I need new wheels

CapnDavy · Post by **CapnDavy** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:28 am

The local bug mechanic announced to my surprise that the THING wheels are different from the Bug's.

Three of my wheels are so bad they cannot be balanced. The car shakes badly in the 50-60 mph range.

I've seen the wheels at the THING SHOP but wondered if there are alternative THING wheels and suppliers.

(Can't find the "search" button on this forum so forgive me if this has been asked numerous times in the past.)

Dave

MNAirHead · Post by **MNAirHead** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 3:48 am

Welcome to STF.

One of the things you'll notice about the STF folks is that you will not receive the "use the search button reply"

Thing rims are 14" Offset is specific to rims.

Are you looking for stock or some type of "upgrade"

Let us know -- we'll help you source the parts.

CapnDavy · Post by **CapnDavy** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 4:11 am

Thanks for the quick response... you're up early out there in the WEST.

I'm not particular about the stock look. Just want to get some new wheels. I'm planning an interstate trip and need to get a smooth ride above 60 mph. Not an 'upgrade", just replacement.

This is an unmodified '73 with drum brakes.

I did see new wheels at the Thing shop in the neighborhood of $180 each. (!)
I hesitate to buy used 'reconditioned' wheels. Who knows if they are straight?

Towel Rail · Post by **Towel Rail** » Wed Jul 25, 2007 10:55 pm

I've found the Thing Shop to be a straight-up operation. I haven't purchased wheels from them, but I would be VERY surprised if they are not perfectly usable.

If you're not interested in spending a lot of moolah for 14" Thing wheels, 15" Beetle wheels can be used. They're plentiful and cheap.

Another tip: Buy one of these, and any tire shop in town will be able to check your wheels and balance your tires. WELL worth it! http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... ?id=373915

- Scott

P.S. Also, beware of 14" Bus wheels. They have the wrong offset.

CapnDavy · Post by **CapnDavy** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:04 am

Thanks Mr. Rail.

Is there a downside to using 15" wheels? I assume I would have to go 15" all around with new rubber.
Are there 15" aftermarket solutions? You know, like Eagle wheels?

Thanks again!

Spanks

Towel Rail · Post by **Towel Rail** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:39 am

Well, you then have to use 15" tires, that's the only downside.

Any aftermarket wheels that fit a Beetle will fit a Thing. As long as the wheels/tires are the same left-to-right, you could run 14's in the back and 15's in the front, or vice-versa, if you chose.

Lots of options -- my Thing is going on 7.0x15 tires (stock Beetle wheels) after my resto is done.

CapnDavy · Post by **CapnDavy** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:11 am

MNAirHead wrote:Welcome to STF.

Thing rims are 14" Offset is specific to rims.
Are you looking for stock or some type of "upgrade"
Let us know -- we'll help you source the parts.

I'm not particular about the stock look. Just want to get some new wheels. I'm planning an interstate trip and need to get a smooth ride above 60 mph. Not an 'upgrade", just replacement.

This is an unmodified '73 with drum brakes.

I did see new wheels at the Thing shop in the neighborhood of $180 each(!)
I hesitate to buy used 'reconditioned' wheels. Who knows if they are straight?

People are telling me I can use any VW 15" rims but they don't discuss the offset. What is that and how much is it?? (how is it measured for the THING?)

Towel Rail · Post by **Towel Rail** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:42 pm

What I meant to say earlier (and failed, I guess), is that any wheels meant for the Beetle will have the correct offset for a Thing. I don't have the numbers handy, though.

HTH.

Pinky · Post by **Pinky** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:42 pm

Why not just get the rims straightened?

It would be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying new, and it's an easy job to do.

I've seen guys fix plenty of wheels that I would toss out- I keep them now!

Chris V · Post by **Chris V** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 7:06 pm

Thing wheels are 14x5 ET 32.5mm

Beetle wheels October 1952 through July 1965 are 15x4 ET40...after that they were the same dimensions, but with ventilation slots.

Bus wheels December 1963 through July 1970 are 14x5 ET47.5mm

You can correct offset with "pass through" spacers:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp ... C10%2D6704

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp ... C21%2D2527

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 7:59 pm

That is some very cool info that you share. Thanks~ K-mann

Captain Spalding · Post by **Captain Spalding** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:20 am

Chris V wrote:Thing wheels are 14x5 ET 32.5mm

Okay, that 32.5mm is offset, right? Equal to 1.28"

Proceeding under the following premise:

Offset = Backspace - (Rim Width ÷ 2), therefore
Backspace = Offset + (Rim Width ÷ 2)
Backspace = 1.28 + (5 ÷ 2)
Backspace = 3.78

But I have empirically measured the backspace of my stock wheels to be 4 3/8". What am I missing?

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:00 pm

check out these classic wheels.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-THING ... enameZWDVW

CapnDavy · Post by **CapnDavy** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:21 pm

THANKS KMan!

Never thought to look for wheels on Ebay.

Dave

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:43 pm

I have a set of 5 new stock 15" VW wheels 4 x 130 bolt pattern. You can use them and convert to disk brakes or use wheel adapters. I can guide you to this process if you are interested. I have most of what you would need.