Club 80-90 Forums

ok I've got no experience when it comes to tires & wheels so need plain speaking. I've done some reading. I have a 3 year old & a new baby & want to make sure I choose a safe option & get confused whenever I look at this. My tyres have been on 5 years & need replacing so makes sense to do any wheel upgrades now.

I have 5 speed box, AAZ with carats on 195/75/r14c, I'm toying with 3 options that I have read about on here:

• 1. 16" mefros from Brickwerks with 215/70 R16 ATs (in advance of a possible but not definite lifting kit in the future)
  https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=149051" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

• 2. I like slowcoach's setup seen here: https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 6&start=30" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
  and noticed he got Merc steels from De eBay. I don't really know the difference between Merc steels & mefros - can I get the equivalent from Brickwerks ? Or somewhere else.

• 3. or Fit 15" MEFRO steels from Brickwerks. Put on General Grabber AT 215/75R15 all terrain tyres
  as per advice here https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=149413" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Basically I'm hoping someone with more experience could help me make a decision, I want to be sure the setup is safe. As far as I know the advantages of number 2 are cheaper tyres & maybe no AT noise etc - advantages of the other options are ATs look cool & I can order them today - but not sure if 16" is too big without a lift.

I would like to order something ASAP and avoid potential pitfalls i.e rubbing and so on and extra hassle - I haven't time to wait for ebay, powder coating etc etc - in that sense is option 3 the best?? Can I just order the rims, order the tyres & no extra bolts etc?

thoughts & comments much appreciated.

Most sensible option? Stick with 14".

We have the 15 Mefros and the General Grabbers.

Even on our JX they didnt make a discernable difference to performance but transformed the looks.
They are a simple straight swap and have great manners on or off road, in the wet or dry and are relatively quiet.

just updated the links -it was a link to your post Winchweight that I meant for option 3.

So were the 15s and ATs a straight bolt on, no removing retaining bolts on drums or changing bolts, stuff like that?

tforturton wrote:Most sensible option? Stick with 14".

You would think so but I am running tall tyres so they aren't really as VW designed them I don't think? Maybe I'll be corrected - sensible on the pocket though.

Original sizes were 185/80r14c or 205/70r14xl. Your size of 195/75r14c is between the two in diameter and height ratio so perfectly fine. I'm running 195/80r14c at present which are fine if a little hard riding due to high load rating.

Ha! See, that'll teach me...

It was so long ago I fitted them, but I definitely didn't have to modify anything, or use spacers, longer bolts or anything.

The one thing I think I had to do was remove the disc retaining screw on the front wheel which sits a little proud and is not required as the wheel holds everything tight anyway (someone will correct me if I'm wrong). It was a quick, easy job.

Just make sure you buy the correct wheel bolts for the Mefros with radius seats not tapered. Brickwerks sell them too.

well that sounds good - I remember now when reading one of your older posts questioning in my head if it made a difference that you have a syncro & me a 2wd Atlantic - I'm assuming not unless I went up to 16" with big tyres

Merc steel 15" are the simplest way to go and tyres tend to be a lot cheaper in 15" than 14" due to availability. You gain slightly on top speed too.

Disk retaining screw on the front.?

Syncro detail

R0B wrote:Disk retaining screw on the front.?

As I said, I did it a while ago so memory is a bit foggy... the screw might have been on my T4.. Or maybe in my imagination
Theres not one on the T3 and the wheeels are straight bolt on... I think.

Or its a Syncro thing as Silverbullet says...

Going back to your original question I think all 3 options would be safe, it's then just a matter of choice. Just go for big brand tyres and avoid remoulds if safety is your no.1 concern.

This is a good site for comparing sizes : https://tiresize.com/comparison/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I had the same debate when first getting my van, ended up going 15" Mefros and 215/75/15 BF Goodrich AT tyres. Seems to be a popular choice.

Go with All Terrain not Mud Terrain tyres if you just want the off road look. I just bought a set of MT's for a trip to Wales and the road noise is massively increased. Great off roading though.

Good luck

Nick

Well I've got the 15" Mefros in my garage from brickies and the nuts and bolt extensions/adaptors.

I'm assuming once these are fixed with the thread lock I will need to get more if I change my discs? (Discs are lipped)

I like the look of the KO2 bfg's as they are all season and off / on road 50 50 split or something. Cost a lot though so my sensible side is not sure yet, might just get normal tyres.

I'm still not entirely sure if I need to remove retaining bolts on the back wheel or do anything else. Wondering if I should get tyres fitted then wheels swapped (adaptors added) at 1 location or get tyres put on and then add the wheels myself