Offset vs Backspacing conversion chart and other wheel measurement info

[SLC4EVER]

Feel free to add technical information as needed. Keep it on topic please.

Thanks to JDriver1.8t for this getting started.


Modified by SLC4EVER at 8:03 AM 9-17-2009

[JDriver1.8t]

Paint vs Powerdercoat

Powder coating is a type of coating that is applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The main difference between a conventional liquid paint and a powder coating is that the powder coating does not require a solvent to keep the binder and filler parts in a liquid suspension form. The coating is typically applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a "skin." The powder may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. It is usually used to create a hard finish that is tougher than conventional paint. Powder coating is mainly used for coating of metals, such as "whiteware", aluminium extrusions, and automobile and bicycle parts. Newer technologies allow other materials, such as MDF (medium-density fibreboard), to be powder coated using different methods.

There are several advantages of powder coating over conventional liquid coatings:

Powder coatings emit zero or near zero volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Powder coatings can produce much thicker coatings than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging.
Powder coating overspray can be recycled and thus it is possible to achieve nearly 100% use of the coating.
Powder coating production lines produce less hazardous waste than conventional liquid coatings.
Capital equipment and operating costs for a powder line are generally less than for conventional liquid lines.
Powder coated items generally have fewer appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces than liquid coated items.
A wide range of specialty effects is easily accomplished which would be impossible to achieve with other coating processes.
While powder coatings have many advantages over other coating processes, there are limitations to the technology. While it is relatively easy to apply thick coatings which have smooth, texture-free surfaces, it is not as easy to apply smooth thin films. As the film thickness is reduced, the film becomes more and more orange peeled in texture due to the particle size and TG (glass transition temperature) of the powder.

Paint can be applied as a solid, a gaseous suspension (aerosol) or a liquid. Techniques vary depending on the practical or artistic results desired.

As a solid (usually used in industrial and automotive applications), the paint is applied as a very fine powder, then baked at high temperature. This melts the powder and causes it to adhere (stick) to the surface. The reasons for doing this involve the chemistries of the paint, the surface itself, and perhaps even the chemistry of the substrate (the overall object being painted). This is commonly referred to as "powder coating" an object.

As a gas or as a gaseous suspension, the paint is suspended in solid or liquid form in a gas that is sprayed on an object. The paint sticks to the object. This is commonly referred to as "spray painting" an object. The reasons for doing this include:

The application mechanism is air and thus no solid object ever touches the object being painted;
The distribution of the paint is very uniform so there are no sharp lines;
It is possible to deliver very small amounts of paint;
A chemical (typically a solvent) can be sprayed along with the paint to dissolve together both the delivered paint and the chemicals on the surface of the object being painted;
Some chemical reactions in paint involve the orientation of the paint molecules.
In the liquid application, paint can be applied by direct application using brushes, paint rollers, blades, other instruments, or body parts such as fingers.

Paint application by spray is the most popular method in industry. In this, paint is atomized by the force of compressed air or by the action of high pressure compression of the paint itself, which results in the paint being turned into small droplets which travel to the article which is to be painted.

[JDriver1.8t]

How to repaint your wheels

1. Many of the "Things Needed" have to do with the prep work. If your wheels are already smooth, you are that much closer to actually painting. In any event, start out by thoroughly washing the wheel

2. Prepare your wheel. This will always include hand-sanding with the 120 to 320 grit sandpaper, to remove all the gloss from the current finish and prepare for primer. If your wheels are rough and pitted with rust, have knicks and scars, are greasy or generally damaged, there is more work involved. If you are working on chrome, you must get below the surface so that finish is dull. The point here is to get the wheel completely smooth and ready for primer.

3. Create a dull smooth finish from your sanding. End your prep work with a final light sand using 600 grit sandpaper to remove any small bumps, flaws or debris. Use a tack rag now to remove any remaining dust.

4. If the tire is still on the wheel, tape around the outer edge of the wheel onto the tire. Trace out and cut a shape similar to a half moon from your cardboard which will act as a shield from over spray. You will slip the edge of the cardboard between the outer edge of the rim where it meets the tire, holding up at an angle when painting. Index cards can also be placed around the wheel and further masked with news paper to prevent overspray on the tires.

5. Lay the wheel on a flat surface with good overhead lighting, put on your face mask and be sure you have good ventilation. You are ready for the primer.
A large lazy susan turn table can make this process easier, as you can stand in one location and spin the wheel as opposed to walking around it.

6. Spray 2 to 3 coats of primer on the wheel. Wait till it dries and lightly sand it smooth using a 600 grit sandpaper or finer. Use your tack rag and get ready for painting on the color.

7. Spray 2 to 3 coats of your color paint. If you end up with runs or imperfections you will have to wait till the next day to repair using a very fine grit paper wet sanding to remove the flaws, then use rubbing compound to bring the shine back and level out the paint. When you are satisfied with the way the paint looks and feels you can go right into spraying on the clear coat.

8. If you used rubbing compound on the paint, wash off any remaining compound with clear water before applying clear coat. Spray 2 to 3 coats of clear coat and let dry overnight. Use 1000 to 1500 grit paper and wet sand any burrs or imperfections. Use fine rubbing compound to bring back the shine and you can apply a carbona wax for even more lustre and protection.

[JDriver1.8t]

Wheel offset calculator:
Use this to determine the offset needed for new wheels, or what size spacers to run. You will need to know your stock wheel information and what clearance limits you have.
http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp

Tire Size Calculator:
Use this for changing your wheel size, or calculating variations for staggered setups.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

[JDriver1.8t]

VW Stock Tire sizes and plus sizes for Golf/GTI/Jetta:

MK1 (also for Scirocco)
Original Equipment Size: 175/70-13
Optional 14" 185/60-14
Optional 15" 195/50-15

MK2

MK3
195/60/14
195/55/15
205/45/16
205/40/17
215/40/17

MK4
195/65/15
205/55/16
225/45/17
225/40/18
225/35/19
235/35/19

MK5
225/45/17
225/40/18

Please PM me if you have more info and I will fitll it in.
Thanks.

Modified by JDriver1.8t at 1:08 PM 9-17-2009


Modified by JDriver1.8t at 12:30 PM 11-16-2009

[JDriver1.8t]

A basic curb repair DIY thread:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4072173

[choochoo]

http://www.rims-n-tires.com/rt_specs.jsp

[van dub]

whats the track on my 05 1.8t jetta? is it 15mm difference?

[JDriver1.8t]

20mm difference.

Torque specs for multi-piece wheels:
for future reference in case someone does a search, this is the response i got from Work Wheels USA:
"The torque specs for the assembly bolts are 19 lbs/ft or 24 N/M."

[yucogti]

hi.
I have a Golf V GTI and I have mounted 8x18 et 42 with 225/40/18.
now the wheels do not protrude from the wing, but I want to 7x18, ET35 with 225/40/18.
I have poblemas fin protrude much and not look good aesthetically.

[MainlyVW]

Hi,

I have a 2004 VW Passat V6 sedan and was wondering if 235/40/18 on the front and 255/40/18 on the back would fit. I'm thinking 5mm wheel spacer on the front and 8mmwheel spacer on the back would make this all work. Right?

[JDriver1.8t]

Quote, originally posted by yucogti »

hi. I have a Golf V GTI and I have mounted 8x18 et 42 with 225/40/18. now the wheels do not protrude from the wing, but I want to 7x18, ET35 with 225/40/18. I have poblemas fin protrude much and not look good aesthetically.

It will sit just slightly in more than they do now because of the narrower width. They will still work fine. You can add spacers if you would like, once the wheels are on.

Quote, originally posted by MainlyVW »

Hi, I have a 2004 VW Passat V6 sedan and was wondering if 235/40/18 on the front and 255/40/18 on the back would fit. I'm thinking 5mm wheel spacer on the front and 8mmwheel spacer on the back would make this all work. Right?

I would have to know about width and offset to be able to say if the tires would fit, and what size spacers would work. If you do a 235/40 in the front, a better match would be a 265/35 or 255/35 rear.

[rtruji7]

what is the widest wheel you can fit on a 2009 GLI? would it affect performance?

[JDriver1.8t]

I have no idea. Probably a 9'' wheel and a 255, but I can't guarantee it.

[DigitalN.]

Quote, originally posted by JDriver1.8t »

I have no idea. Probably a 9'' wheel and a 255, but I can't guarantee it.

I know Dan GSR was running an 8.5" wheel ET45 with a 255/35/R18. It definitely needs some camber in order to squeeze it in there though.

Here is a picture of his car:

[fanchao2008]

[v4impactor]

Could I run a 18 x 8 with a 32mm off 32 mm offset on a 2010 Jetta SE?

[fanchao2008]

[guiltless]

Nevermind. I'll ask in the general wheel forum to keep things informational here.


Modified by guiltless at 4:51 PM 2-22-2010

[Cruzilla69]

Hola,
I'm new to the forum but i'm thinking of getting 18" rims for my 2000 Jetta GLS.... They are 18x7.5 they offset 35 and the tires are Nankang 225/40R18 92H XL4... Will i have any probs with them fitting?

Thank You
E.Cruz

[JDriver1.8t]

No problems at all.

[Cruzilla69]

Thank You

[low2earth]

would anyone know what size wheel spacers id need for a 02 gti. trying to run a set of 18's with either 40 or 45 offset, but when i put them on the front it doesnt touch hub just lays against the caliber.

[low2earth]

also they are 8" wide and the little hub thing where the lugs go is i beleive 1". if that helps any

[JDriver1.8t]

1. It is a caliper.
2. The offset is too high. You will need spacers and new bolts in order for them to fit.

[volksmaniac]

I have a tiguan with stock 17" 235-55-17 and replacing with 19'' wheel and 255-40-19 tires. original offset is et33 and new one is et41. Anyone knows if I will rub??? And should I run spacers and if yes, what size???

thank you

[martinny]

i need help i have axis penta wheels front 19x8.5 and rear 19x9.5 the question is can i lower car and if so would the spacer in rear be ok

[jokerny77]

pm sent martin

[martinny]

sorry whats a pm im new to vortex the question is can i run coilovers on my gli with the wheels 19x8.5 offset 35 front and 19x9.5 offset 40 and what spacers do i need for it thanks

[JDriver1.8t]

Yes, you can. You probably don't NEED spacers. I would put the coils on and see how it looks. 5mm all the way around would make the wheels flush in the front.

PM is personal/ private message. If you didn't get one, you need to turn your pop up blocker off. You can also see them in your "my profile" section.

[euroboy2.0]

Whats up everyone.....i just bought a passat b5.5 v6 and i wanna throw on 18'' benz monoblocks.....if the bolt patterns are both 5x112 do i still need adapterss?>???

[Rays_2001gti]

wondering just picked up some mercedes wheels 8.5x18 9.5x18. ET 43 will this fit my mk4 golf. ? what size adapters would I need I want to stay some what flush if possible on the front an poke on the back not to much but noticeable. I was thinking 215 tires all the way around or 225. Am on fk coils. don't know what to do
Thanx
Don't know if this is the right spot to ask this

[oldcorradopower]

will a 17x8 ET38 with 235 tires will fit my mkVgti ?

What does it will look like in the fenders ?

[JDriver1.8t]

Quote, originally posted by oldcorradopower »

will a 17x8 ET38 with 235 tires will fit my mkVgti ? What does it will look like in the fenders ?

Yes, 235/45/17
Look in your vehicle specific forum for pictures.

[AGLI2NV]

I have a 04 24v gli with 225/45/17 on the stock wheels. whats the biggest/ best stretched tire i could get on a 18x8 and still fit nice thanks