I agree that ET is important when selecting a wheel.  However, the
passat rims are 6x15 with ET45 and look very near the factory 5.5x14
ET39.  Calculations show that the gain of 1/2" in width is evenly
distributed and therefore the same as stock.

Given that, the Eurovan rims having 6" and ET 53, are only 8mm farther
out, not that much.  As I mentioned before, the passat rims and the
eurovan rims only showed about 1/4" farther away from the rear springs
(actually 5/16", or 8mm by calculation).

I also agree that larger tire can be a problem with only 6" to play with
(sounds like a personal problem!).  But I did some searching for tires
at tirerack.com and they show quite a few tires for this size rim.
Maybe not 245/75R16 (although they do list some for 6" in 235/85R16),
but I can't see using 10"+ wide tread with our lack of hp anyway!  I was
more leaning towards 215/85R16, with a diameter around 29-31".

I really like the fit of 215s on my passat rims, so I will probably
stick with that width.

For reference, I finally put some pics up at:
http://photos.yahoo.com/volksdragonvw

Rennie
VolksDragon@earthlink.net
Peyton Cramer VW
Los Angeles

Derek Drew wrote:
>
> The 900kg rating is fantastic and sets the standard for 16" wheels going forward, in my view.
>
> Too long we have had list members installing wheels of unknown weight ratings on these vehicles, and according to my research many are using wheels rated at only 590kgs., which comes out to less than the maximum gross weight rating of the vans!
>
> But the ET of 53 should be avoided even if with a given tire it can be demonstrated to fit.