First again with the BRM
- Mon, 13 Apr 2009
- Comments (6)
The Flat 4 BRM meant the classic California Look became attainable by anyone. History proved hundreds of VW owners got ‘the look’. However, the look wasn’t quite right! In fact, the Flat 4 BRM was more of a homage than a replica. It was a long way off the wheel it emulated, and when Nao Fujita of Flat 4 contacted us confidentially with news of a replica of the BRM wheel, he told us, “The more you know about the BRM, the more disappointing the Flat 4 BRM becomes – at least to me! So we decided to make a wheel we could satisfy our customers with.” In 1991, the technology on offer was the problem. Nao told us, “By using new low-pressure die-casting technology we were able to make a real replica of the original, the only real difference being that it is alloy.” He isn’t wrong, either. As soon as we saw the new Flat 4 BRM we were amazed!
Taking into account the long-standing relationship we have with Flat 4, we are proud to say they are fast-tracking one of the first production wheels by air-freight for us to launch to the VW world at the VolksWorld Show. So, fingers crossed...
So what’s the big deal? Well, for a start the offset of the old copy was whack! It didn’t sit on the car correctly. Then there was the face of the wheel – the original wheel had five circular casting marks on each spoke (see pic 1) and everywhere that was painted black had a mottled cast finish (see pic 2). On the old Flat 4 BRM the spokes were smooth! Now, by using a New Old Stock Speedwell BRM, Flat 4 was able to duplicate these minor but crucial details. Other details such as the recess for the valve (see pic 3), the height of the polished areas of the spokes (see pic 4), the way the spoke comes out to meet the rim and the shape of the centre bore has also been reproduced with great care.
The original magnesium wheel had steel sleeve inserts around each of the wheel studs and, although integrated on the new wheel, these are the same shape and diameter. The main difference between the new Flat 4 BRM is that they are alloy rather than magnesium but, trust us, this is a bonus as the originals are a nightmare to keep polished!
You’ll be able to find out more from Flat 4 agents, VW Heritage in the UK and Custom & Speed Parts in mainland Europe.
Click on the new BRM to see it in full detail!
Have your say!
Latest comments
May 05 16:53
Jon
No worries Jim,
I guess the best way to look at it is the old FLAT 4 BRM was great, but the new one is even better!
I roll on the older models and I think it's safe to say so do thousands of others. They aren't dangerous, they are perfectly safe and tested, they just aren't 100% accurate to the original Speedwell items. The new ones are pretty much an exact copy.
As for the whack offset - well lets just say that the offset was always a little out on he earlier repro BRMs which pushed the wheel track out about a cm either side. Not a problem if you have a narrowed beam but starts becoming an issue if you have drop spindles and after market disc brakes fitted.
As as for ass kissing Flat 4 - as VW journalists we have to cover everything in the air-cooled VW scene. If someone releases a new product we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't report on it. Flat 4 make some great products and put a lot of time into doing so.
Oh and we decided not to edit your post! Cheers for posting, Jon
July 21 03:03
Chris
Any plans for a 17" or 18" version of the Flat 4 BRM as well as 17" or 18" in the Flat 4 Fuch repro?
November 08 23:38
hmcdgo
i need Flat 4 - BRM Wheels - 17 inch in black for new beetle
do you have for sale ?
June 11 13:48
Ric Magazowski
Can anyone help me with a contact to buy the Flat4 BRM wheel formy Manx Buggy in Australia, I saw this wheel in a book " The Dune Buggy Files" & I love the look. Regards Ric