
What size wheel does a VW Bus have?
Valve stem recess: Beginning March 1, 1955, chassis # 20-117902, VW Buses used a slotted 15" wheel, size 15x4.50. There are also 2 styles of wheel, standard and "crowsfoot". Crowsfoot refers to the 3 raised areas around each lug nut hole on the face of the center hub, which resemble a crow's foot.
What size are the wheels on a 1950s bus?
Barndoor Buses, 1950 through February, 1955 used 16" wheels, size 16x3.50. They are unslotted. Some people refer this style as "smoothie" due to the smooth ring outside the center hub, although the term "smoothie" more typically refers to Beetle 15" wheels.
How to tell the difference between old VW bus Era caps?
I recently found a couple wolfsburg bus era (pre mid-'56) caps that had consecutive codes. mid'-56 and earlier had painted VW stampings that matched the lower color of the bus. after that, they were black until '63ish when they got rid of the painted stampings. earlier caps have a matte finish in the center, and later caps have a smooth finish.
When did the VW Go to 14 inch wheels?
On December 19, 1963, chassis # 1222026 (August 5, 1963, chassis # 1145427 for 1 ton models), VW went to a 14" wheel, size 14x5.00. The wheel was still slotted but the slots were smaller.

What size are VW bus wheels?
15" x 4 ½"VW Bus Rim Changes March 1, 1955 on Chassis #20-117902, VW Buses changed to slotted 15" rims, size 15" x 4 ½". In Australia, all Buses came with 15" rims from 1955 until the end of 1967.
What size tires are on VW bus?
7.00-14 means 7" wide tread (which is close to 178mm) and 14 is the rim size. According to old literature, the bias ply tires were 26.22" +/- 0.24" (~26.0-26.4") in diameter.
What size tires do buses use?
2 Common Standard Tire Sizes: 315/80R22. 5.
How do I know what size my stock rims are?
To figure out your actual stock wheel diameter, you can simply look on the tire. For example, you see 225/50R16 on your tire, the diameter of the wheel is referenced by R16 which is a 16” diameter wheel. Some tires may also reference the diameter of the factory original wheel in millimeters.
What stud pattern is a VW t5?
Volkswagen - Transporter T5 (2003 - 2010)PCD:5x120Center bore:65.1Offset:51Mounting:Bolt - 14 x 1,50Wheel torque steel:180 Nm / 133 ft-lb2 more rows
What is the original tire size for a VW Bug?
The first VW Beetle fitted 5.00-15 crossply tyres.
What does the 11 mean in 11R22 5?
For example, let's look at 11R22.5. In this example, the information includes: 11 = Section width in inches. R = Radial Tire. 22.5 = Rim diameter and rim type.
How long do bus tires last?
When school bus tires reach a certain age, they can begin to break down from the inside. For this reason, tire manufacturers warn that tires should be replaced after 10 years. Many safety experts say, however, that a tire should be replaced after six years, regardless of the appearance.
How many tires does a bus have?
School buses have four or six tires, depending on the bus's size. This includes two tires on the front axle, with larger models having four tires on the rear and smaller buses having two.
What is the stock rim width?
Wheel Width The most common wheel widths vary from 6"-14". When scoping out new rims, keep in mind that increasing or decreasing your wheel width can have a direct impact on your tire's contact patch, which will affect how your ride handles.
How do I figure out tire size?
We know the diameter of the wheel is 15 inches, so the diameter of the tire is given by: tire diameter = wheel diameter + (2 × sidewall height)
What does et stand for on wheels?
insertion depthOffset is usually stamped or engraved into the wheel and is measured in millimetres of 'ET' [ET is the short form of the German word 'Einpresstiefe' which literally translates as 'insertion depth'] Positive Offset wheels have their mounting face toward the front face of the wheel.
How much does a VW baywindow weigh?
However, the baywindow bus weighs 3300 lbs in Westfalia configuration and all models (bus, pickup, camper, etc) can weigh up to 5000 lbs gross vehicle weight. VW selected a tire based on the need for a reinforced sidewall and a total of 6-8 plies.
What does the P in front of the tire mean?
If a tire size has P in front of the number is means it's a P-metric passenger tire. This is important because when passenger tires are fitted to vans/trucks they are only rated to carry 94% of the load vs. what the sidewall indicates. So, for example, a 1540 lbs load rated P-metric tire will only carry 1447 lbs.
What does RF mean on a tire?
Reinforced (RF) means a passenger tire has been upgraded to carry a heavier load. This is typically done by adding more plies (e.g. 8 instead of 3-5) to the sidewall. If you look at the specs you'll see 185SR14 but the SR does not mean sidewall reinforced.
What is the tire size code?
The third, fourth and fifth characters, are the tire size code. The last three or four numbers (4 numbers for years after 2000) show when the tire was manufactured and are often circled. The first two digits of the date code represent the week and the last 1 or 2 digits represent the year.
How much weight can a 1540 lb tire carry?
So, for example, a 1540 lbs load rated P-metric tire will only carry 1447 lbs. You would need to find a P-metric tire with a 1638 lbs capacity and this is almost impossible to locate in a passenger tire that is only meant for a 2600 lb. car.
Is a 14" tire a passenger car?
You are driving a bus (technically a van) not a passenger car yet the vast majority of 14" tires are meant for passenger cars. Bentley says, "Select radial ply tires designated "reinforced" or-for Delivery Vans and Station Wagons-with the suffix "C".
What is a hub bore?
Hub Center Bore: Relates to the center hole in the wheel that centers the wheel on the hub of the car. Since most wheels are mass produced, they have a large center bore to accommodate several different vehicles. If this is the case, it is recommended that you use a hub ring. Hub rings are hard plastic or metal ring that fits between the wheel and the vehicle. This centers the wheel perfectly on the hub ensuring that there is no run out when the wheel is installed on to the vehicle. Without hub rings it is possible to get vibrations even if the wheel / tire assembly is perfectly balanced.
What is offset on a wheel?
Wheel offset is the distance from the mounting surface of the wheel to the true center line of the rim. A positive offset means the mounting surface of the wheel is positioned in front of the true center line of the rim / tire assembly. This in effect brings the tire in to the fender well more.
What size wheels did the 1950 Barndoor Bus use?
Sometime in the 1960s, VW took over all production of wheels and the wheels no longer carried a KPZ or Lemmerz manufacturer stamp. Barndoor Buses, 1950 through February, 1955 used 16" wheels, size 16x3.50.
When were 15" wheels made?
There are 15" wheels dated both before 3/55 and after 1964. Due to production lead times, 15" wheels had to begin production in early 1955 to be ready by March 1st. 15" wheels dated after 1964 are dealer replacement stock to replace damaged or otherwise unusable wheels.
What size wheel did VW make in 1952?
In October 1952, VW reduced the wheel size to 15". The new size classification is 4J X 15. This wheel would continue to be used through the 1965 model year. In 1966, the wheel is redesigned. Ten air vents are added for aesthetic flair, however the overall dimensions remain the same at 4J X 15.
When did VW add tubeless tires?
VW added tubeless tires in July'56 for Be etle models, and in October'56 for Bus models. Noitce the area adjacent to the valve stem exit hole is flattened with a square depression. This mo-dification was necessary for the valve stem to achieve proper seal. VW date coded all road wheels.
What does the digit above the fraction bar mean on a VW wheel?
The digit above the fraction bar indicates the month, while the lower number signifies the year. In this example, the wheel was produced in September 1961. In some cases, the month/date is surrounded with a circle. VW typically stamped this date on the inner portion of the hub.
