Date:         Mon, 19 May 2008 10:55:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tire Size for 84 Westy
Comments: To: Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <BLU115-W11E700992FE851CB2E2FBEA0C50@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

The speedometer error is largely the fault of the speedometer itself, not so
much the tires.  It has become a well known (perhaps not to you of course)
that speedometer error even with the stock 185 tires can be off as much as
20% on models through 1984 (It is mentioned in the Bentley manual).  VW
finally corrected this in the 1985 model year where the error is usually 2
to 5%.

I run 195 75 R14 Uniroyal Laredo Tires on my Westy, have for many,
many years.  Until a couple of years ago, I put up with the 20MPH error
until I upgraded to the 85 Speedometer when I upgraded the Instrument
Cluster to one with the Tachometer (I have a step-by-step procedure on my
website to do this - see my link below in the signature)  Now, my speedo
readings are off by just a couple of miles.

The only other alternative is to have a speedometer/instrument shop have the
speedometer recalibrated to your specs.
You did not make a mistake by going with LT rated tires as they are what's
needed on Westies because of their weight and for better handling.
--
Jim Thompson
84 GL 1.9 "Gloria"
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************************
On Mon, May 19, 2008 at 10:31 AM, Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> I am currently driving on LT 195 75 R14 tires.  My speedometer is off by A
> long shot.  I am cruising along thinking I am doing around 70 and really I
> am traveling 50 MPH.  ANy suggestions on a good size 14 inch to run or any
> suggestions on how to adjust speedometer?  I like the LT tires because they
> last longer with the extra weight on them.
>
> Not sure deciding to go with LT tires was a mistake.
>
> Thanks in advacne for your replies.