>Perry,
>
>The spare tire mount under the front of the vehicle will only comfortably
>hold a standard VW rim with a 185 tyre.Any wider and you get the problem
>that you described.
>
>Yes,VW did offer alloy rims as an option however they are only the same
>width (5 1/2") as the steel rims.They just looked better than the 
>standard steelies.Recommended tyre was still 185R x 14" so they still fit.
>
>My van has 15" alloys with 215 60's and I have no hope of fitting one of
>those under the front.I have a 5th one which I take on long trips otherwise
>I rely on the original spare with it's original 185R 70 14" which remains
>under the front of the car as an emergency spare to limp to a service
>station.My new wheels are virtually the same overall diameter as the
>originals so whilst driving on a combination isn't particularly good for
>handling,at least I can use it if needed without doing any damage.
>
>Steve O.
>
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