Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2016 21:32:09 +0000
Reply-To: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: 14" tires, report...
In-Reply-To: <CAB2Rwfgjq111JUvwA39TAonciqZXSq9T2qctN+__6H5GDg_A5g@mail.gmail.com>
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CLKs are ET37, which is just on the verge of too much inward offset. I think stock wheels and ideal replacements are closer to 34mm. You would not think it would be that great a difference but can make all the difference between rubbing and not rubbing. I did not use spacers and have about 5mm clearance between the closest edge of the front wheel and any suspension component. I have had no rubbing and am using 205/65R-16 Achilles Multivan tires from tires-easy.com, very affordable at about $70 each and a 107 rating so Westy approved. These tires are overall about 1" taller than my old 185R14C tires, so about 1/2" more radius than stock, which does not adversely affect gearing.
Instead of just watching CL, try placing a WTB ad in the wheels section. You might just grab the attention of some Merc guy whose wife has told him to "get those things out of my utility room." My seller had gone up to 17s on one of his CLKs, but the identical car he'd inherited from his auntie he was keeping stock.
Stephen
On Thursday, November 24, 2016 4:07 PM, Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
Thanks for the insights Stephen.
I've been cruising craigslist. So the CLK's require spacers?
I'll keep an eye on tire rack for 16" wheel options thanks for the reminder!
Neil.
On 11/24/16, Stephen Grisanti <bike2vcu@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I like the look of steelies and when I was planning to upgrade from stock I
> couldn't find anything for less than about $100 per wheel, unless you count
> the $25 each Tire Rack 16" MB steelie blowout a few years ago, but I snoozed
> on that one with the predictable outcome. The cheapest 16s I could find
> were used CLK alloys for $200 for four, about the going rate in a lot of
> places. They go for much more in some locations, although most Merc guys
> evidently don't like the look of that wheel and unload them to get 17s.
> Buying new small ball seat lugs from T3 Technique and finding the wheels
> locally (courtesy of a WTB ad in CL) kept the total under $300. Less than
> the price of new steelies, either 15s or 16s. I had two replies to my ad;
> the first guy wanted way too much but by waiting two weeks I got offered a
> second set more in my price range.
> I had also scoured junkyards for various Mercedes offerings. No CLKs there
> but plenty of other alloys in 14" and 15" and 16" but only the CLKs let you
> get away with the stock length lugs. The only Merc steelies I found in my
> searching were 14 inchers from '70s and older sedans. I gather that most
> '80s and later Mercs--anything that would have had larger wheels--came to
> the States with alloy, not steel, wheels.
> Unless a set of wheels drops into your lap for a great price (someone upping
> from 15" to 16" maybe) I think CLKs will be your best bet. Good luck!
> Stephen
>
> On Thursday, November 24, 2016 2:33 PM, Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> .... Used wheels is an
> option but I'd rather keep it simple. (no spacers etc).
--
Neil n
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