Date: Sun, 7 Mar 1999 11:34:59 -0700
Reply-To: Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Hamm <ldhamm@XMISSION.COM>
Subject: Re: audi rim modifications
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
> Mark Thoma wrote:
>
> don't want to revisit an old thread, but could those of you who have
> modified the "15 audi turbo rims to fit the vanagon, post me and tell
> me exactly what's involved?
> thanks
> mark thoma
Mark,
First of all, check your rims for roundness. If they came from the
wrecking yard as mine did, they could be a bit bent. I bought six, had
two that were dented. One was beyond repair, one I was able to
straighten enough to use for the spare. Just find a long flat surface
and roll the rim along it for a ways. A bent rim is quite easy to spot
with this check.
Next, call around to a few machine shops for quotes. The wheel needs to
have a center hole measuring 2-5/8" to fit the front hub. Get all wheels
done so you can rotate them. The Syncro, I am told, does not need this.
I was quoted $100 per wheel from one, but since I knew people on the
list who had had it done for $10, I kept looking for a shop charging
less than $100. The shop I took them to charged me exactly $50 for a set
of 5.
Depending on the size of tires you use, or your concerns about reduced
wheel track width, you may want to consider wheel spacers. These are
metal discs of varying widths that are mounted between the wheel and hub
. Mine came from PEP Boys, a universal type, and were 8mm thick. I
needed these to ensure clearance of my tires, LT-235/75-15s. They are
illegal in some states, including mine (Utah), but then, everything is
illegal here! I had to put my 14" back on to pass inspection. Next year
I'll attach the spacer to the back of the wheel so it doesn't drop off
on the inspector's foot. Shouldn't have a problem then.
The next concern is the increased thickness of the wheel. A two-wheel
Vanagon needs the original Audi lug bolts for the front wheels, and
longer studs for the rear. Mine were from an early 911 Porsche, and as I
recall, were about 46mm in length. This was with the spacers. Without
them the bolts and studs could be shorter, but I recommend using the
spacers anyway. The Syncro needs the longer studs front and back.
When you're done, you'll have a great looking wheel, and the broader
choice of tires to fit. I'm sure you are aware of the pros and cons of
taller or shorter than stock tires, so I won't go into that.
Have fun!!
Larry
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