97 GLX Alloy Rims on 96 B4 TDI?

trhaverstock · October 2nd, 2006, 10:40

I picked up some alloy rims from a 97 Passat GLX for a very very good price. They're the 5 bolt pattern. I'd like to mount them on my 96 Passat TDI - it has the 4 bolt pattern hubs!

I did some searching on the forums and most of the posts suggest against doing this - ranging from high complexity to high cost.

I located some "hub adapters" online here:
http://www.vw-store.com/Images/wheeladapters.jpeg. This picture does not represent me measuring whether or not this will work.

Has anyone else already done this and can share on the best course of action? Am I heading in the right direction?

Thanks, Todd. 96 Passat TDI 150K miles

Lug_Nut · October 2nd, 2006, 13:20

How thick are the spacers? Subtract that thickness from the offset of the GLX wheels. The stock B4 TDI 14 inch wheels have a 35 mm offset, the center of the rim width is 35 mm inboard of the disc to wheel interface. If the B4 GLX wheels also have a 35 mm offset, and the spacer is 1 inch thick, the effective GLX offset will be 10 mm. This much difference from the original geometry will undoubtedly create handling and full lock clearance issues.
Sell the GLX wheels. Use the money for some Honda four bolt alloys.

DubbedDiesel · October 2nd, 2006, 19:27

I agree with Lug_Nut. Conversion isn't worth contemplating IMO. Find the correct ones and you'll open a bunch of options for yourself including the opportunity to save money. Tons of Civic folks are selling their rims and they'll fit nicely on a B4 4 bolt. Sell the 5 bolts that you have to help fund the rims and you'll likely be better off.

bloc · October 3rd, 2006, 07:23

plus those adapters are almost never as strong as the original hub to wheel interface.

trhaverstock · October 4th, 2006, 06:20

Well thanks for the advice. I'd better set my sights on the more realistic MFA conversion instead ;-). Anyone want to buy 4 GLX rims? Don't jump on it or I'll be suspicious. -T

robertgalka · October 5th, 2006, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug_Nut

Use the money for some Honda four bolt alloys.

I thought the Honda has a 56.1 mm center bore and VW has 57.1 mm?

paramedick · October 5th, 2006, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertgalka

I thought the Honda has a 56.1 mm center bore and VW has 57.1 mm?

Just change the hubcentric rings. I believe he's talking about the ricers changing their custom rims.

R2point0 · October 6th, 2006, 10:44

I think it should be pointed out that a proper 5-lug conversion also gets you the Plus suspension.

steve_s · October 7th, 2006, 19:51

If all you are looking for is 15 inch wheels/tires, try a set of Corrado wheels. Search for a thread on that topic.

TDIray · October 8th, 2006, 07:24

I would like to put some alloys on my 1998 Jetta. I read the Honda Civic wheel works (4 X 100?). Do they come in 15" and 16" or just 14"? What do you used for center caps?
Thanks

trhaverstock · October 10th, 2006, 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve_s

If all you are looking for is 15 inch wheels/tires, try a set of Corrado wheels. Search for a thread on that topic.

I was looking to take the GLX / VR6 Passat alloy rims and mount em on a 96 TDI. I liked their stock look on the Passat. the alloys have a 5 hole pattern and the TDIs the 4 hole. Somebody said something about hub centric? It sounds like a royal pain to otherwise tear apart the tdi guts and buy GLX parts to throw on there. -T

redtdi966 · October 14th, 2006, 17:13

Boy I'm no fun, stupid idea! Just by some real nice Borbet type "C"s.

Lug_Nut · October 15th, 2006, 18:09

TRH, I still have the Borbets (4x100, 15 inch, et45, with bolts) if you have an interest in a swap. These are not new wheels. One had a slight rim blip. I finally had it straightened last year. Some curb rash on the lips but otherwise in fine condition.
Dieseldorf got them used from someone, before selling them to Natescape, from whom I acquired them. I'd hate to be the last in this chain.

Lug_Nut · October 16th, 2006, 09:10

Another idea:
Have the four bolt hubs and rotors machined for another set of holes making an eight bolt pattern. Pick one existing hole as a start point for an additional 5 bolt pattern. Use holes 1, 3, 5, and 7 for the four bolt GLS wheels, and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 for the five bolt GLX wheels.

dieseldorf · October 16th, 2006, 09:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug_Nut

Dieseldorf got them used from someone, before selling them to Natescape, from whom I acquired them. I'd hate to be the last in this chain.

LOL, I bought them new for this car:

'Tis a handsome design!