Our expectations & reasoning behind this.
When we fitted larger wheels on the van, we knew that, in addition to extending the wheel arches, we would also need to increase the clearance between the sliding door and the rear wheel.
This has now been done thanks mostly to Doug @ Doug’s VW Werks, as although I was happy to extend the runner, I am still a bit reluctant to start cutting the van.
Extend side door runner.
Nylon rollers.
The original side door.
Very poor clearance (slight rub when tyre flexes) and definitely no room for chains or larger tyres.
The original side door runner.
Extending the door runner. (Photos and work by Doug @ Doug’s VW Werks)
Whatever length is added to the swinging link (measured after welding centre-to-centre) is the distance the stop has to be moved backwards. So anything more than we have extended ours by will need the reassessed area at the end of the runner to also be lengthened (see arrows in the photo below).
My efforts, the extended runner arm. (before painting).
More info, photos, and an in-use write-up to follow soon.
We have also taken the opportunity, whilst the mechanism was apart, to replace the runners with nylon rollers. More on this when we have used them for a while
In-use reviews.
Pros.
The door rub on the wheel problem was solved.
We can now open the door fully with the chains fitted.
Nylon rollers should make the door quieter to use. ?
Cons.
The item is no longer stock, so it is harder to replace. (A spare arm needs to be fabricated).
Nylon rollers may wear quickly. ? (Replacement rollers on order, metal rollers kept).
Our conclusions.
Other related or affected items.
Extended wheel arches.
16″ wheels with 235-70-R16 tyres & wheel spacers.
Internal recessed pull handle in the rear of the side door. (planned mod).
Snow chains.
Thanks for reading.
.