TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Dec 27, 2002 6:35 pm

I have always wonder, what wheels are
compatible with my 1978 bus. What are some
good choices for rim width and tire size.
Would a wider rim add some stability?
How about RPM issues. What is a good RPM
range for a 2.0 let's say pulling a hill.

Fri Dec 27, 2002 8:40 pm

This is a topic that has been kicked around on the type2.com mailing list so much that it would be hard to add anything new. Go to type2.com and search the archive for more info. Vanagon wheels and many Mercedes wheels are compatible with the bus so you probably have a larger selection than you would think. I have seen late bay busses with Mercedes wheels and some of them look quite nice. Anything tire/wheel combo shorter than the stock 185-75-14 would provide better pulling power while anything taller would provide better freeway driving. I have 215-60-14 tires on my bus with a 7/8 inch rear sway bar and KYB shocks. I have been very pleased with the handling from the wider tires while the height of the tires is nearly identical as the original equipment. If you can go to a 15 inch wheel then you would have a much larger choice of tires. There are even a couple of companies that will cut the centers out of 14 inch bus wheels and make them into 15 inch wheels that retain the same original look. Unless you are prepared to make other changes in your drive train then I would try to stay as close to stock tire/wheel height as possible. Take care and good luck.

Sat Dec 28, 2002 7:37 am

To each their own.

Personally, I think the stock wheels look fine. They are already pretty wide, and with reinforced sidewall radial tires and a set KYB Gas shocks, the bus is pretty stable.

I had mine powdercoated black.

In my humble opinion, wheels are just about the last thing on a bus to worry about.

Sat Dec 28, 2002 6:25 pm

Correction:
Bus tires are 185R14. NO middle aspect ratio number. 185/75 14 are smaller.....
Do not use passenger tires. Minimum load weight per tire is 1540 lbs. Preferably they should have reinforced sidewalls but about the only ones on the market are Continental CS21's. Tire Rack has them for around $50 each.

Sat Dec 28, 2002 9:16 pm

I use C-rated Yokohama Y356 tires from Tirerack for $51 each. Same general idea.

Sat Dec 28, 2002 9:26 pm

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