Rader wheels or replicas

[drkcreations]

Until I can afford to get the German-look I want (this will take a couple years), I'm going to get the Cal-look (cuz it's cheaper). However, I obviously don't want what everybody else has for their Cal-look. So... I'm looking for "prototype" Rader replica wheels which I HEAR (means nothing necessarily) are being made in Europe. I'm not there, so I don't know how or where to get them. The wheels themselves don't really have a name I don't think, but you can find a photo of them on the Cal-look site here: http://www.cal-look.com/index2.html Just click "load photos" and it's #41. I've been reading here for a while, and though I can't go German-look just yet, I'm working on it :D . Any help appreciated (esp. from you peeps from Europe!)

-Thorin 73 Super and 57 Oval (yes, i'll eventually make a REAL profile)

P.S.-I'm also going to try to attach the photo.

Edit: Also, it seems that quite a few people have asked about putting current VW wheels on old bugs. No one has made an adaptor for that yet? Shouldn't be that hard, right?

[oasis]

Well, I don't know about adaptors, but Machine Seven Automotive in the UK makes disc conversions, discs and drums in a variety of patterns including 5x130 Porsche, 4x100 Golf, 5x100 Golf, 5x112 Audi as well as the normal 4x130 stud fitment. They are on-line at www.machine7.co.uk (http://). I have neither any experience nor know anyone with experience with them, but I see their ad in every issue of VolksWorld.

-René

[vujade]

I believe Machine 7 is selling the CSP stuff from Germany (correct me if I am wrong Euro guys).

You can go that route or if you dont have the money, you can always have your drums redrilled for the pattern that you want and then have press in studs installed. simple as that!

Btw, why spend money on wheels if you are only going to replace then in a couple of years?
You will probably spend at least $400 on those repros (if not more). YOU could always pick up a set of Porshe wheels or Newer VW wheels on ebay for that much money.

[bren]

machine7 do make adapters
and they do sell some CSP stuff, some kerscher stuff and also have many other parts made for them by local engineering firms. its all great stuff.

those wheels in the attachment arent actually raders, they are called "der steiner rads". they are a replica of an original prototype raders design that was never put into production.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/index.mv?search+der%20steiner%20squareback+exact


"radars" are a UK copy of original raders and are being sold through java:
http://www.vwjava.com/page17.html
http://www.javaglobalenterprises.com/

be aware that this route isnt even close to cheap.. even in comparison with modern rims like us guys use.

[drkcreations]

First, thanks for your help... I appreciate it. Now, the machine7 golf discs and brakes say they are a "direct replacement"... for what? Does that imply that I already have a disc brake system installed? I'm confused (and new, so be patient) and trying to figure out costs. Also, would fitment of 17x7 Golf wheels (Santa Monica/Monte Carlo... you know those, right?) be a problem at all? Spacers? Whaaaa? I plan to lower the car, same final height for front/back and I want stock fenders. Just some questions, that's all. The Santa Monica 17's are what I want to use eventually, though they are a tad heavy.

Thanks.... -Thorin

P.S.-this is all for the 57, not the 73 super (the super will be sold this summer).

Edit: yeah, those replicas are REALLY expensive, so I'll just go straight to modern wheels.

[ricola]

Most cars in the UK are upgraded straight to discs so they are a straight swap for standard discs. If you have the early wide 5, I think you would have to go for the CB dropped spindle kit that converts to the late disc set-up and then you could swap the discs . Not sure about the rear, they do re-drilled drums too (I think from blanks, are late drums interchangeable?) so you could maybe use those or adapters...

Hope this helps!
Rich

[Chris Percival]

What about 'Randars' then, which are also repro Raders? Where do they come from?

[drkcreations]

This appears to be a Thorin's questions thread, so I'll just keep going :) . Given the new setup I'll have in order to fit current VW bolt pattern wheels, what would you see as my max width in the rear, under stock fenders? And if I were simply to get a disc brake setup for stock old vdub bolt pattern, what would be the max rear width then? I know 17x7 fits front and rear, but would 9 fit in the back since it doesn't have to turn?... (just more questions, thanks again for all the help)

-Thorin