On 5/16/06, Aaron <lists@mycommunitynet.net> wrote:
>
> 1) How much would I be looking at in machining costs?

That's a relative question. My machine shop charged me from a 12-pack of
beer to $20 per wheel depending on the machinist's mood and what I wanted
done.

> 2) What wheels work most easily (if not passat '96" alloys)?

Passats had 5 X100mm bolt patterns until the 1997 production year. Go for
1998 and later to get the 5 X 112mm pattern to match a Vanagon's. I heard
the new Golf and Jetta lines for 2005 and later have now also switched to
the 5 X 112mm pattern but I have not confirmed it yet. Earlier Jettas and
Golfs with 5 lugs still use 5 X 100mm.

Go to my Alternative Wheels page for a few other ideas at:

http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/vanagoncafewheelspage1.html

> 3) How much have you paid for the used wheels?

From free to $2100 per set depending on make, style, size and seller.

> 4) What size tires did you go to?

Again, this is relative to what you want to accomplish. There is too much of
this info in the archives. You need to determine the type of driving you
want to do and the modifications on your van. Offroad types would have
taller side walls and not too big wheels in the 15"-16" range. Road racer
type guys go for low profile wheels up to 17"-19" tall. Width is all over
the place too. Dokas can get way with wider rears but vans are restricted by
their sliding doors unless you add swingarm extensions.

> 5) Will 225/75/15 or 235/75/15 fit?

Yes, on the first w/o modifications but must have correct offset. Yes, on
the second but may need to flatten the seam on the rear swingarm. In either
case, it will depend on the height of the springs you have on your van.

> 6) Any post upgrade thoughts/suggestion/regrets?

I have plenty of these comments in the archives. I have Vanagons for on and
off road. My main advice is don't go too wide and watch you budget. Stay
away from 17" wheels are tires are not as easy to get. Anything bigger will
probably cost you as much for a set as it cost to buy most vans. I have set
that set me back $560 per tire. On the plus side, installation and balancing
were included. =) I bought one tire of the same make and size from an owner
who bought it by mistake for $50. Dang, I had to pay to mount it.

BenT