5 Rib & Gt-5 Wheel Replacement Cap, Includes Hardware, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to completing the look of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the details make all the difference. The EMPI 5 Rib and GT-5 series wheels are legendary in the VW community, providing that perfect vintage performance aesthetic for Beetles, Ghias, and Type 2 Buses. However, over years of spirited driving and exposure to the elements, center caps can become cracked, faded, or lost entirely on the highway. This genuine EMPI replacement center cap is engineered to restore the showroom-quality finish of your wheels, ensuring your ride looks as sharp as the day you first bolted those alloys on. Designed with the specific geometry of the 5-Rib and GT-5 series in mind, this cap provides a seamless fit that protects your spindle nut and grease cap from road debris while maintaining the iconic silhouette that EMPI is known for across the globe.

Crafted from high-impact black plastic, this replacement cap is built to withstand the heat cycles and vibrations common in high-performance VW applications. Unlike generic caps that leave you hunting for the right screws, this kit includes high-quality stainless steel mounting hardware to ensure a secure, corrosion-resistant installation. The package is finished off with the classic EMPI logo sticker, giving your wheels that authentic seal of approval. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or just performing some much-needed maintenance on your daily driver, these caps offer an affordable and effective way to elevate your vehicle''s curb appeal. Don''t let a missing or damaged center cap detract from the beauty of your vintage Volkswagen; upgrade to these robust replacements and keep your wheels looking their absolute best.

FITMENT

This replacement cap is specifically designed for EMPI brand wheels and may not fit other manufacturers'' imitations. It is confirmed to fit the following EMPI wheel series and part numbers:

• EMPI GT-5 Series Wheels: Part numbers 9662, 9686, 9687, 9690, 9691.
• EMPI 5-Rib Series Wheels: Part numbers 9695, 9696, 9750, 9751.
• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle and Karmann Ghia equipped with the above wheels.
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus / Transporter / Kombi equipped with the above wheels.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, and Notchback equipped with the above wheels.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style shells utilizing EMPI 5-lug or 4-lug GT-5/5-Rib patterns.

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-duty, high-impact black automotive-grade plastic.
• Outer Diameter: 3.1 inches (Main body, excluding the mounting flange holes).
• Protrusion Height: 1.7 inches from the wheel face for a deep-dish look.
• Hardware Included: Full set of stainless steel mounting screws per cap.
• Branding: Includes one authentic EMPI logo peel-and-stick decal.
• Finish: Satin black finish that matches standard EMPI wheel accents.
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each).
• Part Number: 00-9641-0.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Hand-Tighten Only for Longevity

When installing your new EMPI center caps, it is vital to remember that the mounting flange is made of plastic. While it is durable, using a power drill or an impact driver to zip the stainless steel screws in can easily crack the mounting ears or strip the threads in the wheel. Always use a manual screwdriver and tighten them until they are just snug. If you are worried about the screws backing out due to engine vibration, a tiny drop of low-strength (purple or blue) thread locker on the stainless hardware is a much better solution than over-torquing the plastic.

Tip 2: Surface Preparation for the Logo Decal

The included EMPI logo sticker is the crowning jewel of the center cap, but it won''t stay put if the surface isn''t perfectly clean. Before peeling the backing off the decal, use a lint-free cloth and a bit of isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the recessed circular area on the face of the cap. This removes any manufacturing oils or mold release agents. Once the surface is dry, center the decal carefully and press firmly from the middle outward to ensure there are no air bubbles trapped underneath. This ensures the logo stays attached even during high-pressure car washes.

Tip 3: Preventing Stainless-to-Alloy Galling

Since this kit uses stainless steel hardware and is designed for aluminum alloy wheels, there is a small risk of galvanic corrosion or "galling" over several years, which can make the screws nearly impossible to remove later. A master builder''s trick is to apply a very light film of anti-seize lubricant to the threads of the stainless screws before installation. This simple step ensures that when you eventually need to remove the cap to service your wheel bearings or brakes, the hardware will back out smoothly without damaging the expensive threads in your EMPI wheels.