For all those that have asked if 15x8 wil fit the Mk1

Here is your answer, its ET25 and as you can see just clears the strut by a whisker (obviously depends on your coils to a degree)

The outer rim is pretty much as far out as possible

Hopefully a 185/45 will clear any arch issues without being overstretched and looking silly and being dangerous





Back end is the same story but with around 30mm clearance on the inside (in my case at least)



So with rears you should be able to use a 15x8 et45-20

Fronts 15x8 et25-20

All dependant on tyres and if you want to fettle your arches.

I have GTI plastic arches and intend to keep them

For me that is toooooooooo close. That leave nothing for error or even wear on a bush or joint.

But if they spin they fit for some. I would invest in a spacer even a thing 5mm one and fit better tyres.


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Tis snug for sure.
I think I can get some 3mm spacers which should make the gap around 6mm total

Im more concerned that when I swap back to shocks and springs the extra travel will mean contact with the arches

I think that 5mm spacers would be a better idea.

I know as it stands now there will be a little wobble and you would have scrapage as you are driving, and that is terribly dangerous.

Surely if the wheel is completely straight and true then if its clear it will stay clear.

The hub and strut are bolted together so the only thing that could allow the angle of the strut to move would be the suspension top mount but you'd notice play in the rubber with a backwards and forwards movement long before they got bad enough to move sideways

I cant think of any variables that would allow movement of either the wheel or shock towards each other apart from a buckled wheel

Bad Wheel or worn wheel bearing… and no matter how true the wheel it still may wobble a bit on a turn….

Safety begins with the Driver and the mechanic doing the repairs as those are the first and biggest issue with the car operating safely. Seat Belts/Shoulder harness are number 2. Good Brakes are the number 3.

I think I would rather drive with no seatbelt than no brakes. Maybe brakes number two for me


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Same here personally.

We'll I'll be spacing them slightly for piece of mind but having looked at a few old photos of when I fitted the 15x7's ET42 it doesnt look like more than 5-7mm gap anyway.

Having no issues with them tells me that all other components are in good order and behaving the way they should (for the time being)

Right project is on hold as I've decided that getting the shocks and springs first was probably a better idea.

I now need to source spring top caps and see how things sit from there

Unfortunately I scrapped the old units when I removed them due to corrosion and didnt keep the bits I need now