Hi Jack,

I would be concerned about the offset of these rims. Just because
they will bolt up doesn't mean they will fit, or that they will work
properly. The VW bus/vanagon has a specific offset to the centre line
of the rim that is not common to many newer vehicles. Running a wheel
with the wrong offset will put undue stress on your wheel bearings.
It might also cause problems Correcting that would require spacers,
which in turn might require longer studs and wheel bolts.

If the offset is good, then you just need an appropriate tire. Visit
Larry Chase's page at www.roadhaus.com for a great compilation of
tire info.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/75/77/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
www.pottsfamily.ca/westfakia
www.busesofthecorn.com

On 9-Dec-06, at 11:06 AM, Jack R wrote:

> I have an 84 Westie, currently running OEM tires/Rims 185R14 Load D.
>
>
>
> I was offered a "Free" Set of 16" RIMS that are a direct bolt on, and
> wondered if that would be a good move to take and if so which tires
> and size
> should I go with?
>
>
>
> This is what I was told.
>
>
>
> If the stock 185/14's are (for example) 60 series, an alternate 16"
> or 17"
> tire would need to have close to a 22.7"  diameter  (71.4"
> circumference)
> to keep the speedo accurate.
>
> You can run scenarios on this tire calculator:
>
> http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
>
>
>
> However, the pressure and sway problems is my concern.
>
>
>
> Any words of advice is appreciated.
>
>
>
> IF I go with the new wheels option, I will have a set of 4 BRAND
> NEW tires,
> rims and OEM wheel covers for sale.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Jack
>
> 84Westie N. of Detroit