Thanks to all for the lesson in tire sizing! My tires are 206/65/R15 so that
would make them 15" rims. I had no idea there were that many copies out
there. Looks like I have some serious investigation to do. And yes, I
assumed they would be expensive but was hoping to find a used one somewhere.
thanks to all

Chris

On 8/13/07, BenT Syncro <syncro@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> On 8/13/07, Chris Lisica <wavanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Yeah, that would probably help. I just measured them and they are 16"
> > across.
> >
> > As far as the composition of the metal goes, if I had to say, I'd say
> > they
> > are cast aluminum. Although I wouldn't know the difference between cast
> > or
> > forged.
> >
> > As for the model/year, I have no idea, they came w/ the van when I
> > bought
> > it.
> >
> > As for the crack, I have no idea how it happened, I don't recall hitting
> >
> > anything that hard that would crack a rim. Whether they belong on my van
> > or
> > not, I'm not a tire expert. They drive straight, the van handles like a
> > sports car and I like the way they look. I would change them if only I
> > couldn't find a replacement.
> >
> > Thanks to all for the responses.
> >
> > Chris
>
>
> Chris,
>
> The easiest way to confirm the wheel size is by looking at the tire size.
> A 15 inch tire, for example, would not fit a 16 inch wheel. I know you said
> you measured it but looks like a 15" wheel to me.
>
> As others have mentioned, these came in various widths. Not only that,
> they also came in various offsets. The only way to be 100% sure of what yo
> have is by taking off the wheel and looking over the markings on the
> backside. This is also a good way to confirm if it's a real Fuchs wheel or a
> copy. The most common copy was made my Maxwheel. There is another I've seen
> made my AIR.
>
> Both replica wheels are cast aluminum. The originals are forged or
> pressure cast. The main difference is most of the air bubbles in the metal
> are forced out during the forging process. When you looking at the bare
> surface of the wheels, the cast copies will look more porous vs. the cast
> ones. The backsides of the wheels also look smoother in the forged version.
> Again this can be confirmed by looking at the markings in back of the
> wheels.
>
> I have used both cast and forged wheels in various vehicles including a
> 2wd 1987 Vanagon GL w/o any durability problems. I've logged over 150K in
> one set over a period of 6 years. However, my driving in on relatively
> smooth California freeways and highways. You can see what these look like
> here:
>
> http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/vanagoncafewheelspage1.html
>
> It's the pic on the top left hand side. Those are 15 X 8" replicas.
>
> How are these wheels attached to your van? Did they use adapters? The
> added adapters will affect what offset will fit.
>
> Lastly, be forewarned that real Fuchs are getting very expensive. It's not
> unusual to see very early 15" "deep six" wheels to sell for $250+ each. You
> can find some deals on newer versions for $100 or less. Some of the "exotic"
> offsets which fit unusual models can run upwards of $500 each used. Forget
> about getting new ones. Some will cost you as much as a 2wd Vanagon.
>
> Cheers,
>
> BenT
> www.vanagoncafe.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--
Chris
88 Vanagon GL
02 Golf GLS TDI (SOLD, looking for a Westy, now that I know what I really
like to drive)