DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

At the risk of committing Heresy and being on stand by to take the criticism from the purists, I am posting my thoughts on how I can get the period correct appearance of 4 1/2" Fuchs on my 67 912 without breaking the bank. Now I know that the Fuchs were only available on the 911S in 67 and would not be on my car but I like the look of the SWB S with its flat sides and the narrow 165 tyres.

My car was produced with 4 1/2" steels which are still in very nice condition and these are in storage. I bought a set of 5 1/2" Fuchs in, wait for it ................. Chrome finish! No not one of my smartest choices (as Mike has pointed out) but this was probably driven from my time in the world of Harley Davidson's where the work involved in the upkeep of the other finish available, polished alloy is a pain.

So here are my thoughts, I am considering buying a set of 4 1/2" Fuchs replicas in polished alloy and having them powder coated in a new finish from Interpon called Classic Anodic finish. This is available in several colours to match classic satin or matt anodised aluminium finish. This will give me the durability I am looking for and reduce the bling of the polished rims. The 4 1/2" Fuchs were finished with black (satin I think) darts between the spokes extending to the sides of the slots and on the backside of the rims. I also think the lug nuts would have been alloy finish (not black).

i am also thinking of having the valve holes machined out to accept the period correct wider valves.

So if any Fuchs experts on here could see their way to supporting such Heresy, any direction on what would be period correct in terms of finish, it would be much appreciated.

Mike (210bhp), do you have 4 1/2" Fuchs in your Aladdin's Cave that could be inspected for reference?

Hi Knoxy

Looks like an interesting plan. I'd be interested to see how it come out and how close to the originals you can get.

The inside surface of the wheel is a whitish grey colour on the original wheels as far as I know so you will have some combination powder coating to do to get them perfect front and back.

I have an original wheel you are welcome to look at, borrow, photograph or whatever. Let me know if you want to pop down.

Regards
Mike

If they are supplied in bare polished aluminium why don't you get them anodised, then they will be far more durable, and will look more correct.

Thanks Mike, that would be useful. However it will probably make me drool when I feel how light they are versus the cast repros. I might pop down this weekend if it suits. Helga is into Seditas in Ayr on Friday to have the new Webers tuned (see other thread). Did I see in another post that you had hung up your eye chart and retired?

Hi Nick.

Perhaps incorrectly, I assumed that Anodising would be pretty expensive. Additionally, I'm not sure there are any Anodising facilities locally, we are not blessed with as many facilities as down south. I have access to paint and powder coating suppliers and facilities at little or no cost so when I saw that there was a new powder finish designed to replicate Anodising.

Not something I would consider with a set of originals but thought it may be interesting to try on the reps.

Knoxy wrote:Thanks Mike, that would be useful. However it will probably make me drool when I feel how light they are versus the cast repros. I might pop down this weekend if it suits. Helga is into Seditas in Ayr on Friday to have the new Webers tuned (see other thread). Did I see in another post that you had hung up your eye chart and retired?

Knoxy

This weekend is out I'm afraid as I have a very important visitor staying. I'll keep you posted because it could be the following weekend is out as well but still waiting on plans to materialize.

As far as I am aware I'm still working away six days a week. No retirement plans yet.

You should get your name down on the Scottish Highland tour with Caron. It's going to be a great weekend and a great and relatively cheap venue. Give those webers a good blow through.

Regards
Mike

I would be surprised if anodising is more than powder coating, if you can find someone fairly local.

Nick Moss wrote:I would be surprised if anodising is more than powder coating, if you can find someone fairly local.

Not if the materials and process is for nowt.

OK Mike

I'll see if we can organise something at another time.

Just be cautious when considering anodising cast aluminium, I know some places won't touch cast as it either doesn't take well or colours can not be guaranteed, I have seen clear come come out very milky.
Cheers.Nick.

nickT wrote:Just be cautious when considering anodising cast aluminium, I know some places won't touch cast as it either doesn't take well or colours can not be guaranteed, I have seen clear come come out very milky.
Cheers.Nick.

Thanks Nick

I went to see an Anodising company today and got the same vibe. What I was able to gauge was that the "natural" finish, 50 micron hard anodising process was extremely close in appearance to the powder coated sample Card I have. Decisions, Decisions!

If the wheels are non standard and non original why go to the lengths and expense of the original finish? Only a small handful of uber-nerds will be able to tell anyway. Get em done quickly and economically and get driving it! Summers on its way

Hi David

Ive already bought one set of wheels in a finish that is wrong for the car so Im OK taking my time to get the finish right. It wont keep the car off the road.

By the way, Im in Scotland so its another 6 months until we get our summer week.

210bhp wrote:

Knoxy wrote:Thanks Mike, that would be useful. However it will probably make me drool when I feel how light they are versus the cast repros. I might pop down this weekend if it suits. Helga is into Seditas in Ayr on Friday to have the new Webers tuned (see other thread). Did I see in another post that you had hung up your eye chart and retired?

Knoxy

This weekend is out I'm afraid as I have a very important visitor staying. I'll keep you posted because it could be the following weekend is out as well but still waiting on plans to materialize.

As far as I am aware I'm still working away six days a week. No retirement plans yet.

You should get your name down on the Scottish Highland tour with Caron. It's going to be a great weekend and a great and relatively cheap venue. Give those webers a good blow through.

Regards
Mike

Mike

I have searched for "Scottish Highland Tour" but can only find a post about the deposit payment. I cant find any details about the dates venue etc so I can check if we could make it.