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dustyrhodes
Samba Member
Joined: December 20, 2010
Posts: 38
Location: Venice, CA
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 Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 8:57 am Post subject: What size tire on a 16" SA steel rim fits in the spare storage? |
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Hi folks,
I'm about to upgrade my brakes so I need to replace my space with something that will clear the SA big brakes. Ideally I would just get a 5th SA steelie and put a tire on it that clears the stock storage. I don't mind the size differential for a spare.
Anyone know what tire/size will fit? I suppose I can also consider a 15" wheel if that's easier...
Thanks!
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1989 Vanagon Westfalia |
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baltik
Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2015
Posts: 440
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| Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 9:05 am Post subject: Re: What size tire on a 16" SA steel rim fits in the spare storage? |
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I just went through this - my setup 215/65/16 nokian rottiva. I got it to fit but I had to use a longer front clamshell bolt in the front (classifieds), modify the clamshell by trimming the area next to the hinges and lowering the back of the clamshell using Ubolts.. soo it will fit but it's reallly tight. I ended up picking up a VanCafe spare tire carrier recently on the cheap - much easier to take the spare in and out now but it does slightly lower front clearance even relative to my modified clamshell setup...
last word of advice - the spare tire cavity space is inconsistent between vans that's why some people make it work with minimal effort, while others give up.. |
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Jon_slider
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2007
Posts: 5091
Location: Santa Cruz, Crowdifornia
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| Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2017 11:25 am Post subject: Re: What size tire on a 16" SA steel rim fits in the spare storage? |
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| baltik wrote: |
| the spare tire cavity space is inconsistent between vans |
there are 2 different clamshells, each with their own different top bars.
the shallower setup is from vans that originally came with steel wheels and 185 tires, the deeper setup is from vans that originally came with alloy wheels and 205 tires.
more detail in this post:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw//forum/viewtopic.php?p=8366829#8366829
bottom line is fitting a 27" tire like the 215x65x16 requires modifications that include removing the top bars completely, replacing the hinges on the clam, and using a longer bolt, as baltik has done.
It is also suggested that a steering shaft protector be added (Burley/Van-Cafe), to keep the tire from rubbing there.
the Van Cafe carrier is a good option if approach angle is not a consideration for example in this 2wd with 27" tire:
some syncro drivers are also willing to let it all hang out, such as this 28" tire:
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My Soapboxes: Inflation; Handling; Gearing; Decoupling; Swepco |
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