Steel wheels full time

[Jabberwocky]

I just bought a set of 16" steel wheels from Tyreleader.co.uk, they were fairly cheap and free delivery. I had them in three days. I did look on eBay but I didn't want a rusty set of wheels.

I'm going to source my winter tyres locally. And will add a couple of coats of rim wax before they are let loose on salty roads.

Seems good price as you say. Where did you get the plastic bolt covers/wheel insert?

 

[RoB5urf]

I like the look of the 17" inch steel wheels often seen in these forums and I think it's a shame that they usually get relegated to winter duty only.

For me I'd be interested in them for year round use but I'm just wondering if there are any downsides. It occurred to me that, being steel, are they prone to rusting if scuffed? Also are steel wheels less strong than alloys so more susceptible to damage from potholes? They would be going on a Beach if that makes any difference. Cheers

 

[fatty thumb]

Steel wheels will be stronger than alloys

 

[kave]

Steelies can be dented where alu might crack instead. Only downside I can come up with is that they dont help disc brakes cool down as well as alu.
If you like the looks just go on.
I would say best reason for using steelies in winter time is that alu dont stand up to salt very well.

 

[sidepod]

I like the look of the 17" inch steel wheels often seen in these forums and I think it's a shame that they usually get relegated to winter duty only.

For me I'd be interested in them for year round use but I'm just wondering if there are any downsides. It occurred to me that, being steel, are they prone to rusting if scuffed? Also are steel wheels less strong than alloys so more susceptible to damage from potholes? They would be going on a Beach if that makes any difference. Cheers

I agree. I think the steels for the T5 look great. Really chunky and purposeful, nicer than most of the alloys..

Positive, they're much easier to maintain than alloys. Cheaper if you need to replace. Easier to have painted if you fancy a change. Win win.

 

[B J G]

Steel wheels will be stronger than alloys

Not necessarily so. Cheap alloys yes but high quality alloy one are stronger.
If in doubt just look at the punishment Rally car alloys withstand, even run for miles with no tyre.
A case of you get what you pay for.

 

[cpjb@btinternet.com]

I like my steels which I use for winter only. I was cleaning them today and noticed quite a lot of rust spots around the rim edges. Nothing serious, but I guess it really depends on whether you are sensitive to how your main wheels look.

I always look forward to getting the steels on in November, but look forward even more to getting the Thunders back on in the spring.

 

[hewittd]

My beach came with 16" steelies which are now my winter wheels after I bought 17" steelies for the summer, I love the look of them.

I also removed the hub caps with the chrome VW logo and fitted all black ones from a transporter, slowly working towards a Edition 25 white and black look

 

[Max-Felix]

Any pics guys? Would like to see how the steels (big fan myself) are looking on different vans?

 

[B J G]

Solution to anyone with 18" alloys and no spare or 18" steels instead of alloys. Note 7.5" width for 235 tyre.
look good IMO.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-x-VW-T5...ake:VW&hash=item1a1c806081:g:p8EAAOSwLF1X5lF1

 

[hewittd]

Any pics guys? Would like to see how the steels (big fan myself) are looking on different vans?

Clean van on 17" steelies and summer tyres
View media item 1409
Dirty van on 16" steelies and winter tyres
View media item 1408

 

[panadero]

I am looking to get rid of my alloys and replace them with a set of 17" steels, I am getting fed up of the wife keep kerbing them

Keeping wheels aligned and well balanced I would replace the wife

 

[cpjb@btinternet.com]

I have to report on a sad occurrence today. Having replaced my steels for the Thunders for the spring, I'm actually disappointed with the look for the first time (they look a little car like), and may well re-fit the steels (much more van like). .

 

[hirsty]

Sorry to hear that CPJP, but we'll need 'before & after' pictures so we can weigh-in with unsolicited second opinions

 

[cpjb@btinternet.com]

Hirsty - You'll have to wait until I've refitted the steels, but for now I've inserted an artists impression of the van with steels:

and with the thunders:

 

[hirsty]

Strongly considering these 18" steelies apparently made for the Amarok in Brazil (but I wouldn't be going that daft on the lowering). £400 is a bargain relative to the Sportlines I'd been thinking about.

https://stitchesandsteel.com/products/volkswagen-transporter-oversized-steel-wheels

 

[hewittd]

View attachment 20488

Strongly considering these 18" steelies apparently made for the Amarok in Brazil (but I wouldn't be going that daft on the lowering). £400 is a bargain relative to the Sportlines I'd been thinking about.

https://stitchesandsteel.com/products/volkswagen-transporter-oversized-steel-wheels

Oooo, I like those - although I'm with you about the lowering being a bit....daft

Do you have any photos of them on a non "slammed" van?

 

[hewittd]

View attachment 20488

Strongly considering these 18" steelies apparently made for the Amarok in Brazil (but I wouldn't be going that daft on the lowering). £400 is a bargain relative to the Sportlines I'd been thinking about.

https://stitchesandsteel.com/products/volkswagen-transporter-oversized-steel-wheels

£375 on eBay...inc postage

 

[Max-Felix]

I like them but as well as the lowering I think 18" is a bit too far as well. 17" maybe?

 

[daveyboydanger]

When people have said they got their steelies from Ben on this forum who is it they're talking about. I'm after some 17's. Thanks for any help.

 

[Loz]

When people have said they got their steelies from Ben on this forum who is it they're talking about. I'm after some 17's. Thanks for any help.

I recently bought 5 of these; https://www.tyreleader.co.uk/steel-wheels-7jx17-et55-5x120-65-20127?car=9444

 

[daveyboydanger]

I recently bought 5 of these; https://www.tyreleader.co.uk/steel-wheels-7jx17-et55-5x120-65-20127?car=9444

Thanks Loz,
Your van is definitely an inspiration!
What tyres did you fit? How much did it cost you in the end?
Trying to get it down to around £500 to get the rims and tyres. Shame they're nowhere to be found on eBay anymore!
Am totally tempted by the wheel arch covers as well.

 

[Jay586]

Have a look on Stitches & Steel for those Amorok wheels.

 

[daveyboydanger]

Have a look on Stitches & Steel for those Amorok wheels.

I like the look of those but don't want to sacrifice too much ride quality so 18's are probably too much. Also trying to go as cheap as I possibly can!

 

[Jay586]

I missed the 18" bit. They might know where to source 17"s?