In a message dated 3/27/01 5:14:54 PM, Jay.L.Snyder@USA.DUPONT.COM writes:

<< The "correct" ET will change with rim width.  You can only add wheel width
to the outside, so the ET will be less as the wheel gets wider.  ET is the
off-set from wheel center-line?   I would agree 7 or 7.5" wheels are
probably too wide for the Vanagon.
                                                        Jay >>

This is my understanding of offset as well, except that I think a 7 inch wide
wheel will work fine.
I figure if you use the VW approved rim from South Africa in a 6.5 inch width
with an offset (in millimeters) of +30, the inside rim edge should be about
112.5mm (4.42 inches) inboard of the face of the rim where it contacts the
wheel hub. (6.5 inches =165.10mm divided by 2 = 82.55mm gives centerline of
wheel, PLUS offset of 30mm = 112.55)

So assuming 112mm from the contact face to the inside edge of the rim is
where you should be, then for a:

5.5 inch wide rim you should have an ET of +43 (what does it actually read on
the stock 14 x 5.5 steel rims or who has a 16 x 5.5 steel Syncro rim to see?)
6 inch wide should be ET +36 (what does it say on the 14 x 6 carat alloys?)
6.5 inch wide should be ET +30 (this is what it is for VW SA Sunburst 6.5 x15
alloys)
7 inch wide should be ET +24
7.5 inch wide should be ET +17
8 inch wide should be ET +11

Any one else see it this way or does math differently??

Raul
Nyack, NY
87 Syncro Westy