First to narrow the subject down a bit we will be looking at the Fuchs wheel from 1967 -1989.
The first 911 alloy wheel was available on the 1967 911S and was 4.5" wide. It was basically the same size and offset as the steel wheels. It is unique among the Porsche wheels in that no other wheel is painted like it. It has a dart of black from the lug hole to the cooling hole. This paint was put on with the aid of a mask and was touched up with a brush as needed.
As wheel size became larger with the introduction of the 5.5" wheels on the 1968 model cars the wheels were dipped in black paint to produce a definitive spoke and outer rim design.
In the early 70's racecars and the legendary 1973RS was available with solid painted (black or color) centers with the outer rim and offset exposed as anodized. These wheels were painted with a mask.
Small aside: the 9" and 11" wheels found on race cars were not polished on the tops of the spokes because the wheels are too deep and, as the racing department manager once put it, "they only have to look like Porsche wheels from the grandstand".
The amount of polishing on rims changed when 16" diameter wheels were introduced. The wheel is polished down to the center before anodizing. A 15" version of this wheel finish was also made available. It is usually found on the first generation 944 but was also made available on 911 and is standard on many anniversary models.
To understand how to refinish Fuchs wheels we will briefly look at how they were originally done. Subsequent to the forging process rough areas were ground away, the wheel was then polished, anodized and painted. Reproducing this is difficult primarily because the wheel must be returned to the raw starting point.
Now to the refinish process. First, all paint and anodizing should be removed. The best method is combination of media blasting and cold paint remover. Hot tanks and heavy blasting should be avoided…hot tanks are sometimes too hot and you would not like to pay for a normalizing (reheat) treatment if you don't have to.
Next it's time to check for cracks, true, corrosion, curb damage and wear. Yes, wheels can wear out; usually around the bead area. Check the lug holes, mounting surface, and cap hole. The cap hole is where most tire shops center their wheel balancer so it is good to know if it's in the center of the wheel.
The second step in the refinishing process is grinding, polishing and buffing. After this step the wheels are cleaned with clean solvent or lacquer thinner.
Once cleaned the anodizing process is begun or if the wheels are to be left at high polish then it's time to mask and paint.
Although most wheels were originally dipped in paint it is better to mask. Dipping is costly and they turn out just like the factory with runs, thin spots, fish eyes and usually they are crooked. The factory paint varies as much as 8mm from wheel to wheel sometimes from side to side on the same wheel. Spray paint is more controllable and it turns out better.
Choosing the right primers and paint is very important. The correct amount of etch, finding out that all blacks are not the same and trying to get the correct percentage of flattener can be frustrating. The hard part is matching the sheen of the original black. Each sample must be baked before it's reflecting ability can be measured and compared to a factory sample. In our experience we've found that a low temperature baked enamel works best.
There are three areas that should not be painted: the lug holes, the cap hole and the interior wheel to hub mounting surface.
In conclusion perhaps you'll agree that refinishing wheels correctly is a complicated job. Having said that I have seen some good jobs done at home and at non-wheel shops as well but they usually don't try it a second time!!! It's easier and costs less to send them to a wheel specialty shop, one that knows Fuchs wheels.
Harvey and Sue Weidman work together at Weidman's Wheels in Oroville, California. (530-534-7903) They have specialized in correct restoration and/or custom painted Porsche and all other wheels for more than 25 years.
Originally referred to as "S" wheels they were later known as Fox Head, Daisy Spoke, 'S' package and Fuchs. Today most people refer to them as Fuchs even though many other styles were available from the Fuchs Forging Company.
Created : 01-13-02, 7:40 pm