I too have the GoWesty 16" wheels/tire kit.� Love 'em now with about 35,000 miles.� Last time I washed & detailed the Vanagon, I DID notice quite a few rock chips on the rocker panels behind the front wheels especially, hardly anything from the rears, but moreso than with the stock 14" wheels/tires configuration.� Guess that's a tradeoff (and one GW doesn't mention in their ad).� A minor one in my opinion, but I mostly drive on southern California roads and freeways...depending on where you live there might be a lot more gravel and rock chips around.� Also, my Vanagon is painted Pastel White, so super easy to touch up.� If it were a metallic color or something fancy where it's very difficult to touch up, I'd be discouraged too.� But the handling and the "look" is fun for me and never have regretted the decision, quite the opposite.� So consider that factor on your choice of new paint:� metallic vs. non-metallic...future little (unavoidable)
 damages down the road and how to deal with them.� 

By the way, my van (1985 GL non-Westy) was originally dark blue....I deemed too hot in summer and the deserts of the southwest.� So went with white.� Again, never regretted that decision.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Fri, 2/18/11, Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

From: Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 16" wheel kit
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Friday, February 18, 2011, 3:57 PM

I wanted to mention that I am not in anyway trying to throw GW under the "bus"....� GW supports me all the time with wonderful service.� I am just trying to find alternatives now that I am restoring and repainting the exterior.���
 
> Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:55:40 +0000
> From: fittdog8848@HOTMAIL.COM
> Subject: 16" wheel kit
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> Hey everyone,
> 
> Happy Friday! 
> 
> First YES another wheel and tire post. Yes I know 14s work great. But once I went to a wider tire and larger I will never go back as the ride is Amazing. I know folks use different wheel converts and I am looking for alternatives to gather information and make an educated buy. 
> 
> I am reaching out to the list to see if anyone else is having an issue with the GoWesty 16 wheel kits? The issue I am having is that the frnt wheels stick out way too far and spray rocks all up the sides of the van even with SA mudflaps. I do not want to get flares onteh fenders as I do not like the way they look. I don't think that dropping down to the 15s will help either as they are almost just as wide. 
> 
> 
> 
> Looking for advice and also suggestions as to what wheels 15 or 16 I could use instead. Should I go with Audi wheels and bore out he center for a better offset? Is there a way to fix the 23mm offset on teh gowesty wheels to increase the offset bring the hweel in further? 
> 
> and last.....If anyone wants a set of GOWESY wheels and Yokohama 215/65/16 tires let me know. 
> 
> 
> Thanks in advance. 
> 
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