Merc rims going cheap.

1
I have just purchased a set of 15" alloys ( Rhein /Rhine for South African Syncro .offset ET30)
from Van Cafe / Volks Cafe in California and no longer need my Merc rims (15 x 6.5J, offset
ET37). I am in Adelaide so it would probably only suit someone in SA. I recently put a new set
of hub caps on them so I will sell both the 4 rims with hubcaps for $40-00 the lot just to get
them out of the shed. I have had the rims on my vehicle for the last 7 years and are dent free
but have a little rust discoloration in patches. I went down the path of buying the new mags
from the USA as they were designed for this vehicle and have correct offset, weight loading
and did not require new studs or spacers. By specifying low priority mail (8 weeks) the
postage was USD $51-00 each. All up the total cost was about AU $280-00 per wheel.
I can post images of the new mags if anyone is interested.
2
I'll bite give me pics, are they anything like the ones pictured on
the syncro camper here onsite? New Hubcaps?
What is the weight of the rims? Singular weight would be good and i
can work off this.
I wont ned the rubber if this is part of deal. I am not commiting to
anything just seriously enquiring.
Cheers
Andrew


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "nickbellau"
<nick.bellgrove@...> wrote:
>
> I have just purchased a set of 15" alloys ( Rhein /Rhine for South
African Syncro .offset ET30)
> from Van Cafe / Volks Cafe in California and no longer need my Merc
rims (15 x 6.5J, offset
> ET37). I am in Adelaide so it would probably only suit someone in
SA. I recently put a new set
> of hub caps on them so I will sell both the 4 rims with hubcaps for
$40-00 the lot just to get
> them out of the shed. I have had the rims on my vehicle for the last
7 years and are dent free
> but have a little rust discoloration in patches. I went down the
path of buying the new mags
> from the USA as they were designed for this vehicle and have correct
offset, weight loading
> and did not require new studs or spacers. By specifying low priority
mail (8 weeks) the
> postage was USD $51-00 each. All up the total cost was about AU
$280-00 per wheel.
> I can post images of the new mags if anyone is interested.
>
3
Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound perfect! good for you. I will be
buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you consider the bigger
brakes?
4
Have you thought of getting wheels direct from South Africa?



> Campbell Miller <camthecam2004@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
>
> Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound perfect!
> good for you. I will be
> buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you
> consider the bigger
> brakes?
5

Hi Phil,

 

Do you think there would be an advantage in that for T5 wheels? Compared to local commercial after market wheels (not that I’ve looked into them yet). What I’d really like is a deal like I had for the Syncro, with the Audi A4 wheels, which were ‘take-offs’ (ie new buyers wanted something different, and replaced the factory wheels). This meant they were dirt cheap by comparison to new wheels. I’ve still got to research what’s available in this category.  I believe the R5 Touareg, but not the higher models is a match, as they apparent share many suspension components with the Transporter. On the Brickyard site in UK someone has used Land Rover (?Range Rover) wheels which look quite attractive. But I haven’t looked yet if there are any ‘take-offs’ on the market.

 

BRIAN REED

FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES

185 Wingrove St

Fairfield, Vic. 3078

03 9481 5673   0407 319 521

From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com [mailto: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of plander@optusnet.com.au
Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2007 7:24 AM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Merc rims going cheap.

 

Have you thought of getting wheels direct from South Africa ?

> Campbell Miller <camthecam2004@ yahoo.com. au>
wrote:
>
> Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound perfect!
> good for you. I will be
> buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you
> consider the bigger
> brakes?

6
You are right, It does seem strange that I bought South African Mags
from America. Unfortunately the inquiries I made on the South African
Syncro site as to where I could buy the wheels led nowhere. Not one
reply.So if you have the name of a reliable vendor in South Africa it
might be worth passing it on to Campbell. Personally I have done lots
of purchases from Van Cafe and feel very safe dealing with them.

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
>
> Have you thought of getting wheels direct from South Africa?
>
>
>
> > Campbell Miller <camthecam2004@...> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound perfect!
> > good for you. I will be
> > buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you
> > consider the bigger
> > brakes?
>
7
No Brian, I comparing South African wheels purchased from Van-Cafe.
Surely it would be cheaper to deal direct.
Phill



> Brian Reed <breed@bigpond.net.au> wrote:
>
> Hi Phil,
>
>
>
> Do you think there would be an advantage in that for T5 wheels? Compared
> to
> local commercial after market wheels (not that I've looked into them
> yet).
> What I'd really like is a deal like I had for the Syncro, with the Audi
> A4
> wheels, which were 'take-offs' (ie new buyers wanted something
> different,
> and replaced the factory wheels). This meant they were dirt cheap by
> comparison to new wheels. I've still got to research what's available in
> this category. I believe the R5 Touareg, but not the higher models is a
> match, as they apparent share many suspension components with the
> Transporter. On the Brickyard site in UK someone has used Land Rover
> (?Range
> Rover) wheels which look quite attractive. But I haven't looked yet if
> there
> are any 'take-offs' on the market.
>
>
>
> BRIAN REED
>
> FAIRFIELD NATURAL THERAPIES
>
> 185 Wingrove St
>
> Fairfield, Vic. 3078
>
> 03 9481 5673 0407 319 521
>
> _____
>
> From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
> plander@optusnet.com.au
> Sent: Thursday, 17 May 2007 7:24 AM
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Merc rims going cheap.
>
>
>
> Have you thought of getting wheels direct from South Africa?
>
> > Campbell Miller <camthecam2004@ <mailto:camthecam2004%40yahoo.com.au>
> yahoo.com.au> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound perfect!
> > good for you. I will be
> > buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you
> > consider the bigger
> > brakes?
>
>
8
Try Gordon Craig

gdcraig@gmail.com

He is on the forum and will export.

Phill



> nickbellau <nick.bellgrove@tafesa.edu.au> wrote:
>
> You are right, It does seem strange that I bought South African Mags
> from America. Unfortunately the inquiries I made on the South African
> Syncro site as to where I could buy the wheels led nowhere. Not one
> reply.So if you have the name of a reliable vendor in South Africa it
> might be worth passing it on to Campbell. Personally I have done lots
> of purchases from Van Cafe and feel very safe dealing with them.
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
> >
> > Have you thought of getting wheels direct from South Africa?
> >
> >
> >
> > > Campbell Miller <camthecam2004@...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound
> perfect!
> > > good for you. I will be
> > > buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you
>
> > > consider the bigger
> > > brakes?
> >
9
Gordon fell very ill soon after returning to SA from his visit here late last year.
He has been undergoing chemotherapy and I believe he has not posted to the SA Syncro
forum for some months.
I would not expect any direct response from him but it may be worth contacting his
business partner.

http://www.syncrohospital.co.za/

Cheers,

Andy.



--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
>
> Try Gordon Craig
>
> gdcraig@...
>
> He is on the forum and will export.
>
> Phill
>
>
>
> > nickbellau <nick.bellgrove@...> wrote:
> >
> > You are right, It does seem strange that I bought South African Mags
> > from America. Unfortunately the inquiries I made on the South African
> > Syncro site as to where I could buy the wheels led nowhere. Not one
> > reply.So if you have the name of a reliable vendor in South Africa it
> > might be worth passing it on to Campbell. Personally I have done lots
> > of purchases from Van Cafe and feel very safe dealing with them.
> >
> > --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Have you thought of getting wheels direct from South Africa?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > Campbell Miller <camthecam2004@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound
> > perfect!
> > > > good for you. I will be
> > > > buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you
> >
> > > > consider the bigger
> > > > brakes?
> > >
>
10
Years ago I looked and couldn't find anyone that sold them (or didn't know what they are
called so on..) and was thinking of getting A4's (even got Brian Reed to email pics of his
(Thanks) but I think the load rating is maybe not enough. Anyway...

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
>
> Have you thought of getting wheels direct from South Africa?
>
>
>
> > Campbell Miller <camthecam2004@...> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for pointing me to the van-cafe site the wheels sound perfect!
> > good for you. I will be
> > buying some of those as well (when they are in stock again!) Did you
> > consider the bigger
> > brakes?
>
11
Hello, These look good, any one know if they would fit a Syncro with
out rubbing? or are they too wide?
Regards,
Ralph

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=129650210

THESE BORBET ALLOYS IN GOOD CONDITION WILL FIT A4 A6 AUDIS AND VW
PASSAT 5-112 PCD 16-7.5 35P OFFSET A GOOD CLEAN SET OF ALLOYS


Closes 9:51 am, Thu 6 Dec. This auction may auto-extend.

Auction Number: 129650210

Shipping: To be arranged

Payment: Bank deposit
Cash, cheque

Read our Safe Buying Advice

Buy Now price $350.00

Buy Now is only available until
the reserve price is met
Starting bid $300.00
12
Ralph,
 
Given the stated size and depending on the tyres fitted, it is  unlikely.
 
Les
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Ralph
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 5:11 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels

Hello, These look good, any one know if they would fit a Syncro with
out rubbing? or are they too wide?
Regards,
Ralph

http://www.trademe. co.nz/a.asp? id=129650210

THESE BORBET ALLOYS IN GOOD CONDITION WILL FIT A4 A6 AUDIS AND VW
PASSAT 5-112 PCD 16-7.5 35P OFFSET A GOOD CLEAN SET OF ALLOYS

Closes 9:51 am, Thu 6 Dec. This auction may auto-extend.

Auction Number: 129650210

Shipping: To be arranged

Payment: Bank deposit
Cash, cheque

Read our Safe Buying Advice

Buy Now price $350.00

Buy Now is only available until
the reserve price is met
Starting bid $300.00

13
Further to that,  I seem to remember that VW offered a very good looking alloy for the T3 but probably not for the Syncro.  It was very similar to a then current Mercedes wheel.  There are still AMG Mercedes with one that looks very similar.  Phill will probably know it and more of the history.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Ralph
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 5:11 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels

Hello, These look good, any one know if they would fit a Syncro with
out rubbing? or are they too wide?
Regards,
Ralph

http://www.trademe. co.nz/a.asp? id=129650210

THESE BORBET ALLOYS IN GOOD CONDITION WILL FIT A4 A6 AUDIS AND VW
PASSAT 5-112 PCD 16-7.5 35P OFFSET A GOOD CLEAN SET OF ALLOYS

Closes 9:51 am, Thu 6 Dec. This auction may auto-extend.

Auction Number: 129650210

Shipping: To be arranged

Payment: Bank deposit
Cash, cheque

Read our Safe Buying Advice

Buy Now price $350.00

Buy Now is only available until
the reserve price is met
Starting bid $300.00

14
On 11/29/07, Ralph <rrmoss@xtra.co.nz> wrote:
Hello, These look good, any one know if they would fit a Syncro with
out rubbing? or are they too wide?
Regards,
Ralph

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.asp?id=129650210

THESE BORBET ALLOYS IN GOOD CONDITION WILL FIT A4 A6 AUDIS AND VW
PASSAT 5-112 PCD 16-7.5 35P OFFSET A GOOD CLEAN SET OF ALLOYS
 
Ralph,
 
The Audi's and VW's are hubcentric wheels with a centerbore of about 57mm. Your Syncro needs a centerbore at about 66.7mm. These can fit but you will need to enlarge the centerbore or use thick enough spacers to clear the ridge on your front hubs. They will bolt on the rears w/o any major issues. The existing centercaps will not likely fit properly after you make that center hole bigger. Plus with all the spacers and thicker mounting pad on the ally wheels (compared to steel rims), you will need longer wheel studs which can be pricey especially for the front ones.
 
At the end of the day, you might be better off finding wheels which to being with.
 
 
BenT
 

 
15
On 11/29/07, Les Harris <leslieharris@optushome.com.au> wrote:
Further to that,  I seem to remember that VW offered a very good looking alloy for the T3 but probably not for the Syncro.  It was very similar to a then current Mercedes wheel.  There are still AMG Mercedes with one that looks very similar.  Phill will probably know it and more of the history.
 
Les
 
 
 
Les,
 
Do you mean the long discontinued Ronal R9 perhaps? You can see what they look like here:
 
 
The molds for the R9 has been cracked per the folks at Ronal. They do not intend to offer the wheel again. However, there are lots of them out there including some used my AMG on their early Mecedes conversions. You want to her the MB ones with an offset of ET23. The ones they used on the later and bigger Benzes are the flat spoke style with a higher ET#. Those won't fit T3's. A US company called A.I.R. made knockoffs of the R9 which look and fit very similar. However, the quality is dismal in my opinion. I have owned several sets of both makes. The Ronals are well made. The AIR's look like the casting was made by some kid in a sandbox. 
 
You might find a few more alternative wheels here:
 

 
Cheers,
 
BenT
16
Precautionary note:
 
There are extended studs on the market which are potentially dangerous, particularly on a vehicle with the weight of the Syncro. 
 
These studs are:
1.  Machine cut threads
2.  Chrome plated.
 
1. All production wheel studs are rolled thread.  This circumvents the potential for stress raisers produced by thread cutting tools.
2. The chrome plating processes embrittles steel.
 
Be VERY careful about after-market extended studs.
 
Les
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 6:18 PM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels



On 11/29/07, Ralph <rrmoss@xtra. co.nz> wrote:
Hello, These look good, any one know if they would fit a Syncro with
out rubbing? or are they too wide?
Regards,
Ralph

http://www.trademe. co.nz/a.asp? id=129650210

THESE BORBET ALLOYS IN GOOD CONDITION WILL FIT A4 A6 AUDIS AND VW
PASSAT 5-112 PCD 16-7.5 35P OFFSET A GOOD CLEAN SET OF ALLOYS
 
Ralph,
 
The Audi's and VW's are hubcentric wheels with a centerbore of about 57mm. Your Syncro needs a centerbore at about 66.7mm. These can fit but you will need to enlarge the centerbore or use thick enough spacers to clear the ridge on your front hubs. They will bolt on the rears w/o any major issues. The existing centercaps will not likely fit properly after you make that center hole bigger. Plus with all the spacers and thicker mounting pad on the ally wheels (compared to steel rims), you will need longer wheel studs which can be pricey especially for the front ones.
 
At the end of the day, you might be better off finding wheels which to being with.
 
 
BenT
 

 

17
Ben,
 
No, not those.  I will try to find a pic of the original wheels.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 6:26 PM
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels



On 11/29/07, Les Harris <leslieharris@ optushome. com.au> wrote:
Further to that,  I seem to remember that VW offered a very good looking alloy for the T3 but probably not for the Syncro.  It was very similar to a then current Mercedes wheel.  There are still AMG Mercedes with one that looks very similar.  Phill will probably know it and more of the history.
 
Les
 
 
 
Les,
 
Do you mean the long discontinued Ronal R9 perhaps? You can see what they look like here:
 
 
The molds for the R9 has been cracked per the folks at Ronal. They do not intend to offer the wheel again. However, there are lots of them out there including some used my AMG on their early Mecedes conversions. You want to her the MB ones with an offset of ET23. The ones they used on the later and bigger Benzes are the flat spoke style with a higher ET#. Those won't fit T3's. A US company called A.I.R. made knockoffs of the R9 which look and fit very similar. However, the quality is dismal in my opinion. I have owned several sets of both makes. The Ronals are well made. The AIR's look like the casting was made by some kid in a sandbox. 
 
You might find a few more alternative wheels here:
 

 
Cheers,
 
BenT

18
RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels

Hi Les and all,

Is it the alloys like mine you are referring to? Se link: http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro_T3_Australia/photos/view/3320?b=62

If so i'd like to know more about them. These were on many Australian T3s but not many syncros as far as I know.

Cheers Murray


-----Original Message-----
From: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Les Harris
Sent: Fri 11/30/2007 6:30 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels

Ben,

No, not those.  I will try to find a pic of the original wheels.

Les

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: BenT Syncro
  To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
  Cc: Les Harris
  Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 6:26 PM
  Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels






  On 11/29/07, Les Harris <leslieharris@optushome.com.au> wrote:
    Further to that,  I seem to remember that VW offered a very good looking alloy for the T3 but probably not for the Syncro.  It was very similar to a then current Mercedes wheel.  There are still AMG Mercedes with one that looks very similar.  Phill will probably know it and more of the history.

    Les



  Les,

  Do you mean the long discontinued Ronal R9 perhaps? You can see what they look like here:

  http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/images/86%20stop.jpg

  The molds for the R9 has been cracked per the folks at Ronal. They do not intend to offer the wheel again. However, there are lots of them out there including some used my AMG on their early Mecedes conversions. You want to her the MB ones with an offset of ET23. The ones they used on the later and bigger Benzes are the flat spoke style with a higher ET#. Those won't fit T3's. A US company called A.I.R. made knockoffs of the R9 which look and fit very similar. However, the quality is dismal in my opinion. I have owned several sets of both makes. The Ronals are well made. The AIR's look like the casting was made by some kid in a sandbox. 

  You might find a few more alternative wheels here:

  http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/vanagoncafewheelspage1.html

  
  Cheers,

  BenT

  

19
Murray,
 
No, still not the one I have in mind.  I will have a look through some of my folders and see if I can find it.
 
Les
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Murray Lee
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 6:40 PM
Subject: RE: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Wheels

Hi Les and all,

Is it the alloys like mine you are referring to? Se link: http://autos. ph.groups. yahoo.com/ group/Syncro_ T3_Australia/ photos/view/ 3320?b=62

If so i'd like to know more about them. These were on many Australian T3s but not many syncros as far as I know.

Cheers Murray


-----Original Message-----
From: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com on behalf of Les Harris
Sent: Fri 11/30/2007 6:30 PM
To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wheels

Ben,

No, not those.  I will try to find a pic of the original wheels.

Les

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: BenT Syncro
  To: Syncro_T3_Australia @yahoogroups. com
  Cc: Les Harris
  Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007 6:26 PM
  Subject: Re: [Syncro_T3_Australi a] Wheels






  On 11/29/07, Les Harris <leslieharris@ optushome. com.au> wrote:
    Further to that,  I seem to remember that VW offered a very good looking alloy for the T3 but probably not for the Syncro.  It was very similar to a then current Mercedes wheel.  There are still AMG Mercedes with one that looks very similar.  Phill will probably know it and more of the history.

    Les



  Les,

  Do you mean the long discontinued Ronal R9 perhaps? You can see what they look like here:

  http://hometown. aol.com/bentbtst r8/images/ 86%20stop. jpg

  The molds for the R9 has been cracked per the folks at Ronal. They do not intend to offer the wheel again. However, there are lots of them out there including some used my AMG on their early Mecedes conversions. You want to her the MB ones with an offset of ET23. The ones they used on the later and bigger Benzes are the flat spoke style with a higher ET#. Those won't fit T3's. A US company called A.I.R. made knockoffs of the R9 which look and fit very similar. However, the quality is dismal in my opinion. I have owned several sets of both makes. The Ronals are well made. The AIR's look like the casting was made by some kid in a sandbox. 

  You might find a few more alternative wheels here:

  http://hometown. aol.com/bentbtst r8/vanagoncafewh eelspage1. html

  
  Cheers,

  BenT

  

20
The original VW wheel is shown in the attached page from EKTA.  It is the lower wheel.
 
Les