With the 14" wheels tire choices are really limited. You basically have  the
OEM 205/70-14XL (General Altimax) or the 185/80 or 195/80 truck type tires.
Taller but skinnier. A 215/70-14 will only get you to a 96 load index (1554
pounds/tire) but this is at the lower end of acceptable. Nokian does make a
really nice 225/70-14 (98 load index) that will work.

I have just outfitted a 2nd 2 wheel drive van with 17" wheels and
225/55-17XL tires. Load index 101.  This set up has new been tested on a 91
and an 88. As for handling improvement, like being on rails.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Nik Maravich
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 1:51 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Fiberglass Bumper and Tire Questions

Hi all

My 87 GL has just been painted and I am going to install Fiberglass Front
and Rear Bumpers and the Front AirDam.  I know there are a lot of stronger
bumpers out there but I really love the look.  Anyways, I am trying to find
the correct hardware list for the bumpers and Air Dam.  I looked in Bentley
and online hoping to find the hardware list.  Does any know of anyone that
sells the correct Bumper and Air Dam hardware? or where I can get a list of
what is needed?  The Body Shop that did all the work does not specialize in
VWs so if I can provide them the proper hardware, installation will go
smoothly and it will still be Genuine.  I have given up trying to find new
alloys so I am going to run with the original 14".  I am wondering what size
tire would fill the wheel wells to get the proper look.  My Van will not be
doing any off-roading,

Thanks again in advance for your help

Nik Maravich
nikkoleto@me.com