Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:24:16 -0400
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Wheel alternatives...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no
Hmmm. So, what I'm hearing is that 15" or even 16" wheels were stock on
the vehicle, yet to make wheels of that size fit, one has to modify the
wheel, since the hub doesn't accommodate it. That would suggest that
not just the wheel but the hub was different for some markets than
others. I do understand that certain 15" wheels will fit without
modification, just that many people find other 15" wheels that they
prefer, for reasons of appearance or cost.
Wonder why those Germans won't allow the modified wheels on their
highways unless "certified" by a professional installer? It's a
conspiracy between government and shops to keep them in profits, right?
;-}
Well, I think we likely have worn out this topic. If the wheels work
for you guys, and they are safe and legal, great. Like someone said, no
one is telling me I have to do it. I understand the part about tire
availability fully -- but good, safe, spec tires are available.
On Mon, Sep 14, 2009 at 1:06 PM , VW Doka wrote:
> Mark,
>
> Not really a North American VW issue, more like a pre-1992 VW issue as
> most of the T3s running around Europe came stock with 14" wheels just
> like in the USA.
>
> As a matter of fact, most are still running around with 14's today.
> Last time I checked, the online tire stores in Germany carried 12
> different brands of 14" tires for the T3.
>
> Also, making a wheel change in Germany is more expensive since you
> have to have it done professionally by a company that can provide the
> Gutachten to keep your vehicle legal.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jeff
>
>
> On Mon, Sep 14, 2009 at 1:56 PM, Mark Tuovinen wrote:
>> For North America VW chose to use 14' tires and wheels. In other
>> locales
>> you could have 15" and even 16" for your van. Those of us that trade
>> up are
>> not necessarily moving away from what VW engineers spec'd for but to
>> a size
>> that VW marketing chose not to give us. The stock 14" tire size is
>> limited
>> in selection here and getting more so as the years pass. Not many
>> vehicles
>> used a 185R14 of the proper load range in North America. By
>> switching to a
>> larger diameter you increase the number of tire choices available and
>> can
>> improve handling as well. I have upgraded to 215/75R15 BFG's on the
>> older
>> style S A alloys for our Westy Syncro and am pleased with the results
>> both
>> in handling and looks. I did have to modify the clamshell so I could
>> carry
>> an inflated spare and lost a little power on hills as the final drive
>> ration
>> has changed but it was worth it to me. I agree that some
>> modifications are
>> questionable at best and others down right dangerous but switching to
>> 15" or
>> 16" wheels and tires can be done safely.
>>
>> Mark in AK
>>
>> On Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 6:38 AM, Dave Mcneely wrote:
>>
>>> I am forever amazed at the propensity of folks to change something
>>> on a
>>> vehicle from the way the engineers designed it, and dismiss any
>>> concerns
>>> about safety of the modification with faith that it will "be ok."
>>>
>>> Why do you guys want different wheels from the ones that VW put on
>>> the
>>> van? In what way do you think that your choices are better? Just
>>> curious.
>>>
>>> Dave McNeely
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
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