Date:         Mon, 1 Jul 2002 21:37:59 EDT
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Newbie wheel question
Comments: To: herbert_j@NDUSTRL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 7/1/02 2:52:40 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
herbert_j@NDUSTRL.COM writes:

<< Noticed 2 vanagons online with Porsche wheels on them.>>

Have you seen the ones in my webpage?

http://members.aol.com/bentbtstr8/vanagoncafewheelspage1.html

These were attached with steel wheel adapters. I have seen replaced them with
redrilled wheels.

<< Does all Porsche wheels have the same bolt pattern as the Vanagon? >>

No, they do not match. Porsche 5 lug wheels have a 130 mm bolt pattern
whereas Vanagons have a 112 mm pattern.

<< What other wheels fit? I'm looking for 16" or 17" wheels. >>

Look at some of the alternatives on my webpage. Later this month I will
install PICS of my van with 17" 993 (911) wheels. This is just for academic
discussion. I do not recommend wheels that large w/o body modifications. You
not likely find any tires in a low enough profile to fit your stock wheel
wells and still have enough strength for your heavy van.

Don't let the side profile of van fool you into thinking that a big wheel
will fit. You also have to consider offset. Offset and width will dictate
what will clear your rear sliding door, rear swingarms, and the rear portion
of your front wheel wells. Those of you who have tried bigger wheels know
what I am talking about.

<< What about the load bearing ability of other wheels since the Vanagon is
heavier.
  >>

You have to look at each individual wheel to see what they are rated for. You
will also need to evaluate what your vehicles weigh is and driving style.
Keep in mind that a fully laden Westy can easily outweigh a road going van by
1,000 lbs. or so.

BenT