I was reading through my Bus Depot catalog that I received recently
(very nice, BTW), and I noticed that if one wants to purchase two of the
coolant hoses (the ones connecting the plastic pipes to the radiator, I
think), or the entire set for that matter, one has to specify whether
one's van has steel/stock-size wheels or alloy/205-70-R14-size wheels.
If alloy wheels, the hoses costs much more than for a van with steel
wheels. (about $70 more for the set).

What gives? What has wheel size got to do with radiator hoses? I have
seen this specified in other parts lists, as well. If Vanagon wheels are
14", I can't see how having steel or alloy wheels changes much, other
than that lower profile tires on the alloys will cause the engine to
spin just a tiny bit faster than it would with higher profile tires.

As an owner of an '87 Westfalia with the aforementioned alloy wheels, I
would like to know why I have to spend more for my radiator hoses than
those in the steel-wheeled Vanagon community.

I welcome all hypotheses and educated guesses.

--
Dan
__________________________________________________
Dan Schmitz - Genentech Automation Engineering
djs@gene.com (650) 225-6119
__________________________________________________

"I'll so offend to make offense a skill
Redeeming time when men least think I will"

W. Shakespeare
Henry IV, Part 1