JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:
> In a message dated 7/16/03 12:22:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> swalker72@KNOLOGY.NET writes:
>
>
>
>>I have seen these warnings and I understand the basis for the warnings, but
>>I have to ask...has anyone seen or experienced wheel failure of an
>>aftermarket or non-stock (Audi, MB, etc) wheel used on a Vanagon?
>>
>>
>
>
> nope. ive run all kinds of aftermarket/audi/Benz wheels on vanagons and never
> had a problem.  if you are going to be worried about something, how about
> worrying abvout those splindly little 185 14" tires that are on your westy?  talk
> about underrated.  remember folks, 185 14"s is the same size tire VW used on
> the freakin RABBIT. thats why there are so many rollovers.    i would never
> have the stock 14" wheels on any vanagon i drive.. all my vanagons are upgraded
> to 15"s w/ bigger tires.   Hey john,  audi 200 turbo quattro wagon aint no
> small car.   plus if you are lucky, you might find a set of the forged Fuchs audi
> alloys, they are used on the offroad rally turbo quattros and they are
> indestructable.   i had a set on my 84 5000 turbo when it was totalled, the LF took
> a direct hit and the wheel wasnt hurt.
>
> chris

Those are some really strong opinions and equally strong misinformation.
  Rabbits had 13" wheels on the standard model and 14" on the GTI, but
the tire is a 185/65R14, which is considerably smaller and carries a
much lighter load than the 185R14 reinforced tires on the Vanagon.  I
agree that there are definite benefits to installing larger tires on the
Vanagon for *some* drivers, but I think you are needlessly exaggerating
the situation.  I have had three different brands of 185R14 and one set
of 195/75R14 tires on my 1982 Westfalia so far, and all have been
adequate for a variety of road surfaces and driving conditions in
Southern California and Arizona.

Mike Snow
1982 Wesfalia diesel