Date:         Wed, 19 Feb 2003 19:11:40 EST
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Original Carat Alloys in 15 inch size
Comments: To: mark_hb@hotmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 2/19/03 3:20:42 PM Pacific Standard Time,
mark_hb@hotmail.com writes:

<< I've never seen these wheels you speak of...

 The proportions wouldn't be different.. the size would be different... the
 proportions would be the same... >>

Mark,

It is not possible to make a 15" or 16" wheel and make it look exactly like
the 14" wheel you are replicating w/o changing the proportions or the look of
the wheel. Common sense will tell you that the best you can hope for is to
make it similar to the design.

I have discussed the wheel adapter issue at great length in the past. If you
visit my alternative wheels page, you will even find that I have had Porsche
Fuchs alloys installed on my 87 GL. I initially used 1/2 inch steel adapters.
However, that added extra width that I did not want. It would be simplistic
to assume that any thickness will work with any wheel. You have to analyze
each and every application as offsets vary. Otherwise, you will experience
drivability problems as clearance issues not just with your suspension
components but the all so important sliding door for you van folks.

Porsche wheels create several problems. One is offset which I just mentioned
above. I have a half dozen different Porsche wheel options available to me in
my personal stash of Porsche wheels. ET ranges from 23-59. Another other
issue is the bolt pattern. There are two ways to go about addressing that.
One is using adapters. The better of the two is redrilling the bolt pattern.
I have also addressed that in a how-to page attached to my alternative wheels
page. BTW, these are all in the archives.

IMHO if you must use non-VW wheels, you are best off with Audi or Mercedes
alloys as they already have the correct bolt pattern. If it;s an issue of
looks, then obviously you can go just about any which way you want. Just
don't blindly assuming it will be easy. The only thing that can make things
easy is money. if money is no object, then you can have wheels made to
satisfy your craving. However, if cost as a prime factor, the SA wheels may
be the best way for you to go.

Speaking of cost, have you priced Porsche wheels lately? I think you will
find that they are not a terrific bargain as compared to MB & Audi rims.

One more thing I forgot. Most automotive alloy wheels, Porsche included, are
not rated for the weight of the Vanagon. Not all Porsche wheels are created
equal. Most are cast and not forged like the Fuchs.

Visit my wheels page for some of the above discussed info. If you need
anything specific to your application, then pmail with your wheel specs and I
will try to assist however I can.

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

BenT
 <A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
Cafe</A>