Works racing wheel wanted

[somecreep]

Yes, dont laugh, I know its a pipe dream, but I am looking for a set of 4 or even just ONE Works racing wheel like the ones used in japan or on the safari cars back in the 70's, anybody have any leads?

[v12horse]

Good luck... If you ever find a place to get them, let me know, as someday I too would be interested.

-Ben

p.s. If you know the right people and are willing to pay A LOT of money, it is not impossible to find. However, I don't think there is a set in existance on these shores (I could be wrong.). So you are going to have to look for a set in Japan. I would have no clue of how to go about this.

p.p.s. The manufacturer of the works "rally mag" wheel is Kobe Seiko of Japan. They made all of the rally wheels for the early Zcars. I think there was a short run of replicas of these wheels made out of aluminum, also made by Kobe Seiko, but I am not positive. The originals came in 14 by 6j and 14 by7j. Please, if you find a set of these let me know. I will donate an organ or two for a set of these. :stupid:

[Zvoiture]

Magnesium?

[v12horse]

The originals were made of magnesium.

[HS30-H]

somecreep,

That's my pic you linked to. I have six of them.

Replicas made in Aluminium are available in Japan ( I think there are a couple of sets left ) but they are enormously expensive. How much are you willing to pay?

And why would you want just one?

Alan T.

[somecreep]

Thanks for the responses guyes!

It would be great if i could find just one of them as they would complement my fairlady z replica project beautifully. I have access to aluminum sand casting facilities where I attend college, and I dont think it should be too hard to take an imprint and cast such a shape a few times. Are you willing to part with one of your extras Alan?

[HS30-H]

I talked to a few professional foundries a couple of years ago. A friend and I were thinking about getting some replica wheels cast in aluminium.

We soon gave up on the idea. Casting wheels is not for the faint hearted or those with shallow pockets. Simply having a wheel to copy is not enough; a proper wooden three-piece pattern needed to be made ( with correct tolerances for shrinkage etc ) and each casting would cost a LOT. Then they would need to be machined etc.......... We figured that we would need to sell too many wheels at their high cost price to break even. My friend in Japan who made his own limited-edition replicas found that people were slow to pay for them, despite the fact that they were beautiful and accurate. Only a few Z people are willing to pay for something like this.

I'm surprised that you did not ask about the price of the Japanese replicas. I would have thought it would be useful data for you?

I'd probably sell one of my spares to somebody who needed to complete a set, or for an historically important car ( such as a Works rally car ). They are so rare now that it would be folly to let one go for any other reason.

You don't even say where you are located. If you are located near to me then I might consider lending one to you for your research.

What's the Fairlady Z replica project based on?

[26th-Z]

I might also butt into this conversation with the idea of the liability involved in producing a wheel - should it ever break. Casting a replica or set of replicas might be a fun project and the wheels would make a great addition to anyone's dream garage as a conversation piece. I would imagine a set could be used for display purposes and rolling a car around at a show without much concern for safety. They would need to structurally withstand mounting and inflating a tire.

In terms of expense for the real thing, I might suggest comparing them with the current pricing of a performance wheel such as a BBS. Unless I was restoring an authentic car, I think I would gasp!

My 2 cents - Thanks

[somecreep]

I am located in Northern Califonia -Santa Rosa area, not exactly next door over from the UK. However I do hope to visit someday!

I have heard that getting wheels shipped from japan can be rather costly, and I am hesitant to ask about prices on such rare wheels on top of the shipping charges. (however if you do have such information, it would be a great reference to me.) This is why I think it might be better, and more fun, to cast my own, even if it takes more time. It would also be a way for me to spread out the cost over a longer period of time, because I am on a student budget.

My '72 240z, HLS30-55504 is in fairly decent shape, but far from what I envision it to be someday. I am especially inspired by the subtle styling differences of the home market Fairladys, though I have yet to drive one. Over the past couple of years I have been accumulating and restoring parts from such cars, which I then stash away for when all the body work is done. I will try to post some pictures as soon as I can get my hands on a scanner.

Remy

p.s. Alan, I hope you dont mind me reposting that photo from your gallery. Your photo gallery of fairlady zs and PS30s are a great referance as to what I wish for my z to someday look like. likewise, the pics of your z432 replica are truly inspirational. I am fairly new to this site, and do not get to participate as much as I would like to for lack of time (which I usually spend studying).