Big Fat Steel Wheels

[mikec]

Hi, I want to

Get a bit of extra width and lower profile tyres to improve handling and roadholding.
Fit VW Hubcaps
Go for tough and cheep rather than shiny and blingy.
Have a slightly retro big wheel feel.

Time was Weller did a wide range of stele wheels in different sizes, sadly this doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

So does anyone know some cheep steelies, somewhere between 15-16 by 6-7 wide of about the right offset?

Michael

[CovKid]

Mine are about that size tho not low profile (I like being able to clear speed humps). They're merc steel wheels and the offset (25) gives me great cornering ability even pushing it hard. They were a massive improvement over original VW wheels both in terms of looks and handling. You could weld on lugs to take VW hubcaps but I like the 'raw' look. 15x7

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/garage.php? ... ge_id=1836" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wee bugger]

I picked up a set of ford granada?? steels from a scrappy with newish tyres a few years back...sure they are 15 x 6". fitted straight on and brought the tyres out in perfect line with the body

[mikec]

Mine are about that size tho not low profile (I like being able to clear speed humps). They're merc steel wheels and the offset (25) gives me great cornering ability even pushing it hard. They were a massive improvement over original VW wheels both in terms of looks and handling. You could weld on lugs to take VW hubcaps but I like the 'raw' look. 15x7

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/garage.php? ... ge_id=1836" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks good.

Did you use spacers or just go with the 25mm offset? No problems rubbing on suspension?

[mikec]

Courtesy of Elvis, Merc Steel Wheels from C Class 00-07 part number: 2034001602 16x7 ET 31.

I emailed a dealer, they're £43ish inc vat NEW. Which is pretty tempting but also good ammo bartering for oldies. Now all I need is a Merc breaker in Cardiff...

I'm astonished how nimble these vans are without low suspension and wide wheels - can't wait

[irishkeet]

I put 14" syncro steels with 205 tyres which are great
and a good deal from CJ

[CovKid]

Mine are about that size tho not low profile (I like being able to clear speed humps). They're merc steel wheels and the offset (25) gives me great cornering ability even pushing it hard. They were a massive improvement over original VW wheels both in terms of looks and handling. You could weld on lugs to take VW hubcaps but I like the 'raw' look. 15x7

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/garage.php? ... ge_id=1836" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks good.

Did you use spacers or just go with the 25mm offset? No problems rubbing on suspension?

Spacers are not the issue with ET25 as wheels come out further rather than go in. They sit flush with body panels and afford great grip on cornering, no modifications. I'd say they are spot on - as is. I still need a spare though. No idea which Merc they came from - never seen another Merc wheel with 25 offset but was told by a knowledgable german that these are the best stock merc wheels you can fit.

Slight difference in the angle of bolt hole seats but to be honest I just wound them up and never had trouble from them ever. Most assume they're VW wheels as they look very similar. Just bigger and fatter. Used original nuts/bolts too.

[mig]

There is a really good section on fitting "other" wheels over on Brickyard

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... ltwhls.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

well worth reading,'specially the bit on offsets.Personally I wouldn't go lower than 30.(once drove a bus with et23 wheels and it was horrible,though covkid seems happy with his)
Plenty Merc steels out there that fit the bill mainly in 15" but some 16" as well, as Merc owners "upgrade" to alloys,google for specailist Merc breakers as they are more clued up on offsets etc and can't beleive thier luck when someone wants to buy steel wheels.
Maybe Keep yours for winter wheels as fat tyres are useless in the snow,or what passes for snow over here.
Good luck and be nice to see a pic when you get yours.