At 23:45 14/05/02 -0400, you wrote:
>
>From:    Dave Baker <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>
>Subject: Re: Spare Tire Too Big?
>
>I have the same problem.  I'd driving with a nearly worn out spare because
>the good tire I'd like to carry won't let me close the tray.  If anyone
>answers Alan via pmail on this one, I'd appreciate a copy as well!

 Dave et al,

 I too have the same problem,having gone long ago from 14" rims & 185
 tyres to 15" rims and 215 (lower profile) tyres
 I have a 5th 15" wheel & tyre but naturally it won't fit in the spare
 wheel carrier.I have to settle for the original 14" wheel & tyre as
 the normal spare (except on long trips when I drag along the 15" one
 on the floor in the back of the van...or in a trailer)

 Anyway...I have been considering getting a spare wheel carrier/bash plate
 from a syncro and fitting this to my van as this *may* do the trick.
 The syncro one is substantially different to the 2WD version and from
 looking at them,appears to have more room available in there.
 It makes sense 'cos the 2WD van came std with 185 tyres whilst the
 syncro std came with 205 tyres (at least in Oz,YMMV...) so the syncro
 carrier should be able to accomodate a wider tyre under the van (?)

 I have had a syncro carrier and looked at how it might fit whilst the
 van had been on a hoist and it looks doo-able but as yet I haven't
 actually done it...just thinking about it.

 It's not a simple swap....some cutting/fabricating/welding will be
 necessary to make it work but I offer this suggestion up for
 discussion....anybody tried this? Any syncro owners want to comment
 on the viability of this idea.. or express outrage at the thought of
 pinching parts offa their vans ;)

 Cheers,
 Steve O
 Blue Mountains NSW Australia
 '92 Transporter WBX Kombi (she turned 10 on 6th May...sob..seems like
                    only yesterday I drove her home for the first time)
 '76 Transporter Double Cab
 '68 Beetle
 '00 Transporter 5Cyl Double Cab (work truck)