16'' Syncro Steelies???

VWhead · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 12:23 pm Post subject: 16'' Syncro Steelies???

What the heck! How come it's so hard to find original 16'' steel syncro rims for my Transporter with the correct backspacing? I have 16'' Eurovan rims with the centers cut out to fit on the stock Syncro hubs.The problem is the backspacing is terrible.They will fit on all four hubs but in the front there is barely any clearence between the rim and the steering knuckle(not even a finger's width will fit).I just want to run over size tires on steel 16'' rims(225 75 16).Can anyone help? Is the only choice spacers/longer studs or some kind of wheel adapters?I tried to do a search but couldn't find any good info.
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81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
www.gmwerks.com
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HeftySmurf · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:09 pm Post subject:

I feel your pain.

Who is running the GW 16" steel wheels?

From what it look like they wont fit bigger brakes and those appear to have been made w/ 14" centers.

Also I hear the MB 16" steelies are not syncro worthy.
They fit but might not be able to handle the off roading aspect
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-Lorenzo
90 GL w/ Bostig

Mzwo · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:28 pm Post subject:

you want the 6J16 rims, I believe.

these guys might be able to help you out: http://www.mefro-raederwerk.de/english/home.html

Matt

edit: more like these guys, a subsidiary of the above: http://www.suedrad.de/deutsch/home.html

FNGRUVN · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:36 pm Post subject:

I got a set from Discount Tire. 16x6 I think. They're sold as Passat steel rims for winter tires. I had to bore the center hole out, but other than that they fit great. The tires rub the front fenders a little when I hit bumps, but they clear all the suspension parts. I running BFG 225/75-16. Pictures of them in my gallery pics. They were about $60 each.
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"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

Mzwo · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:46 pm Post subject:

they might fit but most likely can't handle the load. or shouldn't be made to handle it, in any case.

personally, I wouldn't fit any rims not specifically designed for T3s, especially not to syncros, 14" or 16".

Matt

PDXWesty · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:59 pm Post subject:

Can't you just run spacers with them? Most people do to make other wheels fit. Contact member loogy with your rim information and he should be able to set you up with the right hardware.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=656981

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=50809
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

vwlovr · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 2:06 pm Post subject:

sc-surfer · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 2:07 pm Post subject:

Or try these...

Set of four Passat 16" steelies on Craigslist

EDIT: What is the ET on Passat wheels? Any ideas?
_________________
'89 Syncro Westy
Catalog of Vans at SDM 2010
Westfalia, Syncro & Tristar Reproduction decals here.
* * * Coming Soon: Washable seat covers for westy bench seat...keep the pets off the upholstery! * * *

Mzwo · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 2:12 pm Post subject:

@vwlovr: I'm not saying that non original wheels will buckle at the mere sight of a pothole.

granted, I might be overly cautious. Over here, if you're caught with the wrong wheels (or even the wrong dimension! "wrong" meaning not showing up in your registration) you'll get into trouble with the law. and in case of an accident your insurance may not have to cough up, which, if the don't have to, they won't do. neither of which I particularly fancy.

plus I think the mefros (see above) look very cool indeed.

Matt

vwlovr · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 3:22 pm Post subject:

syncrodoka · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:33 pm Post subject:

How did you get a picture of my donk?

syncrodoka · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:38 pm Post subject:

edgood1 · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 5:21 pm Post subject:

what a waste of a cutlass!
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1987 Syncro Westfalia powered by Subaru
1963 Panel to Deluxe Bus project :::: (photo album)
'65 Westfalia

FNGRUVN · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 5:43 pm Post subject:

Alright Mzwo, you made me do it. I got my trusty micrometer and measured the hub thickness on my wheels and an OE 14" wheel.

Mine - .208"
OE - .170"

If you think about it though, the manufacturers aren't going to sell a wheel that just barely does the job. A Passat isn't exactly a light car and I'm sure most Passat owners take corners a lot faster than most vanagon owners. I think cornering is where a wheel will feel the most stress.

I'm really happy with the wheels that I've got and the price was hard to beat, too. Just my 2 cents.
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"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

VWhead · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:05 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the reply's,but I still don't know what to do.I really don't want to install thiner Passat steel wheels on.Besides that are they the right backspacing.It gets expensive trying to experiment.

Here's some pics of what I'm dealing with.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
www.gmwerks.com
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VWhead · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:08 pm Post subject:

You can see that if a tire was installed on these rims,they would definately be hitting the upper control arm.
_________________
81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
www.gmwerks.com
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VWhead · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 6:10 pm Post subject:

Syncrodoka-What do you mean by this?

Be patient, the solution to your problem is coming soon young grasshopper.
_________________
81' Single Cab Syncro 1.8T GMW
88' 2wd Westy 1.8T GMW
www.gmwerks.com
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vwlovr · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:12 pm Post subject:

this is the back of the mb rims, after i took this pic i relocated that brake line, but still it's not too bad. decent amount of space, it was at least a finger width.

FNGRUVN · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:21 pm Post subject:

Thinner Passat wheels? They're .038 thicker.

Ok, I give up. I don't know where you can find 16" steel wheel that fit our vans.
_________________
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin

Mundopacheco · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:38 pm Post subject:

I have the MB 16" Steelies on my Syncro AW and these have stood up well, off-roading, which I do with some regularity, into fairly sketchy terrain, at times. They have been fine, though I don't go banging around like a fool. The most bad ass event was purely accidental and operator error. I hit a huge 'tope' (Mexican speed bump, often much larger than in the US and often no signage to warn you) going 70mph in Mexico and I swear I should have at least cracked a wheel, or blown a couple of tires. I checked and re-checked and all was well. Maybe the beefy E rated tires saved me? I slowed down.......
Miguel


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