Vintage Rally Car Wheels - Seeking Opinions

[jaudette3]

Some of you are familiar with my '67 911 Coupe Sports Purposes build vintage rally car. I have a question about period correct wheels on these cars and I would appreciate input.



I'm currently running 911R 7" wheels on the back and deep 6's (with hearts) on the front, a configuration that I believe the 911R's of the day used. But I have always liked the look of steelies on these cars - to me they look more business-like. I have looked at a lot of pictures of early rally cars and it appears that steelies were used a lot. They appear to be painted rather than chrome (we don't need no stinkin' chrome on a rally car!).

So I'm thinking of pulling the Fuchs and mounting steelies - what do you think?

Cheers,
JohnA

[super9064]

John I think soon you will have enough extra parts to build a another car

I too like the look of painted steelies. One option is to have Harvey widen a set of steel wheels to R spec. I really like the look of the 904 wheels. Another option is to find a set of the aluminum wheels that Boyd Coddington was making for West coast haus aka Alex Blevens. They were made for 356 and early 911s in multiple widths, and custom offsets, they could be powder coated silver, for the right look, but weigh a ton less.

[super9064]

Aluminum wheels on my buddies speedster.

http://www.356registry.org/Tech/whee...ens_alloy.html

[jaudette3]

Rob...

I love those wheels. I had a set on my '60 Super 90 Roadster and I felt they were the best thing I did to the car: more rubber on the road with less unsprung weigth. And they look great. But I don't think they would be authentic for an early 911 rally car. They seem to have used plain old steel wheels. I do like the idea of having Harvey widen them though. Does anyone know if that was done in the day?

Cheers,
JohnA

[68S_SK2]

Hi John,

I am thinking about the same Fuchs wheel combination like you use right now!

Could you please let me know which spacer size and tire you use for the rear? Do you have flared fenders or still the originals?

Thank you very much.

Best
Claudius

[jaudette3]

Claudius....

The 911R 7's are mounted with 22mm spacers. The inside of the fenders have been very slightly shaved and there is rubbing on rare occasions, such as a severe compression bump. On the rear I run 225/50's for street use and 550M period Dunlops for shows. On the front I run 205/55's for street and Dunlop 500M's for shows. For the track, I run another set of 7" wheels front and rear mounted with 225/50's (which I think might be a bit too much rubber).

My thought is to run the same tires for street and show on a set of 7" and 6" steelies back and front.

Cheers,
JohnA

[Flieger]

This is the "transformer" car I read about in the Esses, yes? Very nice either way.

In my opinion, Fuchs look more "Sports Purpose" becuase they are a lightweight, strong Aluminum alloy Forged wheel. Precision engineering from that great period of Porsche Motorsport. The factory at that time wanted Fuchs for their performance advantage so I think they are the most "fitting" wheel for a car like yours. I also think they look better.

That is just my opinion, but you asked. It is your car, do what you want to.

Cheers

[jaudette3]

This is the "transformer" car I read about in the Esses, yes? Very nice either way.

Max...

It was in the December, 2008 issue of Excellence. It was a transformer at that time but it seems to be stuck in its rally configuration at the moment - and maybe permanently.

Thanks for the input. I agree that it looks good with the Fuchs. I may keep it that way and save the steelies for my current duoble super secret project.

Cheers,
JohnA

[Harvey Weidman]

Hi John,

I am thinking about the same Fuchs wheel combination like you use right now!

Could you please let me know which spacer size and tire you use for the rear? Do you have flared fenders or still the originals?

Thank you very much.

Best
Claudius

We usually use the 15mm bolt to bolt adapters for 7Rs. The are easy to set up and they allow you to use 205/60s and 185/65s. A similar tire buldge front to rear. (on Tom Bridger's wheel thread)
You can use 225/50s but they are very close and may need clearancing.
H

[Harvey Weidman]

John,
I like the look of steel wheels for the off road Rally type car. At least as a change up. We have done some with off road type tires on 6s and they are good vintage look. (I'll look for a photo) I like Fuchs unpainted on the street type Rally cars, like some of the press photos. My .02
H