TheSamba.com :: View topic - Need backspace measurement of the OEM 14x6 rims

Tue Dec 18, 2018 5:06 am

I don't have my old 14x6 wheels anymore, but I need a photo of the back spacing measurement, measuring from the center to the wheel edge.

See how-to example here...

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/tech-qa/1808-nuts-and-bolts-backwards-backspacing/

Thanks

Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:33 am

I think you can find this info on the tires and wheels sticky.
kamzcab86 wrote: 1980-1991 Vanagon, steel:
5.5J x 14
ET39 offset
5x112 bolt pattern
(Ball seat front lug bolts, M14x1.5x19)

1986-1991 Vanagon, alloy:
6J x 14
ET30 offset
5x112 bolt pattern
(Conical seat front lug bolts, M14x1.5x32)

Vanagon Syncro, steel with 205/70 tires
6J x 14
ET30 offset
5x112 bolt pattern

Vanagon Syncro 16, steel
5.5J x 16
ET35 offset
5x112 bolt pattern

Vanagon, South Africa "Rhein" alloy
6.5J x 15
ET30 offset
5x112 bolt pattern

1971-1979 Bay Window:
5.5J x 14
ET39 offset
5x112 bolt pattern

1968-1970 Bay Window:
5J x 14
ET39 offset
5/205 bolt pattern

Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:52 am

That's perfect, thanks. With those ET numbers, I'm able to convert it to a backspace measurement with an online calculator.

http://www.gtsparkplugs.com/Offset-to-Backspace.html

Looks like the factory 14x5.5 ET39 rim has a backspace measurement of 4.79"

Tue Dec 18, 2018 8:05 am

I'm not sure what project you are working on, but keep in mind that on a Vanagon, knowing the backspacing of the wheel is not enough to ensure clearance. The tip of the upper control arms come into play in the tire sidewall area, and therefore the tire size (mostly width related) and wheel width comes into play too. In other words, even if the wheel backspacing stays the same, simply changing the wheel width and/or tire width can often create/eliminate clearance.
Just an FYI.