Date:         Fri, 28 Jan 2000 14:30:27 -0800
Reply-To:     Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
Subject:      Re: Steel 15" wheel up date
In-Reply-To:  <Pine.LNX.3.95.1000128144221.4533H-100000@gmong.gtsdesign.c om>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 02:45 PM 01/28/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>I know we've hashed this out in gruesome and horrid detail but
>I don't recall a response from you on the question of strength,
>well I do recall you saying something to the effect that 'the
>steel thickness of all the wheels you've seen are the same so there's
>no strength issue'.  Was that your final word, or am I confused?
>I'd rather buy a wheel that I know is extra beefy than trying to
>use a car wheel on a heavy vehicle like the syncro westy...
>
>        Gary
>

I also suggest that you not only consider the quality of materials, but you
do also confirm the runout before putting further effort and money into
paint and tires.

I think a spec somewhat better than "30-35 et" would also be called for,
but then, I'm not the engineer responsible in this case.

I do suspect your unsprung weight will increase, particularly if larger and
wider (heavier) tires are added to the extra coupla pounds of steel. Just
one criteria that can adversely affect handling and put heavier stresses on
all the suspension and steering parts which can contribute to faster wear
thus shorter life of joints and bushings and shocks and such.

T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
San Juan Island, WA