VW Wheels on a 96 L Wagon

[blueb3]

Well, picked up the rims this morning, and wouldn't you know it? Two different sized tires, neither one will prob fit. (215/50 & 215/60 R15) on a +35 offset wheel :( Talk about some WIDE tires on a 15" rim.
What would be the best sized tires for this application?
The cool thing is that he found his bbs centers :cool: Though they look pretty decent without them. Wither way they need some work, the clear is coming off in a couple places, so the first order of business is going to be stripping and refinishing them. Thinking bronze or gold, any suggestions? Here's some pics. :banana:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/03/wheels002-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/03/wheels003-1.jpg

[Legacy4Life]

Definitely looks way better with the centers!!

[Wiscon_Mark]

yes, center caps, for sure.

[Huffer]

Well for one thing, they're completely the wrong offset.

[Plays_with_Toys]

Yeah subies really need a +44 offset or there abouts. Not sure on tire size though...

[Huffer]

+48 is the lowest I would go - mainly because I like to turn corners without shredding rubber on the car. :lol:

[SHOfast]

B3 or B4 passat wheels. Im thinking more B4. I usually see 205 50 15 on those wheels, which makes me think they are 6 inches wide, maybe 6.5. You really can put almost any 15" tire on them, 195 60 15 maybe??

[blueb3]

Yup, B3 passat wheels. the tires on there are damn near brand new, but completely the wrong size. Looking at these, http://www.edgeracing.com/tire/918/ They are 195/60R15 and close to 30 a piece cheaper than discount tire. Going to get these pulled first so I can sand and paint them before I get the new tires.

[Wiscon_Mark]

You're going to get more variety in the 205 60 15 range (for good tires), but 195 60 15 is what I run with my rims that are very similar to these (probably the same specs).

[gil_ong81]

the "golden" tread. :D

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335263

[blueb3]

A little update, finally got around to test fitting them on the car to see if I liked the look, so here it is before the color change. Anyone with photoshop skills?
They fit (mostly) With a better selection of tire (Threw the rim on with a 215-50-r15 tire on it, actually smaller diameter than stock) And proceeded to compress the suspension with my rather prodigous be-hind. The closest I could get the fender line to the tire was 1/2 inch, but that's not what bothers me. This does:
Behold the WIDENESS:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/03/wheels008-1.jpg
Hard to tell but that sucker sticks out about 1/4 inch, but again, it's the tires.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/03/wheels006-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/03/wheels010-1.jpg

Of course, something fell out while pulling tires :D
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/03/wheels005-1.jpg

[shazapple]

Thats a lot of wheel gap

[blueb3]

Sad thing is that's about equal to stock. Of course it could just be because of all the missing weight of the snorkle :lol:

[Plays_with_Toys]

Remember to reset your ECU now that you pulled that out. And have fun with it :twisted:

The wheel gap looks large because you now have air in the wheel. Its not a solid ominous disk in the wheel well. What are you thinking about for a color?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Thats a lot of wheel gap

I believe it's on jacks.

blueb3- there's no :banana: here, sorry :(

[blueb3]

do I need to wait for a cel light to come on before resetting, or just disconnect the battery for 5 minutes and call it a day? And no, it was off the jack stands and jack and I had already loaded the suspension (sat my ample booty on the front corner) :blob8: I think it also has to do with the tire 215/50 It's about 2 inches shorter than stock.

As far as color I picked up my supplies today, I had some of the bronze duplicolor wheel paint and did a ghetto fabulous test with the hubcaps (why not, they were curbed and three different shades of grey plastic anyways) and I decided that was too dark for such a dark blue wagon. Spent about 40 minutes in the paint aisle at lowes "comparing" paint. The gold metallic -nice, shiny, but too bright, thought about, and seriously considered the "hammered metal" finish copper paint they had, but wasn't brave enough. Settled on a high gloss, semi-metallic gold that is a nice in-between. I am getting ready to test out the color and post up pics tomorrow. I might take pics of the process for anyone interested.

[Wiscon_Mark]

nah, don't wait for the CEL, just reset it. You want to wait more than 5 minutes though...try 15-30 (or do it overnight).

[blueb3]

Alright, tested the color, and DAMN! Not what the cap showed at all! The cap was this nice, muted gold color, not too bright, not too flashy. Well, the paint itself is BLING-BLING gold, looks like a Mr. T accesory. So, that crap went back, and picked up a metallic bronze. No chance to test it yet, wife is still home and bitchin that I spend too much time on the car, and not enough on the house. :roll: Ah, the joys of married life.

[Wiscon_Mark]

did you prime it with wheel paint primer? (white)

[blueb3]

Yes I did, and it was still looking like the gold badges on some cars. The paint quality was awesome, perfect coverage in two very light coats, dried to the touch in under 10 minutes, but DAMN that color was so wrong. Hopefully the bronze metallic comes out nice.

[badbasser98]

Of course, something fell out while pulling tires :D
lmao :P

[blueb3]

Of course, something fell out while pulling tires :D
lmao :P

Was a very easy mod, and I LOVE the sound. Figures since I had the car up, and wheel off I was already half way there.

[blueb3]

Updating with first stage of painting done!! Used Rustoleum's new Metallic line of paint in a metallic bronze ($5.17 a can at Lowes) First impression, sh!t tons of metallic flake. WEAR A MASK!
Pulled the center caps off, and apart, cleaned, scuffed, primed, painted, sanded again (damn paint blobs) :violent1: And then, moved on to the wheels. Since I am junking the tires, I didn't feel the need to protect them. :-D The first picture was how the test of the first paint turned out, Who says my Legacy can't Bling?
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels014-1.jpg

This shows the best representation of the actual color that these turned out. For some reason the color doesn't show up right on the camera. BBS center pieces for center caps.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels015-1.jpg

Center caps pulled and coated (Total of 4 coats)
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels013-1.jpg

And finaly, the rim itself
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels011-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels012-1.jpg

[Wiscon_Mark]

should've masked the tires off there ;)

Pics of them on the car? :D

[shazapple]

That looks pretty sweet! Id lay some clearcoat on that to make it more durable though

[blueb3]

Clear is going on tonight. Maybe a pic on the car as well. I am trying to find some type of thin adhesive to put the center caps back together. Need to find something that won't react to the paint.

[SHOfast]

should've masked the tires off there ;)

Pics of them on the car? :D

Should have removed the wheel weight, that will likely be in a different place with new tires....


When you let the car off the jack do you move it back and forth to settle the suspension from the side load? That can make it sit much higher, even if you sit on the corner, it will not level until it unloads.

[blueb3]

Yeah, I pulled the weights off the other ones :oops: I totally forgot to until I was rolling it around to see where I missed. Oh well, I am sure I am going to have to retouch most of the edges after they dismount and mount the new tires.

[blueb3]

And finally a pic of one of the rims test fitted on the car:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels019-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels023-2.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/04/wheels025-2.jpg

[SHOfast]

I like it!

One comment, is there something you can do to add more depth to the finish? Maybe some buffed clear coat?

[blueb3]

Yeah, there's no clear on there (waiting for the tire jockeys to trash the edges mounting new tires) Also, in the sun there is a LOT more depth, the lighting in the garage w/flash takes away all the flake and gloss.

[SHOfast]

Sounds like you have it all figured out. When are you taking it to the tire shop?

[Wiscon_Mark]

It looks good, but I bet it looks great when the tires are actually black :D

[blueb3]

Not sure when I am getting tires. For some reason the bank wants me to pay my mortgage every month :wink: That and I made the discovery last week that I need a new drivers seat cushion for the car since my wife cannot see over the steering wheel. Looks like tires are definately on the back burner for now. :(

[Wiscon_Mark]

That and I made the discovery last week that I need a new drivers seat cushion for the car since my wife cannot see over the steering wheel.

That looks like a great excuse for WRX seats :D

Anyways, I wasn't suggesting new tires, I was suggesting using some armour all on them (tire polishing stuff).

[blueb3]

Well, the tires are 2 different sizes, and 4 different tread wears. So, new tires it is. As far as the seat goes, I was considering just buying a new seat cushion (foam part) for the seat. I mean really, how much could it be? $265 from the dealer :shock: So, found a local yocal who just put wrx seats in his 99 leg, and is selling both fronts for $45. Gee, I wonder what I'll do :wink: Anywho. Looks like there are a couple things up in the air on the car. Set of jdm fogs, new front seats, or at least cushions if I think the fabric clashes too bad with the rears (did I just say clash? Great googly moogly I need to get out more) And tires. Forgetting anything? Probably, but that's more than enough for now.

[blueb3]

WOOT picking up a nice set of Falken Azenis tires (205-50-15) for $35 He used them last season has a set of 19's for this summer (15" - 19" = CRAZY) but who cares! Tires are in pretty good shape, equal wear, and no plugs. Pick them up next weekend so should have them on the car before May. Check back for the whole mess mounted up!

[blueb3]

Well, they are all mounted, finished, cleared and pimpin! They look really good, but they have to go back tomorrow to have them check the balance (shimmy between 58 and 70) Waiting on the weather to break so I can get some beauty shots.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/05/wheels009-3.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/05/73d46de0-3.jpg

[Wiscon_Mark]

Holy small tires!

Are those xxx-55-15s?

[blueb3]

205-50-15's Yah, they are small, but oh so sticky. Even playing in the rain I have a hard time breaking them loose. They are Falken Azenis Sports. The steelies are going to hopefully get a set of medium compound gravel tires for Rallycross.

[Plays_with_Toys]

I really like the wheels, but I think the flash coupled with the small tires makes it look awkward. Get some outside shots! Also, get some meguiers tire gel (its the purple stuff in a bottle) and wipe those tires up. That'll make it look 100x better. But I do like the paint with those wheels.

[blueb3]

Yeah, it's been raining since Wednesday with no end in sight. Very happy with the wheels. Everyone warned me about the azenis sport+rain = bad but to be honest my crappy all seasons broke loose way before these do.

The angle is weird, I agree, seeing it in person takes a lot of the awkwardness away, but they are still prety small, I am used to having 17"s on my cars.

[blueb3]

got her all clean and sparkly, even went over all the black trim, and wheels with armor all. Took some great outdoor pics at lunch, and will post them up tonight. (btw, those tires + mud = the suck :-D )

[blueb3]

OKay, as promised, extra pics of the clean car with tires. Need to get some new headlights and REALLY need to get me some taller tires. :oops:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/05/Lunch002-3.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/05/Lunch004-3.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/05/Lunch003-3.jpg

[Plays_with_Toys]

Spray some of that rubberized under coating stuff in your fender wheels. Make those black and the tires won't look so tiny. I like the color and style of the wheels though. And nice grill :twisted:

[blueb3]

I really need to get under there and clean it real good first. There's still a good layer of dirt in there. I love the wheels, and the tires are great, just too thin. But, for $160 total (wheels, tires, and paint), I can't complain

[Wiscon_Mark]

Drop that sucker, and the wheels won't look so tiny.

[blueb3]

Wanna keep it stock heighth, too much fun mud running. THe tires are temporary, they only have about a summer left (used autocross tires) Looking to get a nice set of taller tires, but looking for something with a stiff sidewall.

[sansMYSTi]

I am guessing that you have an inaccurate speedo with that setup.

[blueb3]

Oh hell yeah, which is a good thing, since I have a really heavy foot. It reads 60 and I'm doing about 56.

[glee60]

Atta Boy! Rockin the VW...
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/03/DSC00783-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/03/DSC00782-1.jpg
Not to shabby eh?

[glee60]

15x6.5 wearin 185/60
I love those wheels on your car and in gold! The funny thing is until this post... I hated them, an I've been in to VWs for years!

[blueb3]

WOW! Back from the dead! Unfortunately I no longer have the rims, they were traded in for the laptop that I am posting from :) I am hoping to get another set, and do the whole respray again, but get some more practical tires. Of course, there are always the Audi TT rims, those looke pretty pimp. Either that or some nice WRX stockers would do nicely.

[glee60]

:) Funny you should mention those
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/03/IMAGE_00034-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/03/IMAGE_00033-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/03/IMAGE_00032-1.jpg
17x7 No rubber but they were already riiiight at the strut and damn near out of the wheel well. Thinkin wheels would need some spacing and fender rolling... not that theres anything wrong with wide body Scoobs... *Starts Plotting*

[Plays_with_Toys]

I think you can find a better looking wheel than that for your sube. It's a very square wheel on a very round car. Doesn't really fit IMO.

[sybir]

I'm more concerned as to how a 7" wheel can be close to rubbing on the strut *and* sticking outside the fender. What's the offset on the TT wheels?

Hell, I'm running an 8" ET48 wheel, and it's got 1/4" of strut clearance to the coilovers and still doesn't stick out, on 235s.......I'm not sure how your scenario is physically possible on a narrower wheel with a lower offset.

http://www.hooptywagon.com/img/DSCF2996.JPG

How close is it to rubbing on the inside?

[Sarra]

Stock tire size is 205/60R15... Your speedometer must be way off.

I had a set of tires/wheels 205/55R16 - 16X7 ET40, and they rubbed horribly on my 1998 Wagon. I can't imagine how bad it'll rub on yours if you put the right size tires on... Also, make sure the tires you have on have enough load capacity, I almost bought a set of tires, but the load capacity wasn't high enough. :(

[glee60]

I think you can find a better looking wheel than that for your sube. It's a very square wheel on a very round car. Doesn't really fit IMO.

Which one the TT Wheel? :lol: It's off a TT! Find an angle on that car and I'll give ya one for free! Haha No but for real, Like I said, I wish I would've had the tire on so I could've seen for sure, I'd love to run some 17x7 or even dished 8's or 9's with rolled fenders... (Euro styles? Me? No!) Were your wheels 17's or 18's? I also don't have that wheel anymore, If I rock any OE 17, It'll prob be an S4 style 5x100 Avus almost identical but with the divets in the spoke... And they'll be stock silver this time around...

[mranlet]

Not trying to rain on your parade, but...

Low offset = wheel bearing failure. Subaru wheel bearings are the suck x10.

Unless you plan on converting to 5x114.3 hubs, I'd count out flush-fitting wheels for the time being.

I'm using Nissan 240SX SE hubs in custom uprights and am running this in the rear:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/01/P1011629JPG-1.jpg

[Plays_with_Toys]

Is there a good looking 18 spoke wheel for VDub's in a 16 or 17" size near the offset we need? I figure this look is pretty popular on VW's and it's definately my wheel of choice.

[sybir]

The easy answer is no.
High offset wheels like ours are all over the brakes on a VW. I tried putting my 18x8 OZ's (ET51) on a buddy's Jetta, and he would have needed a good 10-15mm of spacers to clear his TT brakes. Youre not going to find anything OEM or normal aftermarket for a VW much higher than 40mm, and usually clsoer to 35mm :|

[suba-rude]

yeah dude that looks good. what can I say I've got a set of 16x7.5 pacers off of a Rav4 on my 95