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snowsyncro
Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2009
Posts: 1557
Location: East Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada
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 Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:41 pm Post subject: |
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That says it all right there.
RonC |
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Darren2dream
Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2011
Posts: 162
Location: Redwood City, CA
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:48 pm Post subject: |
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Well done! It's been fun watching your shopping adventure.. Glad you found something you like!
Enjoy!!!!!!!! 
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84' Wolfsburg Westy GL 1.9 Manual |
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purplegodzilla
Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2006
Posts: 253
Location: Duluth, Georgia
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Sir Sam
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2009
Posts: 1684
Location: Fort Collins Colorado!
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 9:13 pm Post subject: |
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Congrats on finding van!
For wheels, start keeping on eye on craiglist. I have audi a4 wheels on my 91 westy and my 86 weekender, I paid less than $200 for each set of wheels, and then a little bit of money to t2technique for hardware plus tires.
on my 86:
on my 91:
There are all sorts of nice wheels to be had cheap on criagslist, you just need to keep an eye out.
_________________
'91 Carat Westy
87' Syncro + '87 Westy conversion coming soon |
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jackbombay
Samba Member
Joined: October 19, 2007
Posts: 2723
Location: Eastern Idaho
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 9:37 pm Post subject: |
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| luVWagn wrote: |
Put a pop-top strut assist on your shopping list 
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| tam_shops wrote: |
| Pop-top strut assist on my list. Not sure I've heard of or seen that anywhere? Is that the same thing I read about for those w/ roof racks. |
Same thing, but if you don't have a roof rack I sell kits with lower strength struts, makes popping tht op super easy, one finger can push the top up, and when you lower it it will stay wherever you want, really convenient for pulling the tent in, just leave the top up ~3", pull tent in, pull top closed.
See my signature for my website with more info on pop top lift assist kits
_________________
Gas struts to pop your top easily!
Pop Top strut kits now available for late Bay window Westies
Samba ad here.
DIY artificial rain gutters (ARGs) |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1530
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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| jackbombay wrote: |
See my signature for my website with more info on pop top lift assist kits |
Thank you got it! Sending PM.
tam |
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jmranger
Samba Member
Joined: January 14, 2010
Posts: 701
Location: Quebec
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 10:52 pm Post subject: |
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Can't believe you bought a van with those wheels  Congrats on the find.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Not sure I'll be able to put the pop top up/down myself? Can other small/short women do it? Is there a trick. |
There are two tricks. Jackbombay's kit is #1, you already found it. #2 is to push the top up by pushing on the top itself as high as you can before trying to push on the bar. #2 is the only reason I haven't done #1 - yet. |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1530
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Sir Sam wrote: |
Congrats on finding van!
For wheels, start keeping on eye on craiglist. I have audi a4 wheels on my 91 westy and my 86 weekender, I paid less than $200 for each set of wheels, and then a little bit of money to t2technique for hardware plus tires.
on my 86:
There are all sorts of nice wheels to be had cheap on criagslist, you just need to keep an eye out. |
You paid $200 for a set of nice rims AND good tires? I like that idea, but do you REALLY want *me* hanging out on the wheel/thread. Me? You sure? Drove several of you batty while I was just looking for an Vanagon b/c good wouldn't do for 2 of my 3 Mentors. LOL I'd better make them more cookies! LOL
I was told I had about a year before I need new tires. Not buying new wheels until I need new tires, in for a dime in for a dollar! LOL Will probably ask dh for them for my Birthday! 
Barry suggested these:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3606&category_id=&category_parent_id
[img]http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3606&category_id=&category_parent_id#[/img]
They look the same as the "CLK Mags from North Westy" Chris suggested, but have a different centre.
Wheels will be an entire thread if you've noticed how I make decisions. They need to be bigger/wider/sturdier/safer. AND, pretty. Adornment of some sort, in the middle. The gowesty ones have nothing in the middle. Are you supposed to add something?
I've noticed the wheels I like the most either have a VW or a Mercedes emblem in the middle. It finishes the wheel off. Makes them look cool!
I also am not clear on new vs 2nd hand. Why buy brand new alloys when the junk yard must be full of them from crashed cars. It's just such a waste! |
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Sir Sam
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2009
Posts: 1684
Location: Fort Collins Colorado!
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:40 pm Post subject: |
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| tam_shops wrote: |
You paid $200 for a set of nice rims AND good tires? |
I paid $150 for wheels and got some tires with them. I paid about $50 for hardware to bolt them on. And ideally I would buy new tires. Thats still less than $700 for new tires and wheels. The first set I bought that went on my white 91 needed tires, so I bought them. The second set I got on my 86 brown has new front tires, and used rear tires, but they are useable.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Not buying new wheels until I need new tires, in for a dime in for a dollar! |
I would advise against that, keep an eye out, if you find a good deal on wheels you like and can use in the near future grab them.
What if in the next month you found wheels you liked for $200 and passed? Then a year from now not only are you spending $500-600 on new tires but also $600 for some wheels you like because you cannot find anything cheaper.
You dont get to pick when good deals come through, you have to jump on them when they do show up.
_________________
'91 Carat Westy
87' Syncro + '87 Westy conversion coming soon |
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shadetreetim
Samba Member
Joined: January 10, 2011
Posts: 1994
Location: Riverside, California
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:50 pm Post subject: |
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Congratulations on the great find. That ride is begging for some nice wheels. Not only would it look cooler, it would handle better too.
_________________
Tim Potts
Doing my best every time I drive it to dispel the myth these Vanagons have to be slow!
'89 Vanagon Bluestar/Country Homes 1.8T & .77 4th
'74 Jeep CJ5 |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1530
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:00 am Post subject: |
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Thank you TP.
Well when you put it that way...though, given the amount of money i spent today, shouldn't even be looking at wheels! LOL I *love* to shop the sales, currently waiting for a gowesty sale b/c I just missed the last, I need all kinds of things!
Thank you! You are right. Though, as for *good* tires coming on sale. I can't tell a good wheel from a crappie one. All I know is the Toyo tires I had on my car last time were supposed to be better in water (rains here a lot), only they were not. AND, despite being all seasons, they were useless in the snow. I *hated* those tires, problem w/ tires is you don't know until you try, then it's too late and you are stuck! Like my new tires, they're black. Seriously, I'll have to read all 100 pages of that tire thread!  They used to be pretty on pretty rims until some idiot T-boned me on the highway and scratched them all up. Now I look like I can't drive. Hate that!
| Sir Sam wrote: |
I paid $150 for wheels and got some tires with them. I paid about $50 for hardware to bolt them on. And ideally I would buy new tires. Thats still less than $700 for new tires and wheels. The first set I bought that went on my white 91 needed tires, so I bought them. The second set I got on my 86 brown has new front tires, and used rear tires, but they are useable.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Not buying new wheels until I need new tires, in for a dime in for a dollar! |
I would advise against that, keep an eye out, if you find a good deal on wheels you like and can use in the near future grab them.
What if in the next month you found wheels you liked for $200 and passed? Then a year from now not only are you spending $500-600 on new tires but also $600 for some wheels you like because you cannot find anything cheaper.
You dont get to pick when good deals come through, you have to jump on them when they do show up. |
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vweggie
Samba Member
Joined: May 01, 2007
Posts: 219
Location: End of the road, Vancouver Island
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DAIZEE
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2010
Posts: 7552
Location: Greater Toronto Area Ontario West Side
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:41 am Post subject: |
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The bible BENTLEY sometimes appear used online sites, I got mine from another Vanagoner but you can also get them used sometimes. Also new ones but be prepared, they are expensive but are a must. Jack Bombay inside roof struts. Am exited for you. It looks like a Cdn Westy by the outlets on the drivers side.
_________________
'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold) |
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vanagonjr
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010
Posts: 3431
Location: Dartmouth, Mass.
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Sir Sam
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2009
Posts: 1684
Location: Fort Collins Colorado!
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 8:55 am Post subject: |
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| tam_shops wrote: |
| Thank you! You are right. Though, as for *good* tires coming on sale. I can't tell a good wheel from a crappie one. All I know is the Toyo tires I had on my car last time were supposed to be better in water (rains here a lot), only they were not. AND, despite being all seasons, they were useless in the snow. |
Good wheels are easier than good tires, finding used tires for the van on CL is hard, sometimes you get lucky, sometimes not. The tires need to be the right load range, and need to have usable tread. I would say that just expect that any tires that come on wheels that you get are just trash. You are buying wheels only. When looking for wheels its best to stick to audi or mercedes. You need 5x112, IE 5 holes centered on a 112mm circle. The second thing to look at is offset, and this varies quite a bit on wheels. The offset is often stamped on the backside of the wheels, so when looking at wheels you will need to know that information.
The Audi wheels I have on my vans, which are also for sale in that craigslist link, are 5x112mm, the set on the white van has an ET of 45, the set on my brown van has an ET of 37. The ET 37 wheels were much easier to fit than the ET45 wheels. BTW ET is German for offset "Einpresstiefe".
So yes there is lots to consider when looking for wheels, but once a week take a look at craigslist in your area and see if there are any nice clean wheels in the right price point for you.
_________________
'91 Carat Westy
87' Syncro + '87 Westy conversion coming soon |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1530
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:00 am Post subject: |
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| Sir Sam wrote: |
Good wheels are easier than good tires, finding used tires for the van on CL is hard, sometimes you get lucky, sometimes not. The tires need to be the right load range, and need to have usable tread. I would say that just expect that any tires that come on wheels that you get are just trash. You are buying wheels only. When looking for wheels its best to stick to audi or mercedes. You need 5x112, IE 5 holes centered on a 112mm circle.The second thing to look at is offset, and this varies quite a bit on wheels. The offset is often stamped on the backside of the wheels, so when looking at wheels you will need to know that information.
The Audi wheels I have on my vans, which are also for sale in that craigslist link, are 5x112mm, the set on the white van has an ET of 45, the set on my brown van has an ET of 37. The ET 37 wheels were much easier to fit than the ET45 wheels. BTW ET is German for offset "Einpresstiefe".
So yes there is lots to consider when looking for wheels, but once a week take a look at craigslist in your area and see if there are any nice clean wheels in the right price point for you. |
You from Vancouver? I don't know what those numbers mean or what offset is?  Might need a picture for this one? All I know is my car wheels are 17" and I like them better than my mom's 16" ones. AND, don't ever buy Toyo tires again!
tam |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1530
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:00 am Post subject: |
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Thank you, will all those support the SA big brakes?
Why are people getting rid of *good* rims? Bought prettier ones or could they be damaged?
| DAIZEE wrote: |
| The bible BENTLEY sometimes appear used online sites, I got mine from another Vanagoner but you can also get them used sometimes. Also new ones but be prepared, they are expensive but are a must. Jack Bombay inside roof struts. Am exited for you. It looks like a Cdn Westy by the outlets on the drivers side. |
Thank you Daizee! Will ebay come up w/ a good Bentley? I could do a search and it'll send them to me. Are there different editions? It is very expensive $80, though perhaps a good sale?
Thank you. Indeed, I studied TheSamba a lot. Some would say too much! I'm a teacher though and I'd argue you can never study too much! My hard work got me an *Excellent* one, which has yet to break down on me! Planning on keeping it that way!
I could do the fuel lines w/ help, but I'm the nervous type, not touching them on my own! $200 to not have my new investment blow up on me is well worth it! |
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Sir Sam
Samba Member
Joined: July 19, 2009
Posts: 1684
Location: Fort Collins Colorado!
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:36 am Post subject: |
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| tam_shops wrote: |
| Sir Sam wrote: |
Good wheels are easier than good tires, finding used tires for the van on CL is hard, sometimes you get lucky, sometimes not. The tires need to be the right load range, and need to have usable tread. I would say that just expect that any tires that come on wheels that you get are just trash. You are buying wheels only. When looking for wheels its best to stick to audi or mercedes. You need 5x112, IE 5 holes centered on a 112mm circle.The second thing to look at is offset, and this varies quite a bit on wheels. The offset is often stamped on the backside of the wheels, so when looking at wheels you will need to know that information.
The Audi wheels I have on my vans, which are also for sale in that craigslist link, are 5x112mm, the set on the white van has an ET of 45, the set on my brown van has an ET of 37. The ET 37 wheels were much easier to fit than the ET45 wheels. BTW ET is German for offset "Einpresstiefe".
So yes there is lots to consider when looking for wheels, but once a week take a look at craigslist in your area and see if there are any nice clean wheels in the right price point for you. |
You from Vancouver? I don't know what those numbers mean or what offset is? Might need a picture for this one? All I know is my car wheels are 17" and I like them better than my mom's 16" ones. AND, don't ever buy Toyo tires again!
tam |
Nope I'm in Colorado USA. I think I understand your confusion though, this person, who is selling wheels like I have, is also named Sam.
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/pts/3508878137.html
Wheels have an overall diameter, stock is 14", those audi wheels I have are 16" etc. Wheels have a bolt pattern, ie 5x112.
Thats 5 lugs, spaced on a circle of diameter 112mm. Jeep wheels for example are 5x114.3. thats only 2.3mm of difference but it means they won't bolt on. A ford F350 will use 8 lugs. Many toyotas 6 lugs. (lugs=bolts on the wheel).
These wheels for example are 4x108, they use 4 bolt holes on a circle size of 108mm, these would not bolt to the van:
People sell perfectly good wheels for many reasons, the vehicle was wrecked, they got some aftermarket ones, etc. I sometimes find wheels in junkyards and resell them on craigslist. There are several Audis being parted out on craigslist denver right now that have wheels that would work for the van. Sometimes you find a set of 5, other times you find someone who has a single unused spare tire and wheel.
This website is good resource, but isn't completely comprehensive:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/wheels/15-16-audi-wheels-5x112.htm
Generally 16" wheels will fit big brakes better than 15", but there are more tire choices in 15" in the proper load range.
_________________
'91 Carat Westy
87' Syncro + '87 Westy conversion coming soon |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1530
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 10:56 am Post subject: |
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| Sir Sam wrote: |
Wheels have an overall diameter, stock is 14", those audi wheels I have are 16" etc. Wheels have a bolt pattern, ie 5x112.
Thats 5 lugs, spaced on a circle of diameter 112mm. Jeep wheels for example are 5x114.3. thats only 2.3mm of difference but it means they won't bolt on. A ford F350 will use 8 lugs. Many toyotas 6 lugs. (lugs=bolts on the wheel).
These wheels for example are 4x108, they use 4 bolt holes on a circle size of 108mm, these would not bolt to the van:
People sell perfectly good wheels for many reasons, the vehicle was wrecked, they got some aftermarket ones, etc. I sometimes find wheels in junkyards and resell them on craigslist. There are several Audis being parted out on craigslist denver right now that have wheels that would work for the van. Sometimes you find a set of 5, other times you find someone who has a single unused spare tire and wheel.
This website is good resource, but isn't completely comprehensive:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/wheels/15-16-audi-wheels-5x112.htm
Generally 16" wheels will fit big brakes better than 15", but there are more tire choices in 15" in the proper load range. |
Ohhhhhh, thank you! That I understand! Is the spacing written right on the wheel? You can obviously count the bolt holes.
Is that 4x108 wheel a 14" or 15" then, if it has fewer bolt places, but a smaller number, it must be smaller then. Or if it where the same size, with 4 bolt holes, then the number would be larger ie 120mm, right?
What about the width of the wheel? From outside to inside, that also has a number, doesn't it?
Will want 16" ones for big brakes. Would 17" ones fit? Too big, cause rubbing problems? It's make the van look bigger, more like a Syncro!
tam |
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Phishman068
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2007
Posts: 1867
Location: Pittsburgh PA (ish)
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