Well list, this is my first post here. I used to be on the Type II list when I has my 1983 2.0L Air Cooled Vanagon. It ran great but I couldn't bear the thought of another cold Chicago winter in a bus with basically no heat. Sold her in May, 2000 and picked up an 87 Vanagon GL about 3 weeks ago. Has 93,000 original miles, purchased her from the original owner and she looks like she just drove off the showroom floor. Best part is it has AC and HEAT!! I almost feel like I've gone over to the dark side switching from AC to a water pumper.

Anyway, I think the guy sold her because she needed an exhaust system and he probably thought 2 grand was a little steep at the local VW dealer for the system. I'm in the process of replacing the exhaust system now. Just waiting for parts. Ordered the whole system from Bus Depot (Ron, will I get that system by this weekend?) 

What I was wondering is what is the difference in the coolant hoses between a Vanagon with 185 series tires and one with factory alloy wheels? In the BD print catalog there is a $70.00 price difference in the complete hose package between Vanagons with 185's and Alloy rims. I assume it's because some of the hoses are different, but how. Will the difference between the two cause problems if want to change rims or install larger tires?

I would like to find a set of factory alloys (14x6) to put on my new baby but if it involves changing hoses and such I will have to rethink my plan. Also, would there be problems if one was to put larger tires (i.e. 205/70R14) on the stock steel rims? Please let me know.

TIA,
Dan Weber "87" Vanagon GL Weekender

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