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Subject:Mercedes C220 Wheels
From:Jim Arnott
Date:Sat, 9 Jun 2007 18:54:30 -0700

Score!

Set of 4 with 215/60R15 tires that'll do for $200.

Here's the details:

Bore wheel bolt holes to 9/16" (The hardest part of the job. The
alloy is soft and tends to grab the bit. Used a Silver & Demming
drill so the 1/2" drill motor worked.  Drill press would have been
better, but I already had the tires mounted.

5/16 spacer in front (I bought cheap spacers and used 3M Super
Weatherstrip Adhesive to stick 'em to the wheels. Else you can't get
them to stay centered.)
Front bolts: 45mm shank
Rear press-in studs 54mm long

Sources:
45mm bolts and spacers: www.ezaccessory.com
54mm Sway-A-Way studs: p/n 8054 www.bugsandbuggies.com (drop shipped
from Sway-A-Way at a 20% discount over Sway-A-Way's price)

Prices:

Spacers: $10 the pair
Bolts:  $16.90 the set
Studs: $30.60 the set

Grand total (not counting shipping):

$257.50

Labor: About three hours from start to finish.

Concern: (Thanks to Ben T for pointing this out) Ball seat on wheel
is designed for 12mm nuts/bolts. Needs to be clearanced a bit so the
rear nuts sit down in the seat. The front bolts are v. close to the
12mm seat diameter. A dab of Prussian Blue shows adequate contact in
front. Not so in rear. The wheel bolt supplier normally stocks
matching nuts but is currently out of stock. So for now, I have to
carry a 17mm socket for the front and a 19mm for the rear and check
torque frequently. Oh well.

Needs hub caps to cover the spindles. I measure 71.75mm (2.825")
diameter x about 25-30mm tall. Can someone who has stock Vanagon
please measure the diameter of the cap?

All in all, a piece o' cake to do. And baby looks soooooo good with
new shoes!

Jim

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