Front mounted wheel

[RichardAlexander]

Doing up my 69 westy and looking to go for the original look outside. The person I brought it from took off the front mounted spare wheel saying it wasn't part off the original spec and was an aftermarket add on. Is this true as I want to keep it looking as vintage as pos but always liked the busses with them on the front.
Your thoughts would be much appreciated. Many thanks, new to all this but loving it all the same

 

[simon68]

hello
I have a 68 westy and my spare wheel is in the back and there is no holes in the front where one might have been hope this helps.
Cheers simon

 

[Trikky2]

Front mounts were an accessory available for most camper conversions and even offered as standard on some see http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/68camper_canadian.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for instance.

The factory were not too wild about them but then thats understandable. They were not keen on anything that had not been tested under type approval regs. They could not officially condone anything non standard since that would make them liable should there ever be any court proceedings. Since they did not make the items why would they want to approve them :lol:

This did not put off owners however and huge numbers of front mount brackets were sold over the years. This was never done for the look. After all, you have to remember back then these were just commercial vehicles and were not considered to be good looking. Owners fitted the spare on the outside simply to have the space.

 

[CHILDSEY]

I think the spare was usually kept in the back of the van on Westy models.
Thats where mine is and personally i think the front looks a lot better without a wheel stuck on it
Cheers Paul.

 

[Trikky2]

personally i think the front looks a lot better without a wheel stuck on it
Cheers Paul.

Bit like dogs really - some like collies others like boxers :lol:

 

[CHILDSEY]

No offence ment Trikky
Your van is a beauty.
I read your gallery thread and was really impressed with both your technical skills and attention to detail.
Paul.

 

[AGC]

If it was a Riviera conversion then the wheel would be on the front..... not seen an original Westy with wheel on front tho

 

[RichardAlexander]

As you can see by my profile pick that what it looked like on now all I have is bloody great hole where it was ground off easy repair though. Thanks for the input keep your thought coming think I am definitely swaying towards no wheel though

 

[Trikky2]

No offence ment Trikky
Your van is a beauty.
I read your gallery thread and was really impressed with both your technical skills and attention to detail.
Paul.

:lol: - none taken :lol: Like I said - each to their own

I dont much like the look of it to be honest but I like my big bed and the storage space for the folding chairs, table and leccy cable etc. Been like it since 1973 - though I have to admit, it was only when I ran without once, I realised the extra weight on the front does improve the suspension/ride/directional stability somewhat.

I suppose I could take a chance and run without a spare but the only 3 times I have had a puncture a can of tyre weld would not have fixed it.

Its also useful to stand on when washing the roof :lol:

 

[Trikky2]

If it was a Riviera conversion then the wheel would be on the front..... not seen an original Westy with wheel on front tho

Westfalia offered a front wheel mount - though it was a bit different to most in that the wheel had a fiberglass cover and it, or the bracket, rested on the bumper from memory. Saw it more on lates than earlies I think.

 

[AGC]

If it was a Riviera conversion then the wheel would be on the front..... not seen an original Westy with wheel on front tho

Westfalia offered a front wheel mount - though it was a bit different to most in that the wheel had a fiberglass cover and it, or the bracket, rested on the bumper from memory. Saw it more on lates than earlies I think.

Have seen on Late but not Early

 

[RichardAlexander]

Thanks for the advice guys no wheel it is it can sit in the back where it belongs