[Z06] Wheel Manufacturer Info: Finspeed
08-27-2012, 05:01 PM
#1
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
Wheel Manufacturer Info: Finspeed
I know several of you personally and look forward to getting to know many more. I’d like to take a little time to tell you about Finspeed and what we do.
As you guys know, there is a major problem in this country with companies outsourcing everything. It is frustrating to have prominent American companies exporting not only jobs, but entire factories, with little regard to working conditions or product quality – often times with neighbors, friends and family losing their livelihoods. We decided to do things differently.
With the economic downturn, there were several talented individuals in our area that were out of work or just looking for a different direction. Over the last few years we have been able to put together a team of journeyman machinist, welders and engineers (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, and M.S. Aerospace Engineering) that feel things can be done better, and we can do it at a price our customers can appreciate. We have also formed a valued relationship with the University Of Missouri School Of Engineering, their Formula SAE program and several team members (of which have turned into excellent interns).
Our production guys understand engineering and our engineers aren’t just engineers, they are former machinists, welders etc., that have production and fabrication experience. What’s even better – they drive on the track and have a true understanding of what our cars are capable of, and what our wheels need to be capable of.
Today’s distributor/dealership networks can be so convoluted that a manufacturer can lose connection with the person they are making the product for, and lose their valuable feedback. As a manufacturer, you can also lose control of how your customer is being treated, so we decided to go a different direction - we deal directly with you. Treating people how you want to be treated applies to everything we do, and there is no-one better to answer questions and give advice than the individuals that make your wheels.
We begin with the highest quality material available. Several wheel makers are using cast, flow formed or rotary forged blanks, often sourced from overseas suppliers to save on material costs. They claim to be forged, but simply put, they are just not strong enough.
We use traditionally forged 6061 T6 blanks, forged right here in the USA.
Our machining follows the same philosophy - we purchased new precision machines and tooling manufactured in the United States. Supporting American industry is as important to us as making high quality parts. We cannot expect our customers to invest in American craftsmanship if we aren’t willing to do the same.
To make sure our products meet our own internal standards, all manufacturing takes place on site. Wheel strength is the priority, followed closely by removing any material that doesn’t add to the integrity of the wheel. When your focus is on strength and saving weight, you tend to end up with a beautiful finished product and we are doing just that.
F14 in stock C6Z sizes (without center cap):
We’ve also decided as a company to support a cause that we believe in. With one of our interns leaving last month to study nuclear engineering and keep us all safe from well below sea level, we decided to donate 5% of the purchase price of every set of wheels to the Wounded Warrior Project. We have had customers oppose, but we are firm on this and it is without exception.
I’ve never been one to keep my feelings unknown, and this is where it gets a bit sappy. Finspeed was founded because I wanted my children to see that with hard work great things can still be done in this country, and how fortunate they are to have that opportunity. We believe we are doing things the right way and hope you agree. We also know you work hard for your money and understand you want value for every dollar you decide to spend.
We truly appreciate your consideration and please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.
As you guys know, there is a major problem in this country with companies outsourcing everything. It is frustrating to have prominent American companies exporting not only jobs, but entire factories, with little regard to working conditions or product quality – often times with neighbors, friends and family losing their livelihoods. We decided to do things differently.
With the economic downturn, there were several talented individuals in our area that were out of work or just looking for a different direction. Over the last few years we have been able to put together a team of journeyman machinist, welders and engineers (B.S. Mechanical Engineering, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, and M.S. Aerospace Engineering) that feel things can be done better, and we can do it at a price our customers can appreciate. We have also formed a valued relationship with the University Of Missouri School Of Engineering, their Formula SAE program and several team members (of which have turned into excellent interns).
Our production guys understand engineering and our engineers aren’t just engineers, they are former machinists, welders etc., that have production and fabrication experience. What’s even better – they drive on the track and have a true understanding of what our cars are capable of, and what our wheels need to be capable of.
Today’s distributor/dealership networks can be so convoluted that a manufacturer can lose connection with the person they are making the product for, and lose their valuable feedback. As a manufacturer, you can also lose control of how your customer is being treated, so we decided to go a different direction - we deal directly with you. Treating people how you want to be treated applies to everything we do, and there is no-one better to answer questions and give advice than the individuals that make your wheels.
We begin with the highest quality material available. Several wheel makers are using cast, flow formed or rotary forged blanks, often sourced from overseas suppliers to save on material costs. They claim to be forged, but simply put, they are just not strong enough.
We use traditionally forged 6061 T6 blanks, forged right here in the USA.
Our machining follows the same philosophy - we purchased new precision machines and tooling manufactured in the United States. Supporting American industry is as important to us as making high quality parts. We cannot expect our customers to invest in American craftsmanship if we aren’t willing to do the same.
To make sure our products meet our own internal standards, all manufacturing takes place on site. Wheel strength is the priority, followed closely by removing any material that doesn’t add to the integrity of the wheel. When your focus is on strength and saving weight, you tend to end up with a beautiful finished product and we are doing just that.
F14 in stock C6Z sizes (without center cap):
We’ve also decided as a company to support a cause that we believe in. With one of our interns leaving last month to study nuclear engineering and keep us all safe from well below sea level, we decided to donate 5% of the purchase price of every set of wheels to the Wounded Warrior Project. We have had customers oppose, but we are firm on this and it is without exception.
I’ve never been one to keep my feelings unknown, and this is where it gets a bit sappy. Finspeed was founded because I wanted my children to see that with hard work great things can still be done in this country, and how fortunate they are to have that opportunity. We believe we are doing things the right way and hope you agree. We also know you work hard for your money and understand you want value for every dollar you decide to spend.
We truly appreciate your consideration and please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.
Last edited by Finspeed; 08-27-2012 at 11:55 PM.
08-27-2012, 05:07 PM
#2
Racer
Member Since: Nov 2009
Location: Cypress Texas
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beautiful wheels!!! I find it very refreshing to still see companies that take pride in sourcing materials here and manufacturing product here! I work for a company that has the same philosophy and that has won them many loyal customers over the years.
08-28-2012, 09:55 AM
#3
Tech Contributor
Sweet looking wheels ! Love seeing how they are made too !
You have a nice web site, and the wheel designs look great !
http://www.finspeed.com/performance-wheels/
How are the weights of these ?
You should consider making 19x11 for the REAR wheels in offests that fit C5's.
This one sorta reminds me of the stock C5Z06 wheel with the 10 spokes. I like it !
Toque
You have a nice web site, and the wheel designs look great !
http://www.finspeed.com/performance-wheels/
How are the weights of these ?
You should consider making 19x11 for the REAR wheels in offests that fit C5's.
This one sorta reminds me of the stock C5Z06 wheel with the 10 spokes. I like it !
Toque
08-28-2012, 11:53 AM
#6
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
08-30-2012, 04:55 PM
#9
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
08-30-2012, 05:35 PM
#10
Le Mans Master
All American
,,finally a company I will enjoy seeing succeed.Go Romney/Ryan,,,I know they feel the same way about going American Made.
I hope you stamp your product :
100% Made in the USA by real Americans
09-01-2012, 11:37 AM
#12
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Nov 2005
Location: Charlotte Area NC
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These wheels look great! And, as far as quality and strength are on par with HRE, Forgeline, etc...
I spent some time emailing back and forth with Daniel at Finspeed earlier in the week. His responses were prompt and he took time to thoughtfully answer all of my questions.
I spent some time emailing back and forth with Daniel at Finspeed earlier in the week. His responses were prompt and he took time to thoughtfully answer all of my questions.
09-02-2012, 05:31 PM
#14
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
06-28-2013, 12:34 PM
#17
Instructor
Member Since: Jan 2010
Location: Portland OR
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I just found a F11 wheel weight cross reference posting on the Mercedes Forum..
For 18x8.5 and 18x10 this was reported:
20.69lbs front
21.69lbs rear
F11's may not be Fin's lightest model to be fair.
For 18x8.5 and 18x10 this was reported:
20.69lbs front
21.69lbs rear
F11's may not be Fin's lightest model to be fair.
06-28-2013, 02:51 PM
#18
Race Director
I like the 2nd ones on toques reply, maybe with the spokes attaching further in so it would leave more of a lip on the rim, but only if this doesn't jepordize strength and brake clearance.
06-28-2013, 03:55 PM
#19
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
If you don't mind, please give a model you are interested in and I will provide accurate weights, there are literally hundreds of combinations available in C5Z and C6Z fitments.
These are weights for his specific setup, that had a large backpad and allowed clearance for a BBK.
If a company provides general weights for a size and diameter, they are almost never accurate (sometimes off by 1-2 lbs) because they do not account for the offset. We would rather get detailed info on the application and give an accurate number, not a ballpark estimation.
Most monoblock blanks do not have the material to allow for a lip, if they do, it is not more than 1-1.5"; it also increases the cost of the machining process.
In the case that a customer prefers a lip, a modular wheel is more appropriate.
If a company provides general weights for a size and diameter, they are almost never accurate (sometimes off by 1-2 lbs) because they do not account for the offset. We would rather get detailed info on the application and give an accurate number, not a ballpark estimation.
In the case that a customer prefers a lip, a modular wheel is more appropriate.
02-27-2015, 01:09 PM
#20
Le Mans Master
Why have you not bumped this thread? I almost bought some other rims and forgot about the Finspeed option. Sending you an email for a quote on some F14's please....