4 Pc Wheel Stud Kit 14mm

OVERVIEW

Upgrading your air-cooled Volkswagen''s wheel mounting system is one of the most practical modifications you can make, and the EMPI 4-Piece Wheel Stud Kit is the industry standard for making that transition seamless. For decades, VW owners have struggled with the factory lug bolt design, which requires you to balance a heavy wheel and tire combo on a small hub lip while trying to line up bolt holes in the dark or on the side of a trail. By installing these high-strength conversion studs, you transform your brake drums or rotors into a modern stud-and-nut configuration. This not only makes wheel changes significantly faster and safer but also provides a more secure clamping force that is essential for high-performance street cars, heavy-duty Baja Bugs, and dedicated sand rails. When you are out in the dunes or at the track, the last thing you want to deal with is a stripped hub thread; these studs provide a permanent solution that protects your expensive brake components from repeated wear and tear.

What sets this specific EMPI kit apart is its clever conversion capability, transitioning from the metric M14-1.5 thread used in your VW hub to a domestic 1/2-inch -20 thread. This opens up a massive world of aftermarket wheel possibilities, allowing you to run popular off-road and American-style wheels that require 1/2-inch lug nuts. Manufactured from high-tensile steel and finished with a durable coating to resist corrosion, these studs are designed to withstand the shear forces generated during aggressive cornering or off-road jumps. Whether you are restoring a classic Type 1 Beetle or building a custom tube-chassis rail, these studs provide the professional-grade hardware required to ensure your wheels stay exactly where they belong. At Appletree Auto, we know that reliability starts where the rubber meets the road, and this 14mm stud kit is a foundational component for any serious air-cooled build.

FITMENT

This kit is designed for Volkswagen models and custom projects utilizing 14mm threaded hubs. Common applications include:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1968 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1968 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1966 through 1973.
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1954 through 1970 (Ensure 14mm thread compatibility).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style bodies using VW swing-axle or IRS transaxles with 14mm drums or disc brake conversions.
• Note: Always verify your current hub thread size, as some early models used 12mm hardware.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9515-0
• Quantity: 4 Studs per pack (One pack per wheel).
• Hub Side Thread: M14 x 1.5 Metric (Standard VW Large Diameter).
• Wheel Side Thread: 1/2-inch - 20 (Standard American/Off-Road).
• Material: Heat-treated High-Tensile Grade Steel.
• Finish: Zinc Plated for superior rust and corrosion resistance.
• Overall Length: Optimized for standard wheel thicknesses and lug nut engagement.
• Function: Converts lug bolt style hubs to lug nut style studs.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Use Red Threadlocker for a Permanent Seat. When installing these studs into your drums or rotors, it is imperative that the metric side (M14-1.5) stays seated in the hub when you remove your lug nuts later. I always recommend cleaning the internal threads of the hub thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove any grease or old debris. Apply a small amount of high-strength red threadlocker to the metric threads of the stud before threading them in. This ensures that the stud becomes a permanent fixture of the hub, preventing it from backing out during future wheel removals.

Tip 2: The Double-Nut Installation Method. To seat these studs properly without marring the threads with pliers or vice-grips, use the "double-nut" technique. Thread two 1/2-inch - 20 lug nuts onto the outer end of the stud and tighten them against each other until they are locked. Then, use a wrench on the outer nut to torque the stud into the hub. Once the stud is fully seated and bottomed out, loosen the two nuts from each other and remove them. This professional method ensures the stud is tight and the threads remain pristine for your final wheel assembly.

Tip 3: Verify Lug Nut Seating and Torque. Since you are converting from a metric hub to a 1/2-inch - 20 American thread, ensure you are using the correct lug nuts that match the seat of your wheels (usually 60-degree taper/conical for most aftermarket wheels). After the first 50 miles of driving, always re-torque your lug nuts. The transition to a stud system allows for more consistent torque readings, but new hardware can "settle" into the wheel seats. Checking them early prevents wheel wobble and ensures the safety of your front and rear end components.