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bobbyblack 
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015
Posts: 4351
Location: United States, Iowa
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 Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2017 9:22 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| candyman wrote: |
| 2003 c240. No pics currently |
Cool, I have a set of those. Christoper can help you with the proper hardware; spacers front and rear, and lugs, studs, drill..
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
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benandmj
Samba Member
Joined: October 29, 2012
Posts: 550
Location: Atlanta
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2017 9:48 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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I’ve kept my eye on this thread for years but don’t recall seeing these wheels before. Anyone have any experience with them on a Syncro? ET41.
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85 Westfalia Weekender
91 Syncro Westy |
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Pinetops
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Joined: March 24, 2007
Posts: 2987
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| Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 10:08 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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Do the ASA Mercedes style wheels sold by tirerack have the same specs as the ones sold by several vanagon parts suppliers?
https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServle...toModClar=
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Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5391
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 10:27 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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Yes, all of those wheels are being purchased from Tire Rack and sold by the various vendors. They all come from the same source. ASA is a brand owned by Tire Rack. The difference is that Tire Rack does not condone their use on a Vanagon due to the wheels not being the correct offset and not being strong enough. Many, many of those wheels have cracked and bent when used on a Vanagon. They are just a cheap, poorly made wheel produced and sold for a profit, not because its a great product. Check out the photos below. This is just a sample of the many, many wheels that have failed, but no one talks about it because the wheels are so popular and are pushed so hard as being "correct" for the Vanagon.
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"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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Pinetops
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2007
Posts: 2987
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| Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 11:41 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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Thanks Christopher, that is quite compelling info!
So would you say an original set that came off a MB still wouldn't be a good choice for vanagons?
I don't like the looks quite as much but I do know where I can pick up some of the nice forged CLK's, that or just stay with the stock steel wheels.
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COLORADOKID
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Joined: September 08, 2017
Posts: 1
Location: COLORADO
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Jim Hunter
Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2014
Posts: 107
Location: MB, Slovenjia
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:11 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
| Christopher Schimke wrote: |
Refinishing wheels can be done in several ways...
...
For the final paint, you will get a much better looking, more durable finish from a professional paint system sprayed from a spray gun. You would also have a much greater choice of colors and any good painter can create a clearcoat that is the exact amount of gloss that you prefer. If you are stuck with aerosol cans, your color choice is a little more limited and you will be stuck with limited options for the amount of gloss the wheels end up with. I would do some experimenting and a smooth piece of scrap with various brands of paint until you come up with what you like. I would recommend staying with one brand of paint for both the color and clear coats. This will ensure compatibility. Not that you can't mix brands, but it can be risky. Plastikote offers a few colors of wheel paint and they also have a satin clear in their "trunk" line of paints. That may be an option for you.
Good luck! |
Wow, thanks for all that Chris! It happens our paint store in Juneau can mix up rattle can colors and carry a filling primer like you describe so next trip in I'll have them match up a color. Great to know I can do this with the tire in place, two more jack stands and I can make a weekend of it.
Much appreciated! 
Mark |
Mark ,
Chris was as always very helpful and very good on descriptions too!
As a wheel repair shop owner in Ljubljana , Slovenia and having great experience from snow and winter wheels as already suggested from Chris you must have the wheels sandblasted , salt corrosion can be everywhere hidden and failure to remove it completely may result in paint flaking.I recommend an fine grit like 0.04 to be used (cut wire it would be ideal).Consider an durable option to have them powder coated from a good wheel shop from your area...You can achieve this matte finish way more easily versus regular 2 stage paint...
Good luck,
Jim
Last edited by Jim Hunter on Mon Jan 08, 2018 2:40 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Alaskaberrys
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1001
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 11:56 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Jim Hunter wrote: |
| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
| Christopher Schimke wrote: |
Refinishing wheels can be done in several ways...
...
For the final paint, you will get a much better looking, more durable finish from a professional paint system sprayed from a spray gun. You would also have a much greater choice of colors and any good painter can create a clearcoat that is the exact amount of gloss that you prefer. If you are stuck with aerosol cans, your color choice is a little more limited and you will be stuck with limited options for the amount of gloss the wheels end up with. I would do some experimenting and a smooth piece of scrap with various brands of paint until you come up with what you like. I would recommend staying with one brand of paint for both the color and clear coats. This will ensure compatibility. Not that you can't mix brands, but it can be risky. Plastikote offers a few colors of wheel paint and they also have a satin clear in their "trunk" line of paints. That may be an option for you.
Good luck! |
Wow, thanks for all that Chris! It happens our paint store in Juneau can mix up rattle can colors and carry a filling primer like you describe so next trip in I'll have them match up a color. Great to know I can do this with the tire in place, two more jack stands and I can make a weekend of it.
Much appreciated!
Mark |
Mark ,
Chris was as always very helpful and he are very good on descriptions too!
As a wheel repair shop owner in Ljubljana , Slovenia and having great experience from snow and winter wheels as already suggested from Chris you must have the wheels sandblasted , salt corrosion can be everywhere hidden and failure to remove it completely may result in paint flaking.I recommend an fine grit like 0.04 to be used (cut wire it would be ideal).Consider an durable option to have them powder coated from a good wheel shop from your area...You can achieve this matte finish way more easily versus regular 2 stage paint...
Good luck,
Jim |
Thanks for the advice Jim, good info to know on the extent of salt infusion. My location - and lack of a second set of wheels - has hamstrung me for now. I’d have to remove the tires to ship the wheels out of town as we’ve no road access to the rest of the world - ferry and small plane only to Juneau. My plan was to do a good cleaning - pressure wash and sand to abate the current corrosion and refinish myself one or two at a time with tires on.
I’m searching for a similar fitting wheel - as a spare and to eventually grow into a set for studded tires for our icy winter conditions (much easier here to have two sets of wheels with no local tire shop). At that point I can look into having them shipped and professionally done in Seattle. I really like the look of that wheel.
A question for you, are the Autec wheels common on the T3’s in your location? With no suppliers here in the states our only tire shop in Juneau, LesSchwaub, was having a difficult time sourcing a wheel to match the offsets of the Autec 7,5 x 16" (KBA number: 45311) with a 205/80 R16 mounted to use as a spare with the same diameter. They took my info, but a week later and I still haven’t heard back...
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'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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Jim Hunter
Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2014
Posts: 107
Location: MB, Slovenjia
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 2:55 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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Mark,
Lets try to see if we can make this a proper DIY job as well...
The answer is sure but you have to invest on some tools/supplies...
I am sure that you have a power washer , most of them can be converted to sand blasting machines , a bag of grit and you are ready to remove salt corrosion effectively forever... It will save you lots of time and even the least effective sand blasting gun is way more efficient than any other method to remove salt and general corrosion from alloys , a good rinse , a wash with aluminium stabilizer and you are ready to apply a quality 2 stage primer...
Maybe it will be going to cost you a bit more but not that much if we have to consider : tires removal , installation and balancing , shipping both ways , sandblasting , paint....
As for the wheels , they are not very common to be honest but not hard to find too ! I think the shipping it will be a bit high but I can help you either way , one more thing to consider is that Autec has still some stock of these wheels new http://autec-wheels.de/en/design-program/discontinued-wheels/type-a-arctic-brilliant-silver.html...
If you decide to go the DIY way do not hesitate to ask anything !!! Also you can pm me or if you like you may start a new thread to keep Chris thread clean...
And last but not least you must live at the heaven !!!
Jim |
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Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5391
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 5:10 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
A question for you, are the Autec wheels common on the T3’s in your location? With no suppliers here in the states our only tire shop in Juneau, LesSchwaub, was having a difficult time sourcing a wheel to match the offsets of the Autec 7,5 x 16" (KBA number: 45311) with a 205/80 R16 mounted to use as a spare with the same diameter. They took my info, but a week later and I still haven’t heard back... |
Do you know the offset of your Autec wheels? Also, have you checked to see if the previous owner installed any spacers front and/or rear? If so, how thick are they? If you let me know, I'll see what I can find for your spare.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5391
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Pinetops wrote: |
So would you say an original set that came off a MB still wouldn't be a good choice for vanagons?
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Yes, the factory Mercedes wheels are much, much better quality. Mercedes has their wheels made by Ronal, BBS, and other high-end wheel manufacturers. They usually require more work to get them installed, but the results and peace of mind are well worth it.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5391
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2018 5:15 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| benandmj wrote: |
I’ve kept my eye on this thread for years but don’t recall seeing these wheels before. Anyone have any experience with them on a Syncro? ET41.
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What is the size of that wheel?
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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Alaskaberrys
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1001
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 1:07 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Christopher Schimke wrote: |
| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
A question for you, are the Autec wheels common on the T3’s in your location? With no suppliers here in the states our only tire shop in Juneau, LesSchwaub, was having a difficult time sourcing a wheel to match the offsets of the Autec 7,5 x 16" (KBA number: 45311) with a 205/80 R16 mounted to use as a spare with the same diameter. They took my info, but a week later and I still haven’t heard back... |
Do you know the offset of your Autec wheels? Also, have you checked to see if the previous owner installed any spacers front and/or rear? If so, how thick are they? If you let me know, I'll see what I can find for your spare. |
Thanks Chris, most appreciated - I had no idea it would be this difficult to find something for a workable spare. Woulda had Busman buy an extra wheel before shipping if I had known. As Jim pointed out above, at this point shipping will be a bit high for another Autec to match.
I found “ET35” stamped onto the back of a front tire I took off, seems pretty straight forward assuming European wheels use the same nomenclature - found no spacer. Was studs coming from the hub, didn’t measure them tho. Also found “A756” and “7.5JX16H2” along with another number that looks to be a serial number stamp but pretty indecipherable along with “Autec” and “Germany”.
I haven’t pulled a rear - i’ll do that tomorrow to see if any spacers there.
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'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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Alaskaberrys
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1001
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 1:20 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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Thanks for the tips and the offer Jim, I’ll get ahold of you if I do decide to bite the shipping bullet.
| Jim Hunter wrote: |
And last but not least you must live at the heaven !!! |
Heaven w/o good internet or shipping 
(yes, wouldn’t trade it for anything....well....perhaps a road to a good hardware store  )
I hope to make it to your part if the world before too long!
_________________
'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5391
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2018 8:54 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
| Christopher Schimke wrote: |
| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
A question for you, are the Autec wheels common on the T3’s in your location? With no suppliers here in the states our only tire shop in Juneau, LesSchwaub, was having a difficult time sourcing a wheel to match the offsets of the Autec 7,5 x 16" (KBA number: 45311) with a 205/80 R16 mounted to use as a spare with the same diameter. They took my info, but a week later and I still haven’t heard back... |
Do you know the offset of your Autec wheels? Also, have you checked to see if the previous owner installed any spacers front and/or rear? If so, how thick are they? If you let me know, I'll see what I can find for your spare. |
I found “ET35” stamped onto the back of a front tire I took off, seems pretty straight forward assuming European wheels use the same nomenclature - found no spacer. Was studs coming from the hub, didn’t measure them tho. Also found “A756” and “7.5JX16H2” along with another number that looks to be a serial number stamp but pretty indecipherable along with “Autec” and “Germany”.
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Not 100% identical in appearance, but close. Size and offset are identical.
https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServle...toModClar=
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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Alaskaberrys
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2016
Posts: 1001
Location: SE Alaska
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| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 1:15 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Christopher Schimke wrote: |
| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
| Christopher Schimke wrote: |
| Alaskaberrys wrote: |
A question for you, are the Autec wheels common on the T3’s in your location? With no suppliers here in the states our only tire shop in Juneau, LesSchwaub, was having a difficult time sourcing a wheel to match the offsets of the Autec 7,5 x 16" (KBA number: 45311) with a 205/80 R16 mounted to use as a spare with the same diameter. They took my info, but a week later and I still haven’t heard back... |
Do you know the offset of your Autec wheels? Also, have you checked to see if the previous owner installed any spacers front and/or rear? If so, how thick are they? If you let me know, I'll see what I can find for your spare. |
I found “ET35” stamped onto the back of a front tire I took off, seems pretty straight forward assuming European wheels use the same nomenclature - found no spacer. Was studs coming from the hub, didn’t measure them tho. Also found “A756” and “7.5JX16H2” along with another number that looks to be a serial number stamp but pretty indecipherable along with “Autec” and “Germany”.
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Not 100% identical in appearance, but close. Size and offset are identical.
https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServle...toModClar= |
Perfect, thanks Chris! I’m off to find a 205/80 to fit...
_________________
'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...) |
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1of6
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2013
Posts: 39
Location: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
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| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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I have a line on four very good 5X112 Ronal wheels (7J x 15H2 E23 ) supposedly off a Mercedes 450SL. Will these bolt onto my 1987 2WD Doka and will I be able to fit anything like a 235/75/15 with a mild lift kit?
[/img]
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1958 Beetle, sold
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1973 Westphalia, sold
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rs251
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Joined: April 30, 2005
Posts: 15
Location: Pacific Northwest
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| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 9:00 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| Yes those will fit perfectly. 215/75/15 BFG K02 would be a great tire choice for a 2WD Doka. You will need new wheel hardware from www.t3technique.com or www.werke1.com locally in BC |
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1of6
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2013
Posts: 39
Location: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
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| Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 9:23 pm Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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Thanks for the tip about werke1...hadn't heard of them.
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1958 Beetle, sold
1964 Cabriolet, sold (avatar)
1973 Westphalia, sold
2002 Turbo Beetle GLX, sold
1992 4 door Double Cab Transporter
1987 3 door Double Cab Transporter |
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joetiger
Samba Member
Joined: January 27, 2005
Posts: 5078
Location: denver
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| Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 8:44 am Post subject: Re: "What wheels fit?" The ultimate wheel post. |
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| 1of6 wrote: |
| I have a line on four very good 5X112 Ronal wheels (7J x 15H2 E23 ) supposedly off a Mercedes 450SL. |
Get 'em. Best wheels ever.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
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Joe T.
'86 NAHT Vanagon GL Syncro/ supercharged ABA 2.0 "Pigpen"
'04 GTI 1.8T
'04 Golf R32
"get metaphysical with it. if it's simply a means to get to and from places, it will let you down. if it becomes your zen, it can't fail you." -dabaron
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