Why 4 1/2" x 15" Fuchs?

[JPlonghood]

I now have a '68 S sporto, #1088, and it has 4 1/2" X 15" Fuchs. I thought this size was only for the '67S. Is this due to the fact that it's a sporto, or do I need to start looking for a set of 6"x15" to make the car correct?

[Soterik]

The 4.5 Fuchs are only correct for 1967. The correct Fuchs for 1968 is the 5.5 Fuchs which are a one year only item. The 6 Fuchs started in 1969.

regards,
Eric

[Grady Clay]

Eric is correct, the 4.5x15 Fuchs are standard ‘67S only but optional other models that year. The 5.5x15 Fuchs is standard ’68 911S and 911L only but optional other models. The ‘deep’ 6x15 was standard 911S ’69-71 and available on the other models. The 5.5x14 Fuchs was standard for the 911E and ‘Comfort Group’ option in those years. Someone should search which Fuchs was with the ‘Appearance Group’ in ’69-’71.

To be correct, you want the 5.5x15 Fuchs for your ’68. I have my five with unused spare (and OE chromes) resting quietly with late (’73RS) 7x15 on the car.

When my dad ordered his Factory delivery ’66 912 sunroof coupe in early ’66, Porsche KG wrote back in March or so that the “new” Fuchs wheel was available. He got 5.5x15 chrome wheels with 165/78-15 Semperets and non-enameled hubcap crests in June ‘66. Those could have been some of the earliest Fuchs produced.

Trivia of the day.

Best,
Grady

[sweetE]

The "5.5X14" Fuchs was also an option on the 76 912E

[Grady Clay]

Dale,

Very good.

I think it is a different version of the 5.5x14 compared to the ’69-> version. Can you help me document this? Do you have an un-mounted wheel?

Best,
Grady

[sweetE]

Grady,

I'll check one of my wheels and get back to you with the #'s on the back

[sweetE]

Grady,

The 5.5X14 Fuchs on my 1976 912E are numbered as follows:

911.361.016.10
AS1.62
1.28784

They take the bigger "Round" hub cap as opposed to the earlier "3 Pronged" caps.

Hopefully this helps

[Grady Clay]

Dale, thanks.

One thing that should be noted is the Fuchs 4.5x15, 5.5x15, 5.5x14 (911E) and 6x15 (deep) do not have the safety bump to retain the bead on the wheel. This started with all models in ’72.

A solution to this is to build a replica using a later ‘safety’ wheel.

Best,
Grady

[sithot]

Center caps on 4.5 Fuchs are different than the "other" 3 prong center caps as the typeset is heavier.

Tom