>Hi All,
>Could someone explain wheel offsets?
>What does the ET stand for?
>& How does one measure the offset?
>Will an 18" X 8.5" X ET 35 Mercedes Fit an 85?
>What machining would needed?
>Hub & lug nut angle, I'm a guessin' ?
>Any experience what tire size I should be looking for?
>Brand & model?
>I'm thinking the maximum tire diameter would be about 29" ?
>Thanks,
>John C...
>SLC, UT...

 From memory, you can get up to 18x11" wheels to fit. I'm looking for
my Hansen message which lists usable sizes.

ET is, as has been said, the offset in mm. It is an acronym for
something in German, as is ABS.

OK, here it is...

Front:
easy to 8" and usually also 8.5"
common offsets:
7.5" -25, 20, 25, 10
8"    - 20, 15, 11, 10 (with some wheels 25 will be possible)
8.5" - 20, 15, 13, 12, 10

Rear:
as for front, and in addition
9"   - 25, 20, 15, 11, 10
10" - 20, 15, 11, 10
11" - 10

It is also possible to fit even wider wheels on the back (no details
given, but no sensible person'd want them).

Spacers needed depending on offset. For instance, Hansen's own van
has 8.5x17 ET13 in front, and in back has 10x17 ET20 with 20mm rear
spacers (making ET0 in rear).
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut