One of the challenges for those restoring a Porsche 356 or a 911 is realizing that maintaining originality can compromise the car’s on-the-road safety. Sometimes it’s better to start with a fresh new part that hasn’t seen the test of time and tide—or rather, traffic. Metal fatigue, corrosion and road damage can wreak havoc on any number of the parts that make up your Porsche, but the wheels often bear the brunt of the daily assault.
While it’s easy to assume that a steel wheel can withstand a large dose of punishment due to its relatively crude nature, even the newest ones are approaching four decades of use. In many cases, it’s probably better, safer and more cost effective to replace them with factory fresh pieces rather than rebuilding and refinishing the originals.
Stoddard NLA has sourced the original dies and blueprints used by Porsche to make steel wheels, starting with the 1964 356C through the 1976 912E. The wheels are being made here in the United States and they’re available in three sizes—15x4.5-in, 15x5.5-in. and 15x6-in. Aside from the modern Stoddard Classic Parts stamp nestled between the bolt-holes, the wheels are nearly indistinguishable from the originals.
We made the wheels out of modern HSLA (high strength, low alloy) steel that offers more strength and better corrosion resistance than the more traditional carbon steel. The wheels are then either finished in an accurate-to-the-original silver paint or treated to a show-quality chrome plating process.
The wheels that are destined for chrome are first polished using a proprietary, automated system to yield a beautiful and consistent finish. The wheels are then checked by hand for a final craftsman’s touch, including extra attention around the outer lip and the 10 oblong holes that are first to catch the eye on a show field.
The wheels are then fitted to special racks for the three-layer chroming process for a deep and brilliant finish. The racks hold the outer rims and chrome centers for a final press fit before an automated welding system fuses them together. Long lasting good looks and corrosion resistance are then insured with a final coat of grey paint on the backside—Just like the factory used to do it in Germany. SP3 anti corrosion wax is then applied to the interface between the wheel center and the outer rim to help prevent future rust issues.
Our wheels were submitted for DOT testing and approved—so you can trust that you and your car won’t be endangered during some mishap due to third-world quality control. We stand by our wheels so you can do the same.
The end result is a wheel that you can trust for your car—just as you would trust Porsche's original workmanship. They are available now and we are shipping multiple sets on a daily basis in specially-made boxes that eliminate shipping damage. We are also offering tire valve kits that feature Schrader brand stems with wire retainers for that last top-notch detail that your car demands.
We are in the process of developing new-from-scratch steel wheels for the original drum brake cars and their wide-5 bolt pattern. Look for those to go on sale by August, 2013.
