Ah right. I know that thread. So I'll take that as a definite need to replace studs.
Question now becomes is it worth my while paying for alloys and studs? Especially when my choices are still pretty limited. All I want is the path of least resistance (wallet having very high impedance) to get larger diameter rims on my van.
I keep seeing old merc alloys coming up cheap on fleabay and was considering them as an option. Good, bad? I dunno.
rocknrob 路
depends whether you want to live in the 20th or the 21st century...14" tyres are dying...i still have 4 ford rims modified to suit...might even have 10 front studs to put in your back hubs but you would need 10 long(60mm) studs to go in the front hubs...where the hell is mooroopna? no offence intended馃槀
General_Failure 路
No offense taken. It's kind of like that. It's in the Goulburn Valley in Victoria.
One of the probs I keep encountering is all the compatible rims that keep coming up are far, far away. Will be pleased to move away from here eventually. Means I'll actually have access to things again. But enough of that.
I've seen studs for various prices around and all I really know is that a press is needed to push them out and in.
The work of dismantling to do the studs plus fabrication of a suitable press seems like a bit of a headache, but in the end is it worth the effort putting the longer studs on?
I know I'd like 15s on there, as well... commercial tyres really suck for a kombi, and passenger 14s just aren't high enough profile anymore except for specialty ones that cost $$$.
Sure I _could_ buy stuff interstate, but then there's paying exorbitant shipping vs. holding out and hoping that a set comes up this side of the universe.
what do I do???
rocknrob 路
if you stick to steel rims the studs are not as big a problem. I bought a set of mercedes steel 15x7 some time ago for around $120 i think but they are long gone now. kombi nuts are quite long and will need machining or grinding to fit the merc wheels...once you have done that you will find they screw on plenty for good strength. this is probably the cheapest way to go...hope this helps馃檮
LIFE IN THE LOW LANE 路
I fitted a set of alloy BBs rims that were originally for a Merc on my bay. I got the back face of the centre machined so that the studs were long enough. then got stainless steel inserts fitted and used wheel nuts that have the long taper on them that fit neatly in the holes on the rim. all up cost me $200 for the machining and new wheel nuts.
General_Failure 路
There are just as many different ways of doing things as there are people to do them it seems.
I thought the merc and kombi studs used compatible studs, threadwise that is. It's not really based off anything except vague ghosts of memories though. Just asking because I would have thought it to be easier and tonnes cheaper to put a set of merc nuts on instead of machining the VW nuts to fit the merc rims.
Are the stainless steel inserts sort of like a big plug that is pressed or screwed in that the new stud holes are machined in to?
Sounds like a very involved process. How'd you get the machining so cheap?
I'd consider a set of falcon steelies if I thought I could get them drilled to fit for less than the cost of a custom made set of sunraysias.
Sorry. I just have very little faith in the ability to get anything at an affordable price here. Although $30 to get a head crack TIG'd was very good.
The pic looks like the wheel slopes back in towards the car after the stud area. Does it? If it does then it probably wouldn't have a hope of working, on the back at least.