Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 15:23:34 -0800
Reply-To: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: 15" Wheels
In-Reply-To: <CAE_mVa39k6vCts5Xj0cThR5yVru6KDYxDsab1gLnVu=EgSGSKA@mail.gmail.com>
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I think the only alloy Mercedes wheel that fits without requiring longer lug bolts\studs is the CLK 16" wheel from about '98-'02, and even these require drilling the lug holes to 37/64" and need small ball-seat lugs. I bought a set of these used but have yet to fit them to my '87 2WD Westy.
From everything I've read, I think every 15" Mercedes alloy wheel will require drilling the lugs holes and need the centerbore enlarged, and will require small ball seat lugs, and if not ET 30-35 will require spacers. Mercedes 15" steelies, if you can even find them, might be easier to fit.
The wheel thread on the Samba has much info and really is worth plowing through. If you post on that thread with a photo of the wheel(s) you are considering and provide the part number (this is particularly helpful, and be sure to record the ET number) folks will be glad to let you know if they are suitable. Unless you get a super deal on your Merc wheels and want to mess with making them fit, you might come out ahead and less frustrated by buying Vanagon-specific alloys from GW or another of our vendors. Good luck.
Stephen
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On Sat, 12/27/14, Michael McSwain <michaelmcswain@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
Subject: 15" Wheels
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2014, 2:03 PM
Hey all,
I know there are a few mile long posts on the samba about
this, but I
always end up feeling like I'm drowning in information over
there.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a 15" wheel conversion
that requires
the most minimal of modifications? I found 2 sets
locally for $250 that
I'm thinking about getting but I'm not 100% sure if they'll
fit or if I'll
have to go get spacers/long lugs etc. They came of of a '95
E320 and a '95
C280. The look just like the ones Gowesty sells. I'm
going to go back out
and get the wheels measurements off of them on Monday.
If I had the budget I'd just buy the gowesty kit and I'm
trying to figure
out if I'll end up spending close to the same after buying
all the
necessary accoutrements.
I'm not married to this style and I'm more concerned about
handling and
performance than looks.
Thanks in advance.
Michael.
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