Merc wheels sharing how I'm fitting them

[bryvw1973]

I landed myself some merc wheels and have read bits and bobs on getting them to fit.
I thought it would be worth sharing my experience to maybe make it easier for others.
These are the offending wheels

I had them re drilled to suit after measuring holes in other alloys for m14 bolts,holes measured 15mm so went with a 15mm drill bit.
I had some tyres thrown on 205/50/15 for the back and 165/60/15s for the front not taken pics but I'll post them tomorrow.
So in excitement I fitted a front wheel and to my discusst it didn't turn as it was sat on the upper arm
Spacers needed then the wheels are et37 if I remember rightly I'll chech tomorrow.
So spacers then

H&r 25mm for the front and 30mm for the rear (not sure about clearance on the sliding door yet)
If using h&r spacers they are not specific to a t25 so you need the ones listed as vw/merc spacers (I can give part numbers after i have fitted them)they have the merc hub size but the vw m14 holes and bolts but on the rears you will have to source your own shallow head nuts with 60 degree taper £1.50 each on the bay.
That's as far as I've got its the big day tomorrow weather permitting I'll share my success or failure tomorrow
Cheers
Bry

[bryvw1973]

Ok wheels are on
Firstly the front tyres are 165/65/15s and the wheel offset is et39
I started on the front as I was fairly sure the would fit.
First job making sure the bolts weren't to long for the spacers so I fitted a spacer to the wheel

As you can see only one bolt in but it fits perfectly I used new beetle factory wheel bolts.
So next job bolt a spacer to the van

Make sure the hub is clean before hand and use factory torque settings.i will be refitting the grease cap after slight modification . First wheel on

On to the rear firstly sit the spacer on the hub to make sure the studs don't petrude past the spacer then bolt up and wheel on.
As for the sliding door luck was on my side I've got a fag papers worth of clearance on the centre cap

Been for a test drive I'm happy with the choice on front tyres as the steering is no heavier so just need to paint it now

Cheers
Bry

[CovKid]

Looks like you have a lot of bodywork to do there fella. Look great those wheels. Thanks for taking the time to upload.

[Smosh]

Leave the bodywork as is

[CovKid]

Ah, you're just an old rat Smosh

[AdrianC]

Firstly the front tyres are 165/65/15s

<blink> Even ignoring the load rating (quick google suggests most are only 81-rated!)... 165/65 on, what, 7" rims? Oooooookay...

[CovKid]

Well spotted. Must have had to use the rapid compressed air tank to blow those out on the rims. Car tyres? I say it enough but your insurance will be null and void if you're driving on those.

[CovKid]

Well spotted. Must have had to use the rapid compressed air tank to blow those out on the rims. Car tyres? I say it enough but your insurance will be null and void if you're driving on those.

Sorry bryvw1973 but this is starting to look a right bodge.

[AdrianC]

Well spotted. Must have had to use the rapid compressed air tank to blow those out on the rims.

Getting some 225/75 16s to seat on the bead on 7" rims was a bit entertaining the other day - a bit of hard physical persuasion needed...

A random rim size calculator says that 5" wide would be typical for 165/65, and 6" would be the maximum.
http://www.tyresizecalculator.com/tyre- ... calculator" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bryvw1973]

The tyres were put on just for trial fitment initially, I must admit I never even thought about load rating so time for a rethink.
Anyone got a rough idea of the weight of a van with a basic camping interior no cupboards just full width bed and a fridge?
205s are a common fitment on a 7" rim and fit like a glove no persuasion needed
And yes the air tank was needed for the 165s although they will be getting changed as was kindly pointed out about the insufficient load rating.
Thankfully the van doesn't often get used and has only been round the block with those tyres on I appreciate the comments pointing out what I genuinely overlooked
Cheers
Bry

[donciuz]

Search for commercial tyres or car tyres that have xl (extra load) markings or a load rating of 97 or higher as per manual. Allthough in my opinion you can use tyres with smaller load rating on the front as it is much lighter, but i don't know about the legal stuff.

[AdrianC]

Allthough in my opinion you can use tyres with smaller load rating on the front as it is much lighter

Don't I recall that VW shouted about how equal the front/rear weight distribution was...?

[donciuz]

This is my opinion not the wv's. I am just assuming this because the engine and all the camping gear is in the back.

[Smosh]

camping gear is pretty central, but my van must be quite well distributed with my chubby a*** over the front wheels!

[CovKid]

Weight distribution less of an issue when the vehicle just sits there but when you drive it, brake or corner, all that changes. On car tyres, the rubber will flex far more as well and (from experience) wear rapidly compared to commercial tyres. I've run on both and much as commercial tyres can be hard in comparison, its the equivalent of running along a gravel bath in boots instead of bare feet.