The Doc's tranny waggin' Options

[Dr Evil]

What is it with these damn parts monkies!? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) Sooo, after sending back the wrong sets of head gaskets that a previous idiot sent me, on my dime, I ordered a set off of a seller on Ebay, through Ebay for protection purposes. This seller is one I recognized from my home town of La Mesa, CA so I felt confident with the order. I order TWO sets of head gaskets, they were supposed to be shipped when paid and I paid immediately. 5 days later they ship. They get here today.....well, one set gets here today (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif) Idiots didnt read their own damn invoice where I ordered 2 sets. Lets see how they deal with this problem. At least I dont need them right away now, but it may be another week or so before I get the second set in (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[Dr Evil]

Dang, already got an email back apologizing for the mix up and promising to send another set out ASAP. Lets see how it plays out. SO far, they already have better customer service skills.

[Dr Evil]

So, tires.... For VW buses, tires are often a PITA to find. Correct ones, that is. The tires need to be higher load and thicker sidewall. Using regular passenger tires is a dangerous gamble. The original tires had a weird size designation - 185R14C. Notice there is no aspect ratio. The "C" stands for commercial and means that there are at least 6 or 8 (I forget) plys in the side wall. Finding these tires is a bitch and they tend to be about $75 ea from the bus vendors. However, if you know the parameters for the load rating you can find regular tires with an RF or XL rating which stands for reinforced. The min parameters to shoot for are:
* Size: 205/70R14 97R
* Load Range 97
* Max Load Capacity: 1580 lbs
* Max Inflation Pressure:: 40 psi

With these data it is much easier to find tires. I am considering these at $58 ea from the Tire rack.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...yes&place=4

However, Scotty is a professional and has hook ups and I will see if he can score me some tires that are as good as these at a 1653# rating for less (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[type11969]

Mike - you've obvously done more research in to this than I have but I'm not sure that just because the load rating is the same that the tires are created equal. Only reason I bring this up is because the bus can be a handful to drive on a windy day even with the right tires, without is a total pain. The heavy duty sidewall of the commercial tires help alot to reduce this. It would suck to save a bit on tires, get them on your bus, only to find out that it is a total stain to drive in the wind, all I am saying . . .

Sway bar helps too, rear sway is supposed to also but then makes corning a bit more of a bitch.

-Chris

[Dr Evil]

Here is a great source of info on the subject. You will notice that the heavier vanagons use the size I mentioned, and there is an explanation that addresses the valid concerns you bring up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

http://www.roadhaus.com/tires/guideline.html

[type11969]

Okay, cool. I remember my rents were convinced back in the day to use passenger car tires on their syncro vanagon . . . tires were popping all the time. No inets to tell them otherwise back in 86! Finally someone knew what was going on and told them to put truck tires on, they were not happy with the price tag.

[Dr Evil]

The latest: I tried, unsuccessfully, to tow the bus home from Scotty's, but no dice just yet. I just bought 5 tires for it for $346 shipped (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[crash914]

Can you say "trailer?"

I knew you could (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Dr Evil]

The only thing is that after driving 4+ hours down and picking the trailer up at your house, followed by 4+ hours back to my house, followed by a few hours to your house to return the trailer, followed by a return trip..... Yikes. I am looking for the easiest way and the $30 tow dolly may be a better bet, but I am not sold on the idea yet (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[PeeGreen 914]

Can't wait to see it all together (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) I'm excited for ya Mike. Love the new avitar too (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Dr Evil]

Well, the engine parts are STILL awaiting treatment. Hopefully this week, Fri. But, to show that I am dedicated to having the bus done soon, I insured it today and will register it tomorrow or Thurs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I hate paying insurance on non-op cars (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[VaccaRabite]

I am on the phone with insurance trying to get my 914 insured as I type this.

How are you going to get the bus to the title shop? Are they allowing pictures of the vin, or are you towing?

Zach

[scotty b]

New tires are on the bus. I left my camera in the 944 yesterday and forgot to take it this morning ( drove Vulva today ) so I don have no pix mang (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Dr Evil]

I think white would look better on the wheels instead of black (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif)

Zach, the big DMV office here in Harrisburg is not only fast, but they dont accept the VIN rubbing. They only accept pictures. I forgot I need the VIN pic so I guess I will be registering it next week after I pick it up.

Scott, is it ready for pickup? I can get it as soon as Thurs.

[VaccaRabite]

I am probably going to take a day off in the very near future to run up the the Harrisburg DMV office then. My insurance is bought for the 914. $14K agreed value. Should have the insurance cards in my email box tomorrow.

The shop near me wants to see the physical car since I bought it out of state.

Zach

[Dr Evil]

I dont even think that the Harrisburg office has people to come out. The whole visual verification thing is the job of the vehicle inspector at the shop.

[scotty b]

Ready for pickup captain. Unbroken glass still not in but rolling stock is fine for the trip.

[Dr Evil]

The seal is on the way to your house, but I can always have you ship it here. I am gonna plan for Thurs for a quick turn around (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Thanks for the hard work Scotty, the pics are not even close to how awesome this bus is (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I was hoping to finish it down there so you could be in it for he first ride, but I guess I will have to have someone else push it back (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Dr Evil]

UHaul is reserved for tomorrow at 9am and then I am on the road. No time for messing around, in and out, no one gets hurt (thats what she said (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) ). I need to get back before late night.

[crash914]

hope it all goes well....