14" vs 15" wheels - which way to go?

jb4845 Commited Dubber

74 posts · joined May 2005 · 4 Jan 2008, 11:50 am

#626901

Hi everyone - happy new year

Trying to figure out which way to go with wheels on my 69 Microbus resto

Want to keep the wide-5's and domed hub-caps but not sure whether the original 14" or earlier beetle / splitty 15" will look or ride better

I think if I went with the 15" they would be a narrower wheel - would this make much difference, aside from needing to watch tyre size?

Do you think I would notice much difference in appearance? I also want to run whitewall inserts so sidewall size and flex could be a consideration?

Anyone got an opinion?

JOSH

greedy53 Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,062 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 4 Jan 2008, 5:48 pm

#626941

if its the idea of keeping your domed caps fear not for they will fit small 5 stud i have a set on my caravel whitch are the same as a bay mind you some i tryed didn't fit dont ask me why but out of 6 i had a good fit of 4 and these are really hqard to get of when i need to remove the wheel
good luck

👍👍😂🙅🥷😬🤓

paulr Officially Full-On Dubber

332 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 5 Jan 2008, 6:33 pm

#627074

Josh
I am having the same conundrum - have decided to stay with 14's at the moment though - mainly because I already have them.
Paul

Dazed and Confused
and riding a pushi

h fractals - an ever changing lifestyle

7,671 posts · joined Feb 2005 · 5 Jan 2008, 6:50 pm

#627077

go standard and then its as good as whence it first was born..

fractal geometry; the inner most limits of mind altering abuse

Fantasy http://seventhchronicle.com

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68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 6 Jan 2008, 11:39 am

#627139

the difference in Hubcaps..

is German - Mexican and Brazillian....

so buying New hubcaps, unless they Are guaranteed to be German made...
Most are the latter two... as they are cheaper...

I have two brand new late beetle hubcaps which won't go onto the wheel....
I dented the hubcaps trying to fit them...

Check out ; http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

it will show what size tyres are the same OD as in 14 and 15 inch...
how wide and how narrow and higher and lower...

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug
http://www.superbeetles.com/home.htm

- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

wiseoldub Fahrvergnugen

925 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 12 Jan 2008, 6:57 am

#627886

putting bigger wheels on will take a bit of load off your gearbox when travelling at top speeds on the highway because your od is greater. the splitty wheels will be a little narrower from memory so will need to accomodate for that! you will find more whitewall inserts are 15' but if you search, 14's can be got! its all about preference! i like the early bay 14's . they are a solid stocky rim thet look great powder coated white with white walls or painted red oxide, clad in low profile tyres to help you look a little lower and old skool rod(my fav) ! try both and see what you like best!
i know which way i would lean!
good luck, hope this helps
josh

wiseoldub Fahrvergnugen

925 posts · joined Sep 2002 · 12 Jan 2008, 8:39 am

#627895

and post pics when you've decided so we can all see!

jb4845 Commited Dubber

74 posts · joined May 2005 · 14 Jan 2008, 9:25 am

#628154

Thanks folks

Will most likely stick with the 14's as I don't want to go narrower

Will defintiely put up some pics when done - old skool rod is the look I am after

JOSH