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Sloughboy
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2013
Posts: 4
Location: Canada
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 Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 9:51 pm Post subject: Will ATS Classic A 5.5x15 fit on stock 1979 Super Beetle |
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| Will an ATS Classic A Rim 5.5x15 with a 25ET and 165 80/15 tires fit without rubbing on a stock 1979 Super Beetle? |
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Sloughboy
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2013
Posts: 4
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Tue Dec 12, 2023 10:05 am Post subject: Re: Will ATS Classic A 5.5x15 fit on stock 1979 Super Beetle |
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Ok, I'm going to answer my own question. First, I used AutoCad to draw the wheels and tires in 5 different sizes and offsets, from stock to 5.5 wide with 175 70/15 tires. I can see how the offset of 25 becomes problematic, with the tire .61 inches closer to the fender. But then, how could the 1973 Sportsbug have a 5.5 inch rim with a 26offset?
Then, after much searching, on various forums, I found what I was looking for. Aha! The front strut suspension was changed in mid 1973 and the offset on the wheels on the Sportsbug was changed from 26 to 34!!
This is why I also found the statement on a Kercher ATS website "For Superbeetle 1303 (1974 -) we have some special rims in 5.5 ET34 with tyres in format 175/70R15 they fit perfectly under the standard fenders with stock suspension and brakes."
So, bottom line, for a 1979 Superbeetle, with stock suspension, brakes etc, for 5.5 rims with stock tires or 175 70/15 tires, the ET has to be 34 for proper clearance and handling as VW intended it to be.
If I am mistaken, please comment. |
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Mike Fisher
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Joined: January 30, 2006
Posts: 17974
Location: Eugene, OR
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| Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2023 2:34 pm Post subject: Re: Will ATS Classic A 5.5x15 fit on stock 1979 Super Beetle |
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Better to go with the 175x70 tires etc that are lower profile!
9mm difference on wheels is only 3/8", so I guarantee you could run whatever you choose in this realm.
At stock height you'll be fine.
I imagine you could even lower it some with the new wheels/tires.
I have 185x60 & 205x70 on new 2.0 liter 5.5x15 www.Mobelwagen.com wheels on my lowered squareback.
I like to buy good used pairs of tires cheap at Big B Tires to run on my cars!
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Bruce
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2003
Posts: 17294
Location: Left coast, Canada
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| Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:29 pm Post subject: Re: Will ATS Classic A 5.5x15 fit on stock 1979 Super Beetle |
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| Sloughboy wrote: |
The front strut suspension was changed in mid 1973 and the offset on the wheels on the Sportsbug was changed from 26 to 34!!
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The Sports Beetle was only made with the early struts. By the time the newer struts came out, it was discontinued.
The 34mm offset 5.5" GT style wheels were never sold in North America. They were sold in Europe as the desired wheel for late Cabrios. At the same time, we only got 4½" wheels.
If you go with 175/70/15 tires on the front, a 185/70/15 is better for the rear since it matches the diameter of tire VW intended to work with the gearing of the trans.
Are you using disc brakes at the front?
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Sloughboy
Samba Member
Joined: July 08, 2013
Posts: 4
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2023 8:56 pm Post subject: Re: Will ATS Classic A 5.5x15 fit on stock 1979 Super Beetle |
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| I will be installing disk brakes. Will this affect the offset required on the front wheels? |
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