911 Alloy Wheels All Chrome, 5.5 Wide, 5 on 205mm

OVERVIEW

Elevate the aesthetic of your vintage Volkswagen with the timeless elegance of our 911 Alloy Wheels in a brilliant All Chrome finish. Designed to bridge the gap between classic Porsche styling and the rugged engineering of the air-cooled VW, these wheels offer an iconic look that has defined the Cal-look and Resto-mod scenes for decades. The deep, mirror-like chrome plating provides a level of show-quality brilliance that standard polished wheels simply cannot match, ensuring your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia stands out whether it is cruising the local boulevard or parked on the grass at a major show. By utilizing the traditional 5 on 205mm bolt pattern, these wheels allow owners of early-model Volkswagens to achieve that high-performance Porsche 911 silhouette without the need for expensive brake conversions or hub adapters.

Beyond the striking visual appeal, these 911-style alloy wheels are engineered for modern road performance and durability. Measuring 5.5 inches in width, they provide a slightly wider footprint than stock steel wheels, allowing for improved lateral stability and a broader selection of modern radial tires. The 3.5-inch backspacing is carefully calculated to ensure proper clearance within the fender wells of most classic VW applications, maintaining that tucked look while offering a more aggressive stance. Each wheel in this comprehensive set of four comes complete with a sleek center cap and a high-quality valve stem, providing a total package that simplifies your upgrade process. When you choose Appletree Automotive, you are investing in a wheel that combines lightweight alloy construction with a heavy-duty chrome finish designed to withstand the elements while reflecting the heritage of the air-cooled community.

FITMENT

These wheels feature the "Wide-5" (5x205mm) bolt pattern, which is standard on the following vehicles:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1966 (All Models)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1970 (All Models)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1965
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1966
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974 (Standard 5x205 drums)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing early VW 5-lug drum or disc brake hubs.

SPECS

• Quantity: Complete Set of 4 Wheels
• Style: 911 Alloy (Fuchs Style)
• Finish: Full High-Luster Chrome
• Diameter: 15 Inches
• Width: 5.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5)
• Back Spacing: 3.5 Inches
• Lug Seat: 60-Degree Taper (Required for proper centering)
• Lug Size: Designed for 12mm Hardware
• Center Cap: Included (Replacement Part # 00-9718-0)
• Valve Stem: Included with each wheel
• Recommended Hardware: Lug Nut # 00-9537-0 and Stud # 00-9516-0

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Lug Seating and Torque Procedures

When installing alloy wheels on a vintage VW, it is critical to use the correct lug hardware. These wheels require a 60-degree taper (cone seat) lug nut or bolt to center the wheel perfectly on the hub. Never use your original stock "ball seat" lug nuts from your factory steel wheels, as they will not seat correctly and can damage the alloy or lead to the wheel loosening while driving. Additionally, always torque your wheels to the manufacturer''s specification (typically 70-80 ft-lbs for these alloys) in a star pattern. We highly recommend re-torquing the lugs after the first 50 to 100 miles of driving, as alloy wheels can settle slightly against the drum or disc face during initial heat cycles.

2. Chrome Maintenance for Long-Term Brilliance

To keep your All Chrome 911 wheels looking like new, regular maintenance is essential. Chrome is a durable finish, but it can be susceptible to pitting if brake dust, road salt, or moisture is allowed to sit on the surface for extended periods. We recommend washing the wheels with a pH-neutral soap and water frequently. Avoid using harsh acid-based wheel cleaners which can cloud or "burn" the chrome finish over time. After cleaning, applying a high-quality synthetic wheel sealant or carnauba wax will provide a protective barrier against the elements and make future cleaning much easier by preventing brake dust from bonding to the surface.

3. Optimizing Tire Fitment and Fender Clearance

The 5.5-inch width is a "sweet spot" for many air-cooled Volkswagens, but tire selection is key to avoiding fender rub, especially on lowered vehicles. For a classic "California Look" on a Beetle, many builders opt for a "staggered" tire setup, using a narrower 135R15 or 145R15 tire in the front and a wider 165R15 or 185/65R15 tire in the rear. If you are running a narrowed beam or dropped spindles, pay close attention to the 3.5-inch backspacing to ensure the tire sidewall does not contact the tie rod ends or the inner fender apron during full-lock turns. Always mock up the wheel and tire combination before final balancing to ensure you have adequate clearance for your specific suspension height.