Idiot's question:
How is the syncro wheel different from the regular vanagon wheel?  The tire
dealers tell me that my original tires were 205 70 14.  The owner's manual
doesn't say exactly what kind of tires were on it nor are there
specifications about the wheels!  It says "For technical reasons it is not
possible in every case to use wheels from other vehicles - under certain
conditions not even wheels from the same vehicle model." and "consult your
VW dealer."   Is that a "This means you, dummy."?  Assuming the tire
dealers' books to be correct and that the original tires were 205 70 14,
then, what are the effects of going with 195s or 185s.  Negligible?

unfortunately, ONLY the syncro vanagon wheels will fit. the wheels from a
non-vanagon do NOT fit. :( so you can get wheels from any 1986 to 1991

OK, not a non-vanagon. But regular Vanagon is OK?  If syncro is different,
how do I know whether junk yard wheel is the syncro or not?  Are the marked?

well, the problem with mounting it on the front is it blocks your airflow to
the radiator, and you will likely overheat when going slow ... which is

Hooboy.  I REALLY don't want that.

to lower/remove the tire/rack to open the rear hatch. and the other rear-
mount racks require cutting and bolting to the body. :(

Seems like I've seen some for other vans, like Dodge or something, that are
hinged so that you can move them away without physically taking the tire
off.  The would be the cut & bolt type, right?

i could look for some way to mount it inside ... maybe even flat on the
floor
with a "false floor" built over it, with other storage underneath (little

This might be a good way to keep me out of the refrigerator!

better might be some way to stand the tire upright behind the passenger's
seat. or just lay it on the floor, back against the storage "wall" at the
back edge of the sliding door. it would be tooooo much in the way there.
and easily accessed. of course, when you put the flat inside (after changing
the tire), it'll be all muddy and wet (it rains a lot down there). ;)

Storage wall?  I've got a bed there!

I've got it.  NO FLAT TIRES.

basically, there is not "good" place. :(

Ah, Joel, I was afraid you'd say that.

Regards,
Jeanne
87 Syncro Westie