The clam shell and hold down bars are different for the vans that came with
the alloy wheels or 205/70-14 tires. An easy change out.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Alan Felder
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 7:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Tire size questions

I have an 82 diesel westy.  Currently it has Michelin XC LT4 LT195/75/R14's
on them.  They are slightly underrated, plus they are probably quite old.
Although, they have almost new looking tread on them.  Some very small
hairlines in the sidewalls.  The biggest problem I have with these is the
spare tire will in no way fit in the clamshell.  PO used a longer bolt and a
spacer on it to hold the clamshell out far enough to tighten against the
spacer (using the tire as a "spring") for security.  The handy safety
release is defeated, and missing.

So, in the not too distant future I will be replacing these tires.  I don't
want to keep travelling with a bottle jack in case I need to stow a tire,
flat or otherwise.  So, I'm wondering if the RA08's in 195 will fit in the
stock clamshell without problems.  Anyone have experience with those on
steel rims?

Alan Felder
Austin TX
82 Diesel Westy