Date:         Mon, 15 Mar 2004 03:44:02 EST
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: tire rims
Comments: To: appin@DISTRIBUTEL.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 3/14/2004 3:54:43 PM Pacific Standard Time,
appin@DISTRIBUTEL.NET writes:

<< I know this topic has been done many times before but here
we go again. I noticed in the archives that some people use
mercedes rims and I was wondering from wich models? I
also have been down at the wreckers quite abit lately and
have noticed audis and jettas with sixteen and fifteen inch
rims that look like they would match. does any body out there have two cents
on the subject?
thanks
patrick 85 westy under massive construction >>

Patrick,

There have been numerous discussions on this topic over the years. First stop
should be the list archives. There are just too many possible wheel
combinations and don't want to waste too much bandwidth on the same topic.

If you can't find info on the archives, you can browse through my alternative
wheels page at:

Vanagon Cafe Alternative Wheels

I think Chris already mentioned the bolt pattern of 5 X 112mm. Offset is
ET30-ET32. Find osmehitng close to that and you are in business. I wouldn't go
wider than 8" at ET23 unless you are using adapters or spacers. Otherwise, the
tires will not clear your slding door. Take care to observe that the wheel you
select is rated for the weight of a Vanagon. Westies are about 500 lbs heavier
than buses. Since you have an 85, I assume it is 2wd. You have bolts up front
and lugnuts in back unless you have modified them. The studs in the rear and
bolts up front are 14mm. Most stock Mercedes wheels that you will find in the
correct offset will have lugholes for 12mm studs/bolts.

BenT
Vanagon Cafe