Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:25:28 -0500
Reply-To: Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Max Wellhouse <dimwittedmoose@CFU.NET>
Subject: Re: Help, Need tires in Denver this weekend.
In-Reply-To: <0adb01c90ada$cbd63050$0b00a8c0@mike2d93581d7f>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
FWIW, I towed a 91 Vanagon from Wausau WI to NE Iowa in July with
tires on it that were beyond scary. Granted, the motor and tranny
were out, but wise driving on two lane roads and moderate speeds and
driving at night when it's cooler out can make a big difference. The
tires on that van had steel belts sticking out, lumps in the
sidewalls, little to no tread, and were regular passenger car tires
on top of all that. Yeah, I was lucky you will say, but as a last
resort for your own peace of mind, you might settle for regular
185-14 tires from a new tire dealer and take the same precautions
listed above. My 90 GL had "marshmallow" tires on it when I bought
it and didn't notice any problems until this list told of the needed
stiffer sidewalss. Agilis is was and the improvement was noticeable
in the crosswinds, but I don't remember feeling unsafe in it when I
didn't know any better.
Good luck on your decision.
DM&FS
At 02:58 PM 8/30/2008, Mike wrote:
> Assuming that the tires are the correct type to begin with; find out how
>much it has been driven recently, check the cracks to see if they go all the
>way down to cord or not, set the air pressures properly, test drive it a bit
>and then carefully drive it home. I know it's a long drive, but stop every
>hour or so to check tire temps and pressures. Hopefully, you should make it
>home without mishaps.
>
>Mike B.
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "David O'Bryan" <dnd.obryan@GMAIL.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 3:27 PM
>Subject: Help, Need tires in Denver this weekend.
>
>
>>I'm here in Denver to drive home an '87 Westy that I bought (just flew in
>>this morning). The previous owner said it had good tires, but the
>>sidewalls
>>are cracking and I don't trust them for the ride home.
>>
>>I've tried ALL the tire stores in Denver and NO ONE has the right size and
>>rating in stock. Since it is the weekend (and Labor day at that) I'll have
>>to wait until Tuesday to get them and I really need to leave Monday am for
>>home. :-(
>>
>>SO........ anyone in the Denver area have a set of tires in 185 or 195R14C
>>(used is OK) that I can get this weekend? I'd even go for a complete swap
>>with someone (wheels and tires) with me contributing $ for them to get a
>>set
>>of new tires of their own.
>>
>>I know it is a long shot but I thought I'd give it a try.
>>
>>Please call me on my cell at 310-659-3283 if you can help.
>>
>>Dave O
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