15 X 4 Forged Beadlock Rim, 5 On 205mm, Polished Beadlock

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled machine through the punishing terrain of the Mojave or carving deep lines in the Glamis dunes, you cannot afford to have a bead failure. The 15 x 4 Forged Beadlock Rim with the classic 5 on 205mm bolt pattern is engineered specifically for the off-road enthusiast who demands both reliability and a period-correct aesthetic. This Race-Trim series wheel combines the lightweight advantages of high-grade aluminum with the mechanical security of a true beadlock system. Unlike standard wheels that rely solely on air pressure to keep the tire seated against the rim, this forged beadlock design physically clamps the tire bead to the wheel. This allows you to run significantly lower tire pressures for a massive contact patch and superior flotation without the risk of "burping" air or spinning the rim inside the tire during high-torque maneuvers.

Aesthetics and performance go hand-in-hand with this 15x4 front wheel. The machined finish of the wheel body provides a clean, industrial look that complements any Baja Bug, Manx-style buggy, or rail, while the high-polished beadlock ring adds a show-ready gleam that stands out in the dirt. At 4 inches wide with a shallow 1-3/4 inch backspacing, this rim is the ultimate choice for the front of an off-road Volkswagen, providing the ideal profile for narrow sand tires or rugged off-road steering tires. By utilizing the traditional "Wide-5" 205mm bolt pattern, it remains compatible with early VW drum hubs and heavy-duty aftermarket disc brake conversions, ensuring that your vintage front end is equipped with modern, race-ready wheel technology. Whether you are building a competitive class-5 racer or a weekend sand toy, this wheel provides the structural integrity needed to survive the chop.

FITMENT

This wheel features the traditional Volkswagen Wide-5 (5 on 205mm) bolt pattern. It is designed for front-end applications on the following models and custom builds:

• VW Beetle: 1946 through 1966 (Standard and Custom Baja conversions).
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1970 (Early Transporter models).
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966.
• VW Thing (Type 181): All years utilizing 5 on 205mm hubs.
• Dune Buggies: Meyer''s Manx, EMPI Imp, and various fiberglass bodies on shortened VW chassis.
• Sandrails & Off-Road Rails: Any custom tube chassis utilizing 5-lug VW front spindles or hubs.

SPECS

• Diameter: 15 Inches.
• Width: 4 Inches.
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5).
• Backspacing: 1-3/4 Inches (1.75").
• Material: High-strength aluminum construction.
• Beadlock Type: True mechanical forged beadlock ring.
• Finish: Machined wheel face with a high-polished outer ring.
• Lug Seat: Ball Seat (Requires standard VW-style ball seat lug nuts/bolts).
• Hardware: Includes zinc-plated beadlock ring bolts and the polished ring.
• Series: Race-Trim Off-Road.

PRO TIPS

1. Use a Proper Torque Sequence and Anti-Seize

When installing your tire onto the beadlock, it is critical to use a "star" or "cross" torque pattern on the ring bolts to ensure even pressure across the tire bead. We highly recommend applying a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the beadlock bolts before installation. Because these wheels are often exposed to moisture, sand, and silt, the anti-seize prevents the steel bolts from seizing into the aluminum threads over time, making future tire changes much easier and preventing thread galling.

2. Monitor Bolt Torque After the First Run

Beadlock wheels are a mechanical assembly that requires periodic maintenance. After your first trip to the dirt or dunes, you should always re-check the torque on every single beadlock ring bolt. The tire bead can "settle" or compress slightly after the first few heat cycles and impacts, which can lead to a slight loss in bolt tension. Maintaining the correct torque (typically 12-15 ft-lbs for these hardware sets, but always check current technical updates) ensures a leak-free seal and prevents the ring from flexing under load.

3. Optimize Your PSI for the Terrain

The primary advantage of this 15x4 beadlock wheel is the ability to run extremely low air pressure. For soft sand applications, don''t be afraid to drop your front tire pressure down to 8-10 PSI to help the front end "float" over the soft stuff rather than digging in. Because the outer bead is physically clamped by the polished forged ring, you won''t have to worry about the tire peeling off the rim during a sharp turn. Just remember to air back up before any high-speed pavement sections to maintain proper handling and tire longevity.