Date:         Mon, 10 Mar 2014 19:13:54 -0700
Reply-To:     Cunegonde <cunegonde.van.westfalia@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Cunegonde <cunegonde.van.westfalia@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Paint Questions - Wheels
In-Reply-To:  <531bce7b.8231e00a.2b36.ffff93d7SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Get 15" for offroad, or 16" for street, tires.

Cunegonde has 15" alloy Audi A4 wagon rims and Geolandar tires (PO had updated to HD springs). I wanted 15" or 16" x 8" steelies with correct offset but couldn't find them at a reasonable price.

Much improved handling and safety, and the alloys update the look a bit. Financially will break even on 3rd set of tires - we should have Cunegonde so long!

Pluses:
Paid $50 on CL for 5 rims
Affordable, easily sourced SUV tires in correct load ratings (about $70 each on sale)
75% increase in road contact area
Perfectly controlled cornering and high wind driving, can now park heading uphill and drive forward to leave
With moderate offroad sidewall proportions, added 1.5" ground clearance while allowing full front wheel turning
Adds to cool matchbox toy car look

Minuses:
Required machining center hub opening to fit front grease cap ($50 at NAPA)
Required spacers and special bolts/studs for correct offset (about $125)
Required modified spare tire carrier tray to accomodate 4" wider tire
15" alloys plus new tires about 8lbs heavier each than stock, so more stress on suspension and steering
New tires stickier on dry pavement than brakes can hold; had to rebuild parking brakes, front big brake kit a necessity
Center caps no longer fasten with stock circular spring inside grooved center hub opening; currently using wires and rare earth magnets plus silicone sealant
Center caps have molded Audi logo grooves


> Definitely alloys!! Originally had steelies but got 14" alloys and now
> getting 15" alloys from go westy  nice looking!