods but someone here must know. I'll bet you can just call Henry and buy 4 wheels with Dunlop 195/60R15s preinstalled.