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Joe 20
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Joined: August 27, 2005
Posts: 655
Location: Ohio
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 Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2021 8:18 pm Post subject: Does anyone know why... |
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Does anyone know why VW switched 181 wheels from 15" to 14"? Seems like most other VW's were 15" at the time. Thanks in advance for any info.
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"Someday the world is gonna be populated by nothing but Volkswagens'" Corporal Klairvoy |
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FJBLF
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Joined: January 10, 2016
Posts: 213
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| Posted: Mon Nov 29, 2021 9:12 pm Post subject: Re: Does anyone know why... |
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| Joe 20 wrote: |
| Does anyone know why VW switched 181 wheels from 15" to 14"? Seems like most other VW's were 15" at the time. Thanks in advance for any info. |
I've heard two things... They are both related to the launch of the "Thing" for the US market, all Things were manufactured in Puebla, and the production volumes including the Thing for the US were substantially higher than in earlier production years
1.- Changed from Gear Reduction Box transmission to CVJ Transmission, The gear ratios are different, less torque, more speed. Making the 15 inch wheels unnecesary.
2.- Manufacturing standarization and cost reductions, 14" are cheaper than 15", less material
Again, just stories...
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1972 VW 181 SAFARI 1500 cc GRB Trans-axle |
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el_safari
Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2005
Posts: 375
Location: Nouvelle Aquitaine,France
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2021 12:08 pm Post subject: Re: Does anyone know why... |
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15" old bus rims only the first year(1970) with the 1500cc SP type H.
the 185R14R MS were more available and thus cheaper. Special 14" rims for the 181.
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mondshine
Samba Member
Joined: October 27, 2006
Posts: 2769
Location: The World's Motor Capital
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2021 2:16 pm Post subject: Re: Does anyone know why... |
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To me, a smaller diameter wheel, combined with a tall tire sidewall makes sense for rough terrain.
Here in Michigan, potholes are very tough on big wheels with 40-45 aspect ratio tires. |
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FJBLF
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Joined: January 10, 2016
Posts: 213
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| Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:52 pm Post subject: Re: Does anyone know why... |
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| el_safari wrote: |
15" old bus rims only the first year(1970) with the 1500cc SP type H.
the 185R14R MS were more available and thus cheaper. Special 14" rims for the 181. |
The 15" Rims made it all the way to 71 and the 1500 engine made it all the way through 72' I have one. Mine was Produced in May 72 with the 1500 engine, by then the 14" wheels were standard.
The last production car to use 15" wheels, according to the parts manual was serial # 181 2617 370
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1972 VW 181 SAFARI 1500 cc GRB Trans-axle |
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