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Mountain Haus
Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Cascade, ColoRADo
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 Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 9:34 am Post subject: Bay Bus with Passat (or late VW) 15" steel rims wheels |
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While considering this as an option, I searched all sorts of keywords to find help and could not find any build thread for this conversion. So I thought I would pop the cherry on this, my first build thread.
I have wanted to do this on a few of my projects (Airkewld T3 Disk Brakes, 2.5 Vana-baru swap, 16" Merc wheel to Vanagon, etc, etc) but seem to get into something else and can never find time. Those types of projects are easier to find help on here in the forums, so my motivation is greater for this project.
I found a set of bare wheels in Boulders C.L. for $50 and just could not pass it up. It worked out perfect for me because my neighbor/ drinking buddy has good friends in the Northern part of our state so I talked to one of them about picking them up for me. Even better, they had planned to get together that weekend already so the wheels were delivered the 2.5 hours right to me...anyway. Needing tires on the Bus for an upcoming adventure, I started studying the internet to see how easy or difficult this was going to be. With info scarce I had to just do it and learn along the way..
My Bus is a 1978 Westfalia full camper, stock and slow 2.0 FI...smooth as cream-o-wheat.
(and don't make fun of my exhaust, its next)
The wheels are 15" x 6" ET 45 Italian Steelies 5 x 112 lug pattern. Center bore opened up to 66.56 makes a nice tight fit around the Front hub. This was done for me by a great shop here in Colorado Springs named Absolute Machine. These guys were eager to help, affordable ($30 per), and had them done before lunchtime.
***Do your research before you buy your steelies, I saw ET #'s in the 50's on some VW wheels. I lucked out and found a set real close to stock dimensions which are 14 x 5.5 ET39
After a little Scratchin' and Squirtin' (Dupli-Color "Pewter")
The tires I found as the best option for me were the 215 70 15 Yokohama Geolander ATS. They are a good split between on and off road traction and load ratings were just at spec at 1653 lbs (98s) and they are a really good looking tire.
The night before the tire shop visit I could not sleep well at all, fears of rubbing and clearance issues haunted me. If there were any issues it could cost us our upcoming trip and I would be in big trouble due to it being our 10 year Anniversary gift to each other. My guts were in knots.
Fortunately...NO RUBBING!!! YAY!! They fit great and really stand the Bus tall, its Rocky Mountain Tough now. Lets go!
Before
After
_________________
Wife says "You should spay and neuter your VW's so they quit reproducing"
1978 Dakota Beige Westy
1964 Euro "S" Variant
1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Tin Top 9 Passenger Deluxe
2003 Passat W8
2017 Golf AllTrack S Stage 3
1978 Honda CT90
and usually a couple of stragglers...?
Last edited by Mountain Haus on Sat Aug 15, 2015 11:02 am; edited 1 time in total |
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notchboy
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Joined: April 27, 2002
Posts: 22659
Location: Escondido CA
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| Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 9:59 am Post subject: |
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So this was just straight bolt on without lifting at all? (except for the center hole cut and different lugs right?)
Looks nice 
_________________
| t3kg wrote: |
OK, this thread is over. You win. |
Jason "notchboy" Weigel
1964 1500 S
1964 T34 S Convertible
1977 Westfalia Camper pop-top |
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Mountain Haus
Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Cascade, ColoRADo
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| Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 10:10 am Post subject: |
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Yes, pretty simple really. Lugs are 14mm Ball Seat and everything. There is more room too, could have gotten away with 215 75 I think.
Thanks, I cant quit starring at it. 
_________________
Wife says "You should spay and neuter your VW's so they quit reproducing"
1978 Dakota Beige Westy
1964 Euro "S" Variant
1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Tin Top 9 Passenger Deluxe
2003 Passat W8
2017 Golf AllTrack S Stage 3
1978 Honda CT90
and usually a couple of stragglers...? |
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aeromech
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 17601
Location: San Diego, California
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| Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 11:01 am Post subject: |
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How's the ride at 70 mph?
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound |
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Mountain Haus
Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Cascade, ColoRADo
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| Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 11:06 am Post subject: |
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Not there yet, I am taking it down the Hwy today. I live in mountains and 70 is hard to come by here without too much danger. 
_________________
Wife says "You should spay and neuter your VW's so they quit reproducing"
1978 Dakota Beige Westy
1964 Euro "S" Variant
1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Tin Top 9 Passenger Deluxe
2003 Passat W8
2017 Golf AllTrack S Stage 3
1978 Honda CT90
and usually a couple of stragglers...? |
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Mountain Haus
Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Cascade, ColoRADo
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| Posted: Sat Aug 15, 2015 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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Just got back home where its at least 10 degrees cooler than down in the Springs, its so nice!
The trip went great, smooth and stable on the freeway and nice and responsive in the canyon. And not alot of power loss in the hills. I had a little rubbing on the front sway bar at full stop while reversing, but I can handle that. Nothing forward that I noticed. All in all, I am extremely happy. 
_________________
Wife says "You should spay and neuter your VW's so they quit reproducing"
1978 Dakota Beige Westy
1964 Euro "S" Variant
1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Tin Top 9 Passenger Deluxe
2003 Passat W8
2017 Golf AllTrack S Stage 3
1978 Honda CT90
and usually a couple of stragglers...? |
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greggearhead
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Joined: June 20, 2004
Posts: 579
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
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Paul Hoegemeyer
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Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 40
Location: Lincoln Ne.
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| Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 2:12 pm Post subject: Questions |
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Can you tell me a part no. On those wheels?
How much space is left between the tire and rear fender?
With the rub up front do you still think you can go 75s?
Can you tell me the diameter?
How much did they lift your bus?
Thanks
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1978 passenger bus FI. camper special engine
1986 Brazilian DC
1979 Westy waiting on a TDI
1970 beetle |
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Mountain Haus
Samba Member
Joined: October 28, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Cascade, ColoRADo
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| Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 12:08 pm Post subject: |
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Here is what I found stamped on the wheel
Here is a shot up to show great clearance between fender and tire
These tires measure at 26.8", this info can be found on Discount Tires site.
I do think the 215 75's would be fine, you would have to adjust your "u-turn" style though.
As far as how much lift...I didnt measure but its got to be at least 3-4" over my "P" rated 185 75 14's
_________________
Wife says "You should spay and neuter your VW's so they quit reproducing"
1978 Dakota Beige Westy
1964 Euro "S" Variant
1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Tin Top 9 Passenger Deluxe
2003 Passat W8
2017 Golf AllTrack S Stage 3
1978 Honda CT90
and usually a couple of stragglers...? |
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secretsubmariner
Champagne Wrangler
Joined: January 08, 2011
Posts: 3108
Location: Tulsa, OK
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levi20AE
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Joined: June 24, 2005
Posts: 485
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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Paul Hoegemeyer
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Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 40
Location: Lincoln Ne.
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| Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 7:00 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the info. Have to find some.
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1978 passenger bus FI. camper special engine
1986 Brazilian DC
1979 Westy waiting on a TDI
1970 beetle |
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1967250s
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Joined: May 02, 2007
Posts: 2137
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| Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 7:58 am Post subject: |
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Nice wheels. However, you better check the load rating of the wheels. I don't think Passat wheels can carry as much as a true Bay wheel, and could be flexing with the higher side loads.
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'72 Elm Green Deluxe |
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Mountain Haus
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Joined: October 28, 2008
Posts: 126
Location: Cascade, ColoRADo
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| Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not concerned with any strenth issues for these reasons:
1) these wheels are thicker than the factory wheels I took off,
2) I only grew a 1/2 inch all around, and
3) the Passat is as heavy (GVW) as the Bus.
I appreciate your concern and value all the input, these are all important things to research when doing this type of customization. 
Thank you all for the compliments!
_________________
Wife says "You should spay and neuter your VW's so they quit reproducing"
1978 Dakota Beige Westy
1964 Euro "S" Variant
1965 Sunroof Beetle
1972 Tin Top 9 Passenger Deluxe
2003 Passat W8
2017 Golf AllTrack S Stage 3
1978 Honda CT90
and usually a couple of stragglers...? |
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old DKP driver
Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2005
Posts: 4145
Location: Los Gatos,Ca.
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| Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2015 11:38 pm Post subject: Wheels |
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I, am Now on the search also for these rims and, see that the yours are,
the (20 hole) compared to the 14 hole rims. sold on most.
Great POST .....
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V.W.owner since 1967 |
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tristessa
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Joined: April 07, 2004
Posts: 3993
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:08 pm Post subject: Re: Bay Bus with Passat (or late VW) 15" steel rims whe |
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Bringing this thread back up for a bit because I scored a set of these Passat steelies at Pick & Pull a couple weeks ago for $35.
Mine are genuine VW/Audi made in Germany but are identical to the Italian CMR's down to the ET45 and 6Jx15 markings. Talked to a buddy who has a Bridgeport mill and lathe in his garage, and we decided the fastest and easiest way to open the center bores was a 2-3/4" holesaw, which centered nicely around the lip at the opening. Redneck but effective.  Chris @ T3Techniques set me up with the proper small-ball (12MM radius?) lug nuts because the stock Bus nuts won't seat properly on these .. maybe greenmntjakes' Italian wheels are set up to use the stock nuts?
I painted them with silver hammer-finish Rustoleum and installed bolt-in valve stems, then decided I want a bit more of a finished look when they finally make it on the Bus. After being disgusted at pricing for 2-3/4" center caps I took a tape measure to Dollar Tree where I eventually found these:
which with some trimming and some 55MM VW logo metal stickers from Fleabay came out like this:
They're going on the shelf for now, because unless Santa leaves me some LT215/75R15 BFG's under the tree, tires are gonna have to wait until the tax refund comes in...
Just throwing it out there if anyone else goes down this road. I'm not going to link the seller for the stickers because the guy is "drop-shipping" stuff that's on Amazon at a markup and abusing the Prime system. Just search for "55MM vw sticker" and a bunch of hits should come up. Or you could pick some other brand -- Audi. Mercedes, Skoda... |
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NASkeet
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Joined: April 29, 2006
Posts: 3170
Location: South Benfleet, Essex, UK
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 9:32 am Post subject: Re: Bay Bus with Passat (or late VW) 15" steel rims whe |
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| tristessa wrote: |
| I painted them with silver hammer-finish Rustoleum |
More than thirty years ago, I painted my 1973 VW Type 2's, factory-stock, 14 x 5½J inch steel wheels, with silver-grey, "hammered-pewter finish" enamel paint, from Finnigan's Speciality Paints Ltd, in Prudhoe, Northamptonshire, England.
Unlike the Rustoleum product, Hammerite is a brushable paint, which was and still is available in different can sizes. I also used it on my engine cover-plates, inlet manifold and exhaust heat exchangers. One can mix the various colours available, to get whatever shade you want, such as various proportions of black and silver-grey, to obtain various shades of grey.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammerite
I'm currently thinking about buying some new 16 x 6 inch (66 mm centre-bore | 36 mm or 39 mm offset) steel wheels, intended for Mercedes C-Class cars. These will accommodate either 195/65 R16 or 205/65 R16 commonly available light-truck tyres.
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/steel-wheel/alcar-kfz-8952#18491476
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/steel-wheel/alcar-kfz-8597#18790366
There are also new 16 x 7 inch (66 mm centre-bore | 39 mm offset) steel wheels, intended for Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 cars, but I think these would be too wide!
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/steel-wheel/alcar-kfz-9890#18926541
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/steel-wheel/magnetto-wheels-mw-r1-1702#18479184
_________________
Regards.
Nigel A. Skeet
Independent tutor (semi-retired) of mathematics, physics, technology & engineering for secondary, tertiary, further & higher education.
Much modified, RHD 1973 VW "1600" Type 2 Westfalia Continental campervan, with the World's only decent, cross-over-arm, SWF pantograph rear-window wiper
Onetime member, plus former Technical Editor & Editor of Transporter Talk magazine
Volkswagen Type 2 Owners' Club (Great Britain)
https://vwt2oc.co.uk
Last edited by NASkeet on Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:41 am; edited 3 times in total |
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Busstom
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Joined: November 23, 2014
Posts: 4579
Location: San Jose, CA
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 4:52 pm Post subject: Re: Bay Bus with Passat (or late VW) 15" steel rims whe |
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Questions for the O.P.....
Way up top you said "do your research.......I lucked out and found some 14 x 5.5 ET 39's, which are close to stock..." But your wheels are 15 x 6 ET 45's? I'm confused.
Also, in response to 1967250s' word of caution, your response #2 said you "only grew a 1/2" all the way around." Can you clarify what you meant by that? I don't understand it. Thanks.
And thanks to he who bumped this thread...interesting option, wish there was an easy way to add hubcaps.
To tristessa: I had the same results that you appear to have achieved with Rustoleum's hammer finish paints - some areas turn out smooth, other areas turn out hammered...apply light, apply heavy, no matter, no difference...waste of time, might as well go smooth for a quality look...disappointing product. |
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tristessa
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Joined: April 07, 2004
Posts: 3993
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 6:05 pm Post subject: Re: Bay Bus with Passat (or late VW) 15" steel rims whe |
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| Busstom wrote: |
And thanks to he who bumped this thread...interesting option, wish there was an easy way to add hubcaps.
To tristessa: I had the same results that you appear to have achieved with Rustoleum's hammer finish paints - some areas turn out smooth, other areas turn out hammered...apply light, apply heavy, no matter, no difference...waste of time, might as well go smooth for a quality look...disappointing product. |
I'm happy enough with the Rusto hammer finish; this isn't a show rig, and it's forgiving enough to touch-up with a spray can and have it blend in.
I've toyed with the idea of adding clips and using a pre-'71 hubcap but not having A) clips B) an early hubcap or C) an extra rim to play with, I won't really pursue it too hard... |
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Busstom
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Joined: November 23, 2014
Posts: 4579
Location: San Jose, CA
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 8:57 pm Post subject: Re: Bay Bus with Passat (or late VW) 15" steel rims whe |
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I hear you, I was only criticizing the product. When I used it, it was on a project that required a nice finish, so I had to strip it and respray with a smooth-finish product.
Thanks again for bringing this thread up  |
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