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Posted by: sithot Nov 26 2021, 09:20 AM

I've had a lot of wheels done over the years but never any 914/4 Fuchs models.
Looking for input on someone to refinish a set I bought this summer that are not curbed and in great shape save for the fact one has been obviously cleaned "too thoroughly" at some point.
It is not polished but it's apparent that it's not original finish either.
The idea is to have a second set of wheels with standard size tires on them to swap out when I go on longer journeys and not back road blasting. The 50's look great but as we all know create a lot of rpm in top gear so the interstate is NOT my friend.
FWIW, the car had ancient Dunlop GT Qualifiers in the same size. Still round, no cracks but "timed out" for sure!

Thanks!

Posted by: ClayPerrine Nov 26 2021, 09:23 AM

Instead of a spare set of wheels and tires, find an H or HB gearset for the 901 transmission and use it in place of the current ZD fifith gear. This makes the 50 series tires fine on the highway.

Clay

Posted by: sithot Nov 26 2021, 09:32 AM

QUOTE(ClayPerrine @ Nov 26 2021, 10:23 AM)

Posted by: mepstein Nov 26 2021, 10:08 AM

https://www.fuchsrestoration.com/
Does a great job and takes about 6 weeks.

I like the idea of multiple sets of wheels. I always had quite a few sets for bike racing. Fuchs always go up in value so there's no loss if you change your mind at a later date.

*not including refinish cost

You can always put the different finished wheel on the rear passenger side and run it as-is. It will still look the same but you won't see it every time you get in the car. Out of sight, out of mind.

Posted by: bkrantz Nov 26 2021, 11:56 AM

QUOTE(mepstein @ Nov 26 2021, 09:08 AM)

https://www.fuchsrestoration.com/
Does a great job and takes about 6 weeks.

I like the idea of multiple sets of wheels. I always had quite a few sets for bike racing. Fuchs always go up in value so there's no loss if you change your mind at a later date.

*not including refinish cost

You can always put the different finished wheel on the rear passenger side and run it as-is. It will still look the same but you won't see it every time you get in the car. Out of sight, out of mind.

Posted by: mmichalik Nov 26 2021, 01:10 PM

I had mine restored at https://www.fuchsrestoration.com/ They did a great job!
And they were quick as well. I can't say enough good things about them.

Posted by: sithot Nov 26 2021, 05:24 PM

Thanks for the positive reinforcement. I've heard good things about them.

Speed has always been an issue with shops that will remain nameless because I know it's not necessarily their fault. They've been over-run by restoration work.

Posted by: Van B Nov 26 2021, 05:38 PM

Slight tangent. What the hell is he saying on that site when he keeps referencing and pricing “RSR”?

Thanks,
Van

Posted by: rgalla9146 Nov 26 2021, 06:20 PM

RSR finish means polished rim at the tire with flat anodised paddles and inner
rim.....as was done on 911 RSR Fuchs racing wheels.
I don't have a close up but these are RSR finish done by Fuchs restoration.
The owner is available, easy to deal with and responsive.
Short turn around too.
Rory


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Posted by: Van B Nov 26 2021, 06:34 PM

Ah ok, thanks for spelling that out for me!

I just bought a set of ATS wheels from @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=21317 and I’d be curious if he could to a silver anodized finish on those for me.

Posted by: sithot Nov 27 2021, 11:51 AM

And then there IS this option for the non-purist.

https://www.stoddard.com/91436101101-sic.html

Posted by: Van B Nov 27 2021, 12:12 PM

That was my second choice if I couldn’t find the ATS wheels, but the ATS are 13lbs and the maxilite are 13.9lbs.

I think, back to the OP question, this Fuchs restoration shop is an incredible price for just and anodizing shop. Then when you consider everything else they will do, they seem like the ONLY rational choice for an original Porsche wheel.

Horror story:
I took some OEM BBS Sport Classic II wheels from my 996 to a local wheel restoration shop and they very nearly destroyed them!
They used a Torx rather than a 12-point spline bit and stripped out every single titanium bolt, then bead blasted the barrels without taping off the bolt holes and ruined the first few threads on each wheel… and oh by the way, they should not have been bead blasting to begin with!

Lesson learned for me, it’s either the best shop or no shop. I ended up saving the wheels by taking a week off work and just knuckling down to get it done… it would’ve been a $4k loss otherwise!

Posted by: sithot Nov 27 2021, 04:20 PM

Good grief. I heard of some ham-fisted work but this may take the cake!

Vapor Honing is pretty easy on things. I've used it to restore carburetor bodies.
Glass and sand can be very aggressive especially at higher pressures.

Glad to hear you could fix your wheels.