I think this has to do with the size of the spare tire and potential
interference with the front hoses.

Mark

Daniel Schmitz wrote:
>
> I was reading through my Bus Depot catalog that I received recently
> (very nice, BTW), and I noticed that if one wants to purchase two of the
> coolant hoses (the ones connecting the plastic pipes to the radiator, I
> think), or the entire set for that matter, one has to specify whether
> one's van has steel/stock-size wheels or alloy/205-70-R14-size wheels.
> If alloy wheels, the hoses costs much more than for a van with steel
> wheels. (about $70 more for the set).
>
> What gives? What has wheel size got to do with radiator hoses? I have
> seen this specified in other parts lists, as well. If Vanagon wheels are
> 14", I can't see how having steel or alloy wheels changes much, other
> than that lower profile tires on the alloys will cause the engine to
> spin just a tiny bit faster than it would with higher profile tires.
>
> As an owner of an '87 Westfalia with the aforementioned alloy wheels, I
> would like to know why I have to spend more for my radiator hoses than
> those in the steel-wheeled Vanagon community.
>
> I welcome all hypotheses and educated guesses.
>
> --
> Dan
> __________________________________________________
> Dan Schmitz - Genentech Automation Engineering
> djs@gene.com (650) 225-6119
> __________________________________________________
>
> "I'll so offend to make offense a skill
> Redeeming time when men least think I will"
>
> W. Shakespeare
> Henry IV, Part 1