So, these appears to be a reasonable approach to solving the problem.  One would buy studs and nuts, and simply screw in the studs, using nuts to secure the wheels.

Any downside?  VW engineers obviously liked the bolts for the front wheels, as do a number of other makers.  Other vehicles I've owned used studs and nuts, though.

Why?  I don't think the engineers were just dumb, but I don't know why they went as they did.  I actually would like to switch, just to make the tire changing business easier, but am hesitant until I know more.

Maybe I'll buy one of those hanger screws also suggested.

mcneely

---- Rob <vwrobb@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> That can be changed.
> http://t3technique.com/lug-nuts-studs-and-bolts/2wd-front-conversion-studs/
> I did business with him & would do so again. The studs are easier to deal with.
>
> Rob
> vwrobb@gmail.com
>
>
> At  8/28/2012 07:28 AM, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:
> >So yesterday I swapped out the two front tires on my van with a pair of
> >older ones due to excessive wear on one of the newer ones. My stepson, a
> >tow truck driver for ten years now, was on hand to help the old man.
> >
> >"I hate cars that use bolts instead of having studs on the wheels," he
> >said.
> >
> >I can see his point. With studs, you have something to hang the heavy
> >tire on, but with bolts, I found myself needing three hands: two to lift
> >and align the bolt holes and a third to start the first bolt. He
> >provided that third hand. I'm hoping I'll never have to do it by myself.
> >
> >--
> >Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
> >1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
> >Bend, Ore.

--
David McNeely