Dave,

IIRC, the 14x5.5” steel wheels on Vanagons were ET39. This would mean the center your contact patch will be 29mm further outwards than where VW engineers designed the alignment specs. I’m not sure if you are concerned about that or just clearance. That’s a bit more than an inch further outward than the stock 14” wheels would have been. Given that the rear track of a Vanagon is a 1/2” narrower than the front and the wheels are relatively narrow, they should clear the sliding door with normal tires. The front clearance is less of an issue.

I have installed 8” wide tires in the back with a correct offset of ET20. That barely cleared the sliding door. The tire actually rubbed slightly after some adjustments to get door hinge. That is roughly 1.25” further outward than the wheel you are describing.

BenT

> On Jun 21, 2021, at 1:55 PM, Dave Weaver <busboy-nh@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Recently read an article stating Vanagon rims are a direct fit on the Œ71 -
> Œ79 bay window bus
> 
> Is the reverse true ­ does the Bay Window bolt pattern has sufficient
> clearance to work on the Vanagon. Saw listing for new rims with these specs:
> 
> Wheel Specs
> Diameter - 15"
> Width - 5.5"
> Offset (ET) - 20mm
> Backspacing - 4"
> Lug Pattern (PCD) - 5x112
> Lug Seat - 60 Degree Conical
> Weight ­ 15 lbs
> 
> I would like to run a 205/70/15. The van is never used off road. Thoughts??
> 
> Dave
> 1988 Vanagon GL 2.1