15 inch Beetle wheels ok for a Thing/Trekker?

crazyovalguy · Post by **crazyovalguy** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 7:33 am

Hi all,

its official, I now own myself my first Thing/Trekker. probably well into the teens in terms of VWs but Trekker number 1. Its a 182 which is handy since I live in the UK.

I have a question, does anyone know of any issues about using Beetle 15 inch 5.5 width wheels with a '73 Trekker? I understand type 2 area no no, but what about Beetle 15 inch wheels?

many thanks all, will have a nice pic soon.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:16 am

Guy my Thing had bug 15" front wheels on it when I got it. There was no issue. In fact I ran them turned around (reversed) for a time to put the offset outward. I assume the same applies to the rear. Cheers. Bob Ingman

Post by **Marc** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 9:27 am

Where would you find a Beetle 5½" 5-lug rim? Here's the stock choices, 4½" is as wide as they come (except for the 5" bus): http://www.oxfordshirevwoc.co.uk/whsteel5.htm
Aftermarket 5½x15s might fit though, dimensionally the front end is like that of a `66/`67 Beetle other than the balljoint location so any rim made to fit that should work on the 182 I think.

crazyovalguy · Post by **crazyovalguy** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 10:54 pm

Thanks Bob,

Marc, thanks....oh gonads..... really? mmmm.. the tyres I want to put on need at least a 5 inch so I guess I'm going to have to buy some white five stars or something.

thanks

radioman · Post by **radioman** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 1:59 pm

I have American Eagle five spoke polished 15 X 5.5 alloy wheels (pn 072955242AA). Fit perfectly, excellent finish and they balance correctly. I paid $93 (US) each to my local supplier. Try American Eagle on the net.
You will need to replace the wheel nuts with 12mm X 2" studs but that ain't difficult. I wrote an article in the 181 Registry a year or so ago about these wheels and tires.Bill

Andy_E · Post by **Andy_E** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 2:28 am

My '69 military spec 181 has 15x5.5 wheels and they are the originals as far as I can tell. They are different from bus wheels or Beetle wheels. They have less (more?) offset, by which I mean they stick out less.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 8:05 am

Andy do your wheels have 4 slots between center and outer sections? Bus wheels do but 14" 181 wheels do not. Perhaps they used the outer section from a 15" bus wheel and added a different center. Cheers bob

Andy_E · Post by **Andy_E** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 11:50 pm

The centres have 4 big slots, like early bus 15 inch wheels, but the rims are slightly different. My spare is a bus wheel, which is how I noticed they have a different offset. It's a military 181 though which, as I'm sure you know, has reduction boxes, 15" wheels and a few other differences from a US-spec Thing.
Crazyovalguy - since you're in the UK you can find these wheels quite easily. Try Ian Harrison or Tracksuitman or put a wanted ad on Volkszone.

lastsafari · Post by **lastsafari** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 8:03 am

182 in UK>
I think you have the 15" x 5" used in the military 181 in Europe as well as only in 1971 in Mexico, and 1972 and 73 for Indonesia. They are type 181-82 only wheels. They look like Beetle ones including the four vents but different offset and they are widder.