On 26 January 2011 14:58, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@hotmail.com> wrote:Francesca,
I'm not looking for a macho image, much prefer practical, hence underneath is the go. Several things to consider ....
It's not boring, it's a total pain in the butt being there out the back, having to get it out of the way to open the rear hatch every time either at home garaged and/or on a trip and at campsites on arrival and then departure. Unless you rig up so you hardly ever open the hatch.
It's also your emergency escape route (in a Trakka anyway as we have an added hatch release on the inside, regardless of whether or not the hatch lock is locked).
Throws more cantilever weight behind the rear wheels. I reckon the load balance is best with the spare upfront.
It may make the total vehicle length longer, depending upon what rear holder you use. Still I think it fits within the 5 metre length charge rate for the Melbourne to Tassie ferry. Roger would know for sure.
How do you carry a push bike? Unless you want to mortgage your house on a rear combo carrier you see on syncros overseas. If you do then heh, you can also add a gerry can of fuel and high lift jack etc, marvellous eh ... NOT!
Yes it took me a considerable time, trial and effort to achieve a fit of the BFG under .... sorry, but that is what it takes, all part of the fun. Once done though .... hooray! Move onto the next project!
A few pics of the grinding I had to do underneath are shown here in the photos section of the syncro forum ...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/photos/album/1871218959/pic/list
To clarify, remember these left and right side shapings in the structural beams are already in place, part of the original design and manufacture. I merely ground them back further and still with absolutely no loss of structural integrity. For the doubters, seeing is believing.
Cheers.
Ken
From: fcoles6@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:50:45 +1100
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
Hi Ken,That's of course a crucial point you make there, so thanks for adding to our headache by reminding us of the dastardly 'clam shell' restriction. I am secretly hoping someone else is going to come up with the solution on this one, but I can see there's sense in pooling our resources/knowledge. No doubt the growing frustration of having 5 shiny new rims just waiting on suitable tyres to be fitted will be a powerful motivator to finding a solution ASAP. Thanks for sharing your comments on how you made a BFG tyre fit underneath - sounds like just the kind of job I'd enjoy...Why did you so dislike the rear wheel carrier solution? I know they're expensive and all, and I suppose having to swing it out every darn time you want to open the rear hatch could get rather boring. A lot of people seem to like the 'rugged' look they lend the vehicle, however. Perhaps I'll have a word to my friendly T3 mechanic for some advice re 15-inch tyres.Michael, glad to hear you had such a good time on the tour, and that your Syncro held up under pressure. I'm doubly sorry the dates didn't work for us this time, but we'll work on getting to the next one. My eldest has yet to refine his pragmatic language skills when it comes to tactfully avoiding pointing out defects, such as rust bubbles, on other people's vehicles (out of the mouths of babes... don't we love them for it?).In answer to your question: we had a rattle in our catalytic converter before it gave up the ghost. I think it was evident on starting up an idling. In the end the CC melted and we came to a halt by the side of the Princes Highway (a complete potato-up-the-pipe simulation). Solution was simple: R&R the CC with a new one, though we chose not to replace with a genuine VW part because it was so bloody expensive, and the aftermarket one we replaced it with was said to be of good quality by our mechanic.See you,Francesca.Francesca.
On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@hotmail.com> wrote:
Francesca and All,
Just remember, what will prove to be a major embarrasssment should you buy a set of 5 x 15" tyres and then all too late discover the 5th tyre you have chosen won't physically fit underneath. Dimensionally the tyre may be too wide and/or diameter too large. I'm talking very critical fractional fitting here! Even down to the bulkiness or not of the tread blocks on the edge of tthe tyre interfering badly or not with the overhead steering rod. So include this very important criteria as part of your selection process, unless you can live with a rear mounted spare.
After some relatively minor mods (grinding back) to the two fore-aft structural beams underneath and the removal of that piece of mangled bituminous sheet fibreboard under the radiator (I believe this is a major culprit for why the seam behind the front bumper corrodes so badly), I managed to install a BFG 215 75 15, I agree it's a tight fit but getting rid of the rear tyre carrier was a high priority for me.
Be warned, it's not a given that just because I managed to fit the BFG under, that other brand/model 15" tyres will also.
So its not simply a question of what's available and economical. But will the chosen spare fit under.. without major mods?
Happy hunting, don't believe anything tyre sellers tell you, spend a lot of time on research instead, they have no clue about syncro tyre specs, forearmed is forewarned. All you guys with new rims should be collaborating in a SIG for tyres .. make it a whole lot easier and informative for you all.
Cheers.
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Francesca Coles <fcoles6@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2011 6:52 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request[The entire original message is not included]
------------------------------------
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--
Regards
Michael
Michael Rayner East Light Photography
PO Box 144
MALLACOOTA VIC 3892
MOB: 0409 241 672
BUS: 0351169401
A/H: (03)5158 0346
Web: www.michaelraynerphotography.com.au
Email: michaelrayner@exemail.com.au
My skid plate is a flat one that hinges down from the back and does up with a central bolt and a plastic safety catch at the front. Greg
--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Francesca Coles <fcoles6@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Ken,
>
> That's of course a crucial point you make there, so thanks for adding to our
> headache by reminding us of the dastardly 'clam shell' restriction. I am
> secretly hoping someone else is going to come up with the solution on this
> one, but I can see there's sense in pooling our resources/knowledge. No
> doubt the growing frustration of having 5 shiny new rims just waiting on
> suitable tyres to be fitted will be a powerful motivator to finding a
> solution ASAP. Thanks for sharing your comments on how you made a BFG tyre
> fit underneath - sounds like just the kind of job I'd enjoy...
>
> Why did you so dislike the rear wheel carrier solution? I know they're
> expensive and all, and I suppose having to swing it out every darn time you
> want to open the rear hatch could get rather boring. A lot of people seem to
> like the 'rugged' look they lend the vehicle, however. Perhaps I'll have a
> word to my friendly T3 mechanic for some advice re 15-inch tyres.
>
> Michael, glad to hear you had such a good time on the tour, and that your
> Syncro held up under pressure. I'm doubly sorry the dates didn't work for us
> this time, but we'll work on getting to the next one. My eldest has yet to
> refine his pragmatic language skills when it comes to tactfully avoiding
> pointing out defects, such as rust bubbles, on other people's vehicles (out
> of the mouths of babes... don't we love them for it?).
>
> In answer to your question: we had a rattle in our catalytic converter
> before it gave up the ghost. I think it was evident on starting up an
> idling. In the end the CC melted and we came to a halt by the side of the
> Princes Highway (a complete potato-up-the-pipe simulation). Solution was
> simple: R&R the CC with a new one, though we chose not to replace with a
> genuine VW part because it was so bloody expensive, and the aftermarket one
> we replaced it with was said to be of good quality by our mechanic.
>
> See you,
>
> Francesca.
>
> Francesca.
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
> > Francesca and All,
> > Just remember, what will prove to be a major embarrasssment should you buy
> > a set of 5 x 15" tyres and then all too late discover the 5th tyre you have
> > chosen won't physically fit underneath. Dimensionally the tyre may be too
> > wide and/or diameter too large. I'm talking very critical fractional fitting
> > here! Even down to the bulkiness or not of the tread blocks on the edge of
> > tthe tyre interfering badly or not with the overhead steering rod. So
> > include this very important criteria as part of your selection process,
> > unless you can live with a rear mounted spare.
> > After some relatively minor mods (grinding back) to the two fore-aft
> > structural beams underneath and the removal of that piece of mangled
> > bituminous sheet fibreboard under the radiator (I believe this is a major
> > culprit for why the seam behind the front bumper corrodes so badly), I
> > managed to install a BFG 215 75 15, I agree it's a tight fit but getting rid
> > of the rear tyre carrier was a high priority for me.
> > Be warned, it's not a given that just because I managed to fit the BFG
> > under, that other brand/model 15" tyres will also.
> > So its not simply a question of what's available and economical. But will
> > the chosen spare fit under.. without major mods?
> > Happy hunting, don't believe anything tyre sellers tell you, spend a lot of
> > time on research instead, they have no clue about syncro tyre specs,
> > forearmed is forewarned. All you guys with new rims should be collaborating
> > in a SIG for tyres .. make it a whole lot easier and informative for you
> > all.
> > Cheers.
> > Ken
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Francesca Coles <fcoles6@...>
> > Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2011 6:52 PM
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
> >
> >
> >
> > [The entire original message is not included]
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 3:26 PM, greg_navarro95 <greg_navarro95@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Francesca. I am able to fit the Khumo 857 215/70R 150 I mentioned the other day into the carrier underneath. Its tight but it does fit.
My skid plate is a flat one that hinges down from the back and does up with a central bolt and a plastic safety catch at the front. Greg
--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Francesca Coles <fcoles6@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Ken,
>
> That's of course a crucial point you make there, so thanks for adding to our
> headache by reminding us of the dastardly 'clam shell' restriction. I am
> secretly hoping someone else is going to come up with the solution on this
> one, but I can see there's sense in pooling our resources/knowledge. No
> doubt the growing frustration of having 5 shiny new rims just waiting on
> suitable tyres to be fitted will be a powerful motivator to finding a
> solution ASAP. Thanks for sharing your comments on how you made a BFG tyre
> fit underneath - sounds like just the kind of job I'd enjoy...
>
> Why did you so dislike the rear wheel carrier solution? I know they're
> expensive and all, and I suppose having to swing it out every darn time you
> want to open the rear hatch could get rather boring. A lot of people seem to
> like the 'rugged' look they lend the vehicle, however. Perhaps I'll have a
> word to my friendly T3 mechanic for some advice re 15-inch tyres.
>
> Michael, glad to hear you had such a good time on the tour, and that your
> Syncro held up under pressure. I'm doubly sorry the dates didn't work for us
> this time, but we'll work on getting to the next one. My eldest has yet to
> refine his pragmatic language skills when it comes to tactfully avoiding
> pointing out defects, such as rust bubbles, on other people's vehicles (out
> of the mouths of babes... don't we love them for it?).
>
> In answer to your question: we had a rattle in our catalytic converter
> before it gave up the ghost. I think it was evident on starting up an
> idling. In the end the CC melted and we came to a halt by the side of the
> Princes Highway (a complete potato-up-the-pipe simulation). Solution was
> simple: R&R the CC with a new one, though we chose not to replace with a
> genuine VW part because it was so bloody expensive, and the aftermarket one
> we replaced it with was said to be of good quality by our mechanic.
>
> See you,
>
> Francesca.
>
> Francesca.
>
>> On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@...> wrote:
>
> > Francesca and All,
> > Just remember, what will prove to be a major embarrasssment should you buy
> > a set of 5 x 15" tyres and then all too late discover the 5th tyre you have
> > chosen won't physically fit underneath. Dimensionally the tyre may be too
> > wide and/or diameter too large. I'm talking very critical fractional fitting
> > here! Even down to the bulkiness or not of the tread blocks on the edge of
> > tthe tyre interfering badly or not with the overhead steering rod. So
> > include this very important criteria as part of your selection process,
> > unless you can live with a rear mounted spare.
> > After some relatively minor mods (grinding back) to the two fore-aft
> > structural beams underneath and the removal of that piece of mangled
> > bituminous sheet fibreboard under the radiator (I believe this is a major
> > culprit for why the seam behind the front bumper corrodes so badly), I
> > managed to install a BFG 215 75 15, I agree it's a tight fit but getting rid
> > of the rear tyre carrier was a high priority for me.
> > Be warned, it's not a given that just because I managed to fit the BFG
> > under, that other brand/model 15" tyres will also.
> > So its not simply a question of what's available and economical. But will
> > the chosen spare fit under.. without major mods?
> > Happy hunting, don't believe anything tyre sellers tell you, spend a lot of
> > time on research instead, they have no clue about syncro tyre specs,
> > forearmed is forewarned. All you guys with new rims should be collaborating
> > in a SIG for tyres .. make it a whole lot easier and informative for you
> > all.
> > Cheers.
> > Ken
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----> > From: Francesca Coles <fcoles6@...>
> > Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2011 6:52 PM
> > To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
> >
> >
> >
> > [The entire original message is not included]
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
Bear in mind that if you find yourself in a Syncro up to the bottom of the doors in mud, there is no way in the world you can get at the spare when it is in the front carrier under the body. The externally mounted (rear carrier) is always accessible.
A properly designed rear carrier (like the Lee carrier) is of no detriment to the body structure.
That said, for most of us the front underbody position is adequate. When my life settles down a bit (and I had better add an ‘if ever’ rider) I am going to drop my front carrier down by about 20 mm to accommodate the 15” wheels and 215/75 BFG AT’s that I am running. Until that time, I am carrying an original 14” with BFG AT as a spare – I have a decoupler, of course, that permits this. The loss of 20 mm clearance might be an issue to anyone who spends a lot of time driving up and down moraines but it wouldn’t bother the average owner.
It pays to bear in mind that frontal crash protection is a rather important issue. VAG put a lot of thought into it for the T3 and I have seen the resulting crash test videos. Then resultant protection is excellent. A key element of this level of protection is the chassis rails. Unless I could devise a way of replacing the strength that had been taken out to make way for the larger wheels, I would not modify the rails.
Les
From:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Ken Garratt
Sent: 26 January 2011 14:58
To: Syncro _T3_Australia forum
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia]
Fw: Post tour photo request
Francesca,
I'm not looking for a macho image, much prefer practical, hence underneath is
the go. Several things to consider ....
It's not boring, it's a total pain in the butt being there out the back, having
to get it out of the way to open the rear hatch every time either at home
garaged and/or on a trip and at campsites on arrival and then departure.
Unless you rig up so you hardly ever open the hatch.
It's also your emergency escape route (in a Trakka anyway as we have an added
hatch release on the inside, regardless of whether or not the hatch lock is
locked).
Throws more cantilever weight behind the rear wheels. I reckon the load
balance is best with the spare upfront.
It may make the total vehicle length longer, depending upon what rear holder
you use. Still I think it fits within the 5 metre length charge rate for the
Melbourne to Tassie
ferry. Roger would know for sure.
How do you carry a push bike? Unless you want to mortgage your house
on a rear combo carrier you see on syncros overseas. If you do then
heh, you can also add a gerry can of fuel and high lift jack etc,
marvellous eh ... NOT!
Yes it took me a considerable time, trial and effort to achieve a fit of
the BFG under .... sorry, but that is what it takes, all part of the fun. Once
done though .... hooray! Move onto the next project!
A few pics of the grinding I had to do underneath are shown here in the photos
section of the syncro forum ...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/photos/album/1871218959/pic/list
To clarify, remember these left and right side shapings in the structural beams
are already in place, part of the original design and manufacture. I merely
ground them back further and still with absolutely no loss of structural
integrity. For the doubters, seeing is believing.
Cheers.
Ken
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: fcoles6@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:50:45 +1100
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
Hi Ken,
That's of course a crucial point you make there, so thanks for adding to our headache by reminding us of the dastardly 'clam shell' restriction. I am secretly hoping someone else is going to come up with the solution on this one, but I can see there's sense in pooling our resources/knowledge. No doubt the growing frustration of having 5 shiny new rims just waiting on suitable tyres to be fitted will be a powerful motivator to finding a solution ASAP. Thanks for sharing your comments on how you made a BFG tyre fit underneath - sounds like just the kind of job I'd enjoy...
Why did you so dislike the rear wheel carrier solution? I know they're expensive and all, and I suppose having to swing it out every darn time you want to open the rear hatch could get rather boring. A lot of people seem to like the 'rugged' look they lend the vehicle, however. Perhaps I'll have a word to my friendly T3 mechanic for some advice re 15-inch tyres.
On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@hotmail.com> wrote:
Francesca and All,
Just remember, what will prove to be a major embarrasssment should you buy a
set of 5 x 15" tyres and then all too late discover the 5th tyre you have
chosen won't physically fit underneath. Dimensionally the tyre may be too wide
and/or diameter too large. I'm talking very critical fractional fitting here!
Even down to the bulkiness or not of the tread blocks on the edge of tthe tyre
interfering badly or not with the overhead steering rod. So include this very
important criteria as part of your selection process, unless you can live with
a rear mounted spare.
After some relatively minor mods (grinding back) to the two fore-aft structural
beams underneath and the removal of that piece of mangled bituminous sheet
fibreboard under the radiator (I believe this is a major culprit for why the
seam behind the front bumper corrodes so badly), I managed to install a BFG 215
75 15, I agree it's a tight fit but getting rid of the rear tyre carrier was a
high priority for me.
Be warned, it's not a given that just because I managed to fit the BFG under,
that other brand/model 15" tyres will also.
So its not simply a question of what's available and economical. But will
the chosen spare fit under.. without major mods?
Happy hunting, don't believe anything tyre sellers tell you, spend a lot of
time on research instead, they have no clue about syncro tyre specs, forearmed
is forewarned. All you guys with new rims should be collaborating in a SIG
for tyres .. make it a whole lot easier and informative for you all.
Cheers.
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Francesca Coles <fcoles6@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2011 6:52 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re:
[Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
[The entire original
message is not included]
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
Syncro_T3_Australia-digest@yahoogroups.com
Syncro_T3_Australia-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Syncro_T3_Australia-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 3:33 PM, Les Harris <leslieharris@optusnet.com.au> wrote:
Bear in mind that if you find yourself in a Syncro up to the bottom of the doors in mud, there is no way in the world you can get at the spare when it is in the front carrier under the body. The externally mounted (rear carrier) is always accessible.
A properly designed rear carrier (like the Lee carrier) is of no detriment to the body structure.
That said, for most of us the front underbody position is adequate. When my life settles down a bit (and I had better add an ‘if ever’ rider) I am going to drop my front carrier down by about 20 mm to accommodate the 15” wheels and 215/75 BFG AT’s that I am running. Until that time, I am carrying an original 14” with BFG AT as a spare – I have a decoupler, of course, that permits this. The loss of 20 mm clearance might be an issue to anyone who spends a lot of time driving up and down moraines but it wouldn’t bother the average owner.
It pays to bear in mind that frontal crash protection is a rather important issue. VAG put a lot of thought into it for the T3 and I have seen the resulting crash test videos. Then resultant protection is excellent. A key element of this level of protection is the chassis rails. Unless I could devise a way of replacing the strength that had been taken out to make way for the larger wheels, I would not modify the rails.
Les
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ken Garratt
Sent: 26 January 2011 14:58Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
To: Syncro _T3_Australia forum
Francesca,
I'm not looking for a macho image, much prefer practical, hence underneath is the go. Several things to consider ....
It's not boring, it's a total pain in the butt being there out the back, having to get it out of the way to open the rear hatch every time either at home garaged and/or on a trip and at campsites on arrival and then departure. Unless you rig up so you hardly ever open the hatch.
It's also your emergency escape route (in a Trakka anyway as we have an added hatch release on the inside, regardless of whether or not the hatch lock is locked).
Throws more cantilever weight behind the rear wheels. I reckon the load balance is best with the spare upfront.
It may make the total vehicle length longer, depending upon what rear holder you use. Still I think it fits within the 5 metre length charge rate for the Melbourne to Tassie ferry. Roger would know for sure.
How do you carry a push bike? Unless you want to mortgage your house on a rear combo carrier you see on syncros overseas. If you do then heh, you can also add a gerry can of fuel and high lift jack etc, marvellous eh ... NOT!
Yes it took me a considerable time, trial and effort to achieve a fit of the BFG under .... sorry, but that is what it takes, all part of the fun. Once done though .... hooray! Move onto the next project!
A few pics of the grinding I had to do underneath are shown here in the photos section of the syncro forum ...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/photos/album/1871218959/pic/list
To clarify, remember these left and right side shapings in the structural beams are already in place, part of the original design and manufacture. I merely ground them back further and still with absolutely no loss of structural integrity. For the doubters, seeing is believing.
Cheers.
Ken
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: fcoles6@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:50:45 +1100
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
Hi Ken,
That's of course a crucial point you make there, so thanks for adding to our headache by reminding us of the dastardly 'clam shell' restriction. I am secretly hoping someone else is going to come up with the solution on this one, but I can see there's sense in pooling our resources/knowledge. No doubt the growing frustration of having 5 shiny new rims just waiting on suitable tyres to be fitted will be a powerful motivator to finding a solution ASAP. Thanks for sharing your comments on how you made a BFG tyre fit underneath - sounds like just the kind of job I'd enjoy...
Why did you so dislike the rear wheel carrier solution? I know they're expensive and all, and I suppose having to swing it out every darn time you want to open the rear hatch could get rather boring. A lot of people seem to like the 'rugged' look they lend the vehicle, however. Perhaps I'll have a word to my friendly T3 mechanic for some advice re 15-inch tyres.
On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@hotmail.com> wrote:
Francesca and All,
Just remember, what will prove to be a major embarrasssment should you buy a set of 5 x 15" tyres and then all too late discover the 5th tyre you have chosen won't physically fit underneath. Dimensionally the tyre may be too wide and/or diameter too large. I'm talking very critical fractional fitting here! Even down to the bulkiness or not of the tread blocks on the edge of tthe tyre interfering badly or not with the overhead steering rod. So include this very important criteria as part of your selection process, unless you can live with a rear mounted spare.
After some relatively minor mods (grinding back) to the two fore-aft structural beams underneath and the removal of that piece of mangled bituminous sheet fibreboard under the radiator (I believe this is a major culprit for why the seam behind the front bumper corrodes so badly), I managed to install a BFG 215 75 15, I agree it's a tight fit but getting rid of the rear tyre carrier was a high priority for me.
Be warned, it's not a given that just because I managed to fit the BFG under, that other brand/model 15" tyres will also.
So its not simply a question of what's available and economical. But will the chosen spare fit under.. without major mods?
Happy hunting, don't believe anything tyre sellers tell you, spend a lot of time on research instead, they have no clue about syncro tyre specs, forearmed is forewarned. All you guys with new rims should be collaborating in a SIG for tyres .. make it a whole lot easier and informative for you all.
Cheers.
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Francesca Coles <fcoles6@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2011 6:52 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.comSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
[The entire original message is not included]
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
Syncro_T3_Australia-digest@yahoogroups.com
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My tyres are the usual BFG T/A All-Terrain 215 75 15 tyres and they readily meet the advisable, one could say mandatory syncro tyre specifications. To fit them under requires modification in some way, regardless of deflation.
What exactly are your tyres please? Could you help us all and list them here?
Is it the case then your tyre specs are say ... 215 70 15? If so, then yes, they probably do fit under. But please correct me if I am wrong and advise us all accordingly, I suspect they don't achieve requisite syncro tyre specs.
Cheers.
Ken
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: mallaner@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:26:06 +1100
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
On 26 January 2011 14:58, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@hotmail.com> wrote:
Francesca,
I'm not looking for a macho image, much prefer practical, hence underneath is the go. Several things to consider ....
It's not boring, it's a total pain in the butt being there out the back, having to get it out of the way to open the rear hatch every time either at home garaged and/or on a trip and at campsites on arrival and then departure. Unless you rig up so you hardly ever open the hatch.
It's also your emergency escape route (in a Trakka anyway as we have an added hatch release on the inside, regardless of whether or not the hatch lock is locked).
Throws more cantilever weight behind the rear wheels. I reckon the load balance is best with the spare upfront.
It may make the total vehicle length longer, depending upon what rear holder you use. Still I think it fits within the 5 metre length charge rate for the Melbourne to Tassie ferry. Roger would know for sure.
How do you carry a push bike? Unless you want to mortgage your house on a rear combo carrier you see on syncros overseas. If you do then heh, you can also add a gerry can of fuel and high lift jack etc, marvellous eh ... NOT!
Yes it took me a considerable time, trial and effort to achieve a fit of the BFG under .... sorry, but that is what it takes, all part of the fun. Once done though .... hooray! Move onto the next project!
A few pics of the grinding I had to do underneath are shown here in the photos section of the syncro forum ...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/photos/album/1871218959/pic/list
To clarify, remember these left and right side shapings in the structural beams are already in place, part of the original design and manufacture. I merely ground them back further and still with absolutely no loss of structural integrity. For the doubters, seeing is believing.
Cheers.
Ken
From: fcoles6@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:50:45 +1100
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request
Hi Ken,That's of course a crucial point you make there, so thanks for adding to our headache by reminding us of the dastardly 'clam shell' restriction. I am secretly hoping someone else is going to come up with the solution on this one, but I can see there's sense in pooling our resources/knowledge. No doubt the growing frustration of having 5 shiny new rims just waiting on suitable tyres to be fitted will be a powerful motivator to finding a solution ASAP. Thanks for sharing your comments on how you made a BFG tyre fit underneath - sounds like just the kind of job I'd enjoy...Why did you so dislike the rear wheel carrier solution? I know they're expensive and all, and I suppose having to swing it out every darn time you want to open the rear hatch could get rather boring. A lot of people seem to like the 'rugged' look they lend the vehicle, however. Perhaps I'll have a word to my friendly T3 mechanic for some advice re 15-inch tyres.Michael, glad to hear you had such a good time on the tour, and that your Syncro held up under pressure. I'm doubly sorry the dates didn't work for us this time, but we'll work on getting to the next one. My eldest has yet to refine his pragmatic language skills when it comes to tactfully avoiding pointing out defects, such as rust bubbles, on other people's vehicles (out of the mouths of babes... don't we love them for it?).In answer to your question: we had a rattle in our catalytic converter before it gave up the ghost. I think it was evident on starting up an idling. In the end the CC melted and we came to a halt by the side of the Princes Highway (a complete potato-up-the-pipe simulation). Solution was simple: R&R the CC with a new one, though we chose not to replace with a genuine VW part because it was so bloody expensive, and the aftermarket one we replaced it with was said to be of good quality by our mechanic.See you,Francesca.Francesca.
On Wed, Jan 26, 2011 at 1:09 PM, Ken Garratt <unclekenz@hotmail.com> wrote:
Francesca and All,
Just remember, what will prove to be a major embarrasssment should you buy a set of 5 x 15" tyres and then all too late discover the 5th tyre you have chosen won't physically fit underneath. Dimensionally the tyre may be too wide and/or diameter too large. I'm talking very critical fractional fitting here! Even down to the bulkiness or not of the tread blocks on the edge of tthe tyre interfering badly or not with the overhead steering rod. So include this very important criteria as part of your selection process, unless you can live with a rear mounted spare.
After some relatively minor mods (grinding back) to the two fore-aft structural beams underneath and the removal of that piece of mangled bituminous sheet fibreboard under the radiator (I believe this is a major culprit for why the seam behind the front bumper corrodes so badly), I managed to install a BFG 215 75 15, I agree it's a tight fit but getting rid of the rear tyre carrier was a high priority for me.
Be warned, it's not a given that just because I managed to fit the BFG under, that other brand/model 15" tyres will also.
So its not simply a question of what's available and economical. But will the chosen spare fit under.. without major mods?
Happy hunting, don't believe anything tyre sellers tell you, spend a lot of time on research instead, they have no clue about syncro tyre specs, forearmed is forewarned. All you guys with new rims should be collaborating in a SIG for tyres .. make it a whole lot easier and informative for you all.
Cheers.
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: Francesca Coles <fcoles6@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 January 2011 6:52 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.comSubject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Fw: Post tour photo request[The entire original message is not included]
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Regards
Michael
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Just my 2 cents on tyre choice.
I have my syncro set up a bit different to most campers, as it’s not a fully fitted out camper at all. I also have a strong belief in keeping it light and what weight you need keep it low. My parent took it across the Anne beadell Hwy and found it worked pretty well. Just prior to leaving we replaced the BFG 215/75/R15 with Nankang FT-7 4x4 A/T 215/80R15 102S OD 725mm. This was done to get a bit more height. However they don’t fit up front and as I never put anything on the roof and even removed my bull bar, I defiantly did not want any extra weight hanging of the back passed the rear wheels. My solution was to install them inboard where they could be easily accessed (of course not to everyone’s liking as it does take up space). In my case the fit snuggery beside my 110L LPG tank and Aluminium locker box that form my bed. Even my high lift jack in secularly bolted inside the car (see photo attached). When you head light rad fan and mirrors all crack you want to make sure nothing can move you don’t want moving. Like I said my set up will not suit everybody (well probably no one else) but I have found it work well for me. The one thing I will say about the Nankang is the are hard and you get a lot of type squeal through corners. The BFG’s were much softer and quieter; I would probably go back to them and sacrifice the small height gain next time round.
Michael Roberts
Phill
> Michael Roberts <type500@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Just my 2 cents on tyre choice.
> I have my syncro set up a bit different to most campers, as it��������s not a
> fully
> fitted out camper at all.���� I also have a strong belief in keeping it
> light and
> what weight you need keep it low. My parent took it across the Anne
> beadell Hwy
> and found it worked pretty well.���� Just prior to leaving we replaced the
> BFG
> 215/75/R15 with Nankang FT-74x4 A/T215/80R15 102S OD 725mm.���� This was
> done to
> get a bit more height.���� However they don��������t fit up front and as I
> never put
> anything on the roof and even removed my bull bar, I defiantly did not
> want any
> extra weight hanging of the back passed the rear wheels.���� My solution
> was to
> install them inboard where they could be easily accessed (of course not
> to
> everyone��������s liking as it does take up space).���� In my case the fit
> snuggery beside
> my 110L LPG tank and Aluminium locker box that form my bed.���� Even my
> high lift
> jack in secularly bolted inside the car (see photo attached).���� When you
> head
> light rad fan and mirrors all crack you want to make sure nothing can
> move you
> don��������t want moving.���� Like I said my set up will not suit everybody
> (well probably
> no one else) but I have found it work well for me.���� The one thing I
> will say
> about the Nankang is the are hard and you get a lot of type squeal
> through
> corners.���� The BFG��������s were much softer and quieter; I would probably go
> back to
> them and sacrifice the small height gain next time round.
> Michael Roberts
Hartmut,
Is there any truth in the story going around that you have got natty nuts?
Les
From:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Francesca Coles
Sent: 26 January 2011 14:17
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia]
Fw: Post tour photo request
Ha ha, Harmut, old boy (or mate)! A good story that one.
I like your pragmatic suggestions in answer to the 15" dilemma. If push comes to shove, who knows what we will stoop to.
Thanks for your enthusiastic appraisal of the Mefro rims and natty nuts, by the way. They should look fine - once they're installed, that is....
Francesca.