View Full Version : Inside Formula 43 Wheels
Formula43 Wheel
09-09-2012, 09:56 AM
As I'm sure most of you are aware by now Formula 43 wheels are manufactured and assembled in Livonia, MI USA. All wheels are custom built to order and each wheel is given the upmost care and pride in manufacturing as possible.
I wanted to share a few photos of this process and that we use the latest techniques in CNC machining, anodizing, powder coating and of course our exclusive German "Spin-Form" technology for our AL6061-T6 modular rim halves in 18" and 19".
Enjoy the photos and of course if your ever in the area stop by and say hi!
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/DSCN0389.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/Lathe_03.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/IMG00040-20100327-1813.jpg
"Spin-Master Ralf" programming a new inner rim half for production.
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/RalfSpinForm.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/PrecisionDetails.jpg
Formula43 Wheel
09-09-2012, 11:55 AM
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/Lathe1.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/ForgingInventory.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/Showroom.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/Milling_04.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/IMG00100-20100414-1003.jpg
Formula43 Wheel
09-11-2012, 10:29 AM
I was at the shop yesterday and took some photos of our powder coating.
Shooting our Racer Red on some RAD10 18" Club Sport wheels. :thumbsup:
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/PowderCoat_02.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/PowderCoat_04.jpg
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/PowderCoat_03.jpg
We shoot one part at a time. Patience and attention to details with every set of wheels.
camcojb
09-11-2012, 11:32 AM
Very nice Scott. The quality speaks for itself.
89 RS
09-11-2012, 11:52 PM
Cool insight, some great wheels.
badmatt
09-12-2012, 12:26 AM
WOW! Cant believe you guys spin your own barrels in house! now thats cool.
Matt
Formula43 Wheel
09-12-2012, 09:35 AM
WOW! Cant believe you guys spin your own barrels in house! now thats cool.
Matt
Yes, this is the backbone of our company and hence the campany name. Formula 43 is a German "Spin-Form" process developed over several decades by our company President Ralf Guennewig aka "Spin Master" Ralf!
Formula43 Wheel
09-12-2012, 09:42 AM
Very cool pic from last year with good friend of the company Gordon with his Pontiac Formula 900hp Firebird with RAD14 wheels. He spent nearly 10yrs building this car and if you know Gordon everything is perfect!
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/RAD14_06.jpg
OVRKILL
09-13-2012, 08:56 PM
Very cool pic from last year with good friend of the company Gordon with his Pontiac Formula 900hp Firebird with RAD14 wheels. He spent nearly 10yrs building this car and if you know Gordon everything is perfect!
http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/tjohnson151/RAD14_06.jpg
Have seen that car on Woodward :hail:
Killer wheels....wish I knew about you guys sooner! Like keeping the local economy goin :thumbsup:
WSSix
09-14-2012, 09:23 PM
Thanks for the insight and pictures. I've always been curious about the process.
Where can we find more info out about the Formula?
Thanks
Formula43 Wheel
09-17-2012, 09:42 AM
Thanks for the insight and pictures. I've always been curious about the process.
Where can we find more info out about the Formula?
Thanks
I don't belive Gordon did a build thread on the car. He is on Lat-G occansionally, but I know he's been busy helping Stielow assemble Mayhem currently:)
The car was featured in GM HIgh Tech Performance magazine about a year ago and Hot Rod did a photo shoot on it this last spring, but I haven't seen the write up yet. It does have a SM 400 single turbo, built by Thomson Engines in Wixom, MI.
Here's a quick you tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4xEsA6ybvU
WSSix
10-01-2012, 07:14 PM
Thanks! I'll dig around for the magazine articles. I thought I recognize the car from a magazine. I just don't remember the details unfortunately.
WSSix
10-01-2012, 07:16 PM
Found it!
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/features/ghtp_1111_1988_pontiac_firebird_formula_for_speed/
you guys make some nice wheels that is for sure!
Do you have a weight breakdown on all your wheels with various sizes?
Flash68
10-03-2012, 01:21 AM
Great photos. Looks like a top shelf operation. :cheers:
Formula43 Wheel
10-03-2012, 12:33 PM
you guys make some nice wheels that is for sure!
Do you have a weight breakdown on all your wheels with various sizes?
Thanks for the nice comment!
We do not have a published wheel weight chart. Being that all of our wheels are built to order using a differnt inner and outer rim combination along with a specific mounting pad height to determine offset / back space, all wheels will weigh slightly different. We design our wheels to be strong, stiff and lightweight for performance and long service life. Most of the 18" wheels come in approximately 20-23 lbs, depening on the rim combination and pad height. If you have a specific fitment including caliper clearance requirements, I can weigh all the parts required to build your wheels and provide exact weights for you.
Keep an eye on the forums, we will be launching a new wheel design later this week on a pretty cool 67 Camaro!
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