Date:         Wed, 12 Mar 2014 13:18:50 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: tip needed for Van Cafe oversized tire carrier install
In-Reply-To:  <BAY179-DS21D6B5FBA808E27ABEB9F7A0760@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Ouch!

        Sounds like my careful reading was not careful enough, and though I mentioned my tire size to the great folks at Van Cafe I didn't get any warnings about fit.

        I didn't know the 205/70/14 was slightly smaller in diameter.  I just realized it was a bit wider.  Sounds like I have a slightly costly puzzle to solve.
So, I assumed finding the larger clamshell with related parts and getting it shipped would be difficult.  Anyone out there care to prove that assumption wrong and let me know you have the serviceable  parts I need?
  
 Otherwise I'll need to find a person to weld stainless steel,as Denis suggests,  as I think that is the metal used in the carrier.  Not sure how easy that will be.

I don't mind eating the cost of the new carrier if I can actually get the correct parts from a Donner van.

Or tips from someone successfully using it safely with my tire size are still appreciated.

 
Eric Caron 
85 GL Westfalia Auto 
 


On Mar 11, 2014, at 8:41 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

> I would have looked for the clam shell and bars from a van that had the
> 205-70-14 tires. The Van-Café carrier works best for tires that are truly
> oversized in diameter. The 205-70 is usually slightly smaller in diameter
> than a 185r14. 
> I would weld a plate between the two side bars and then use a threaded rod,
> some nuts, and washers to secure the tire to the welded plate. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Eric Caron
> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 7:00 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: tip needed for Van Cafe oversized tire carrier install
> 
> Hi listers,
> 
>        You folks were correct in telling me that the 205/70/14 tire would
> not fit in my 85 Vanagon clamshell.  I could have forced it up but clearly
> this could cause problems.
> 
>        So, I purchased the Van Cafe carrier and as I had to have work done
> on the van, I took the cold weather excuse and let the mechanic install it. 
> 
>        I received a call and he said he doesn't like the way the tire can
> move all around left right, forward and back.  Without the wires holding it
> in place.
> 
>        The carrier comes with no install instructions.
> Before attempting the install I asked van cafe for instructions but they did
> not have any.  I received a brief email basically saying remove clamshell
> and wires and install new carrier.
> 
> So, anyone out there have one of these carriers?  Is your tire flopping
> around, only held in place by gravity, or do you have a tip for us?
> 
> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 GL Auto Westfalia 
> 
>