Date:         Tue, 20 Aug 2002 03:42:02 +0100
Reply-To:     Clive Smith <clive.harman-smith@NTLWORLD.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Clive Smith <clive.harman-smith@NTLWORLD.COM>
Subject:      Re: SURVEY - I need a metal fab. project
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

A kit to allow 15" x 6" wheels with 195 tyres to fit under the front, like
where they should for better mass distribution.
I understand reading around that provided the tyres are not greater than
about 205 width , this can be done.

On the same note I think its time for some FLAMES about large wide tyre
sizes.
Seems a helluva lot of people looking for 205 tyres, why this fascination
with a little bit of extra width and ridiculous width rims?

If its for looks alone then I can't really argue, do your own thing. But as
far as unsprung weight, suspension loads, smooth ride, shock absorber loads
and performance, etc etc etc , all except maybe absolute roadholding forces
on theoretically perfectly smooth roads I
have always found there is a happy medium and that all the points mentioned
are rapidly degraded for zero nett gain in roadholding and
negative impact on handling, suspension wear etc. 15" and 16" wheels are
heavy enough (many alloys are no lighter than steels), without going to
extreme widths as well. Think engineering, think mass and the original
suspension design.

OK FLAMES over, so I know my Kunho 15" 195's will fit under the front with a
neat job done on the frame, and cross-wind handling will
be improved a little too, no rear tyre carrier and more room inside.

Think about it chaps, aren't you all making a rod for your own backs going
to 205's and larger?

Clive
'88 Syncro Transporter

----- Original Message -----
From: "J. Harvey" <jtharvey2@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2002 1:53 AM
Subject: SURVEY - I need a metal fab. project


> Here's the deal.  I'd like to spend the rest of my summer working on a
> simple, small quantity metal fabrication project.  My first thought was a
> rear spare tire carrier but after seeing how nice and complex Gary Lee's
was
> I've decided to shoot for something different (I really like Gary's design
> and would definately buy one if needed).  So now I need some input.
>
> I've thought of under_body_saddle_bag_storage_compartments, skid plates,
> aluminum fender liners for the off road crowd, inexpensive fiberglass
> bumpers, simple front bike rack (mentioned recently), simple rear bike
> hangers, nerf bars, and air intake heat shields.
>
> What I'd really like to hear is what other folks want.  So please send me
> comments on my ideas or your own ideas.  Any imput would be excellent.
> Thanks for reading, John
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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