Hub Cap Clips W/Rivets, Fits Beetle & Ghia 56-65, Bus 50-67

OVERVIEW

Restoring a set of classic wide-five Volkswagen wheels is a labor of love, but nothing ruins a fresh paint job or a professional powder coat like loose, fatigued, or missing hubcap clips. Over the decades, the original spring steel hardware on your Beetle or Bus wheels undergoes thousands of heat cycles and constant tension, eventually leading to snapped clips or a loss of "spring" that leaves your expensive chrome hubcaps vulnerable to flying off on the highway. This EMPI Hub Cap Clip and Rivet Kit is the definitive solution for the air-cooled enthusiast who refuses to compromise on safety or period-correct aesthetics. Designed to provide that satisfying "snap" when you install your wheel covers, these clips ensure your vintage look remains intact while you''re cruising the local show circuit or hitting the open road.

Each kit is meticulously engineered to replicate the factory tension and fitment required for early 5x205mm (wide-five) bolt pattern wheels. Unlike cheap alternatives that use inferior metals, these clips are manufactured from high-grade spring steel to maintain their shape even after repeated removals. The included rivets feature the correct mushroom-head profile, allowing for a permanent, flush-mount installation that mimics the way Volkswagen did it in Wolfsburg decades ago. Whether you are performing a concours-level restoration on a 1950s Microbus or simply freshening up the steelies on your 1964 Beetle, this kit provides the reliability and structural integrity needed to keep your hubcaps exactly where they belongon your wheels.

FITMENT

This kit is designed specifically for Volkswagen models equipped with original style 5-lug (5x205mm) wheels. One kit services one wheel (5 clips and 5 rivets per wheel).

• VW Beetle: 1956 through 1965 (Wide-Five Wheels)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965 (Wide-Five Wheels)
• VW Bus (Type 2): 1950 through 1967 (All Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus models)
• VW Type 181 Thing: Early models utilizing 5-lug wheel configurations
• Custom Applications: Fits most aftermarket wide-five steel wheels designed for rivet-on clips

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-698-131
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Clip Material: Heavy-duty Heat-Treated Spring Steel
• Rivet Material: Soft-Bore Zinc-Plated Steel (for easier setting)
• Quantity: 5 Clips and 5 Rivets (Complete set for 1 wheel)
• Application: 5-Lug "Wide Five" 205mm Bolt Pattern Wheels
• Finish: Industrial Zinc Coating for corrosion resistance

PRO TIPS

1. Use the Right Tools for a Factory Finish

When installing these rivets, avoid the temptation to just hit them with a standard hammer and a flat punch. To get a professional, rounded finish on the back side of the wheel, you should use a proper rivet setting tool or a heavy bucking bar. Placing the wheel face-down on a soft surface (like a piece of carpet or a rubber mat) will protect the rim while you "peen" the rivet. If the rivet is stubborn, a small amount of heat can help it mushroom more evenly, but be careful not to overheat the spring steel clip itself, as excessive heat can ruin its tempered "spring" properties.

2. The "Paint First or After" Debate

For a truly authentic factory look, you should install the clips and rivets onto the bare steel wheel before you apply your final primer and paint. This allows the clips to be color-matched to the wheel, which is how they rolled off the assembly line. However, if you are powder coating your wheels, the high heat of the oven can sometimes affect the temper of the spring steel. In those cases, many builders prefer to powder coat the wheels first, then install the clips. If you choose this route, be sure to use a small dab of clear silicone or touch-up paint around the rivet hole to prevent moisture from creeping under the new finish and causing rust.

3. Adjusting Tension Before Final Install

Don''t just snap your hubcaps on the moment the clips are installed. Take a moment to inspect the "flare" or the angle of all five clips. They should sit at a uniform distance from the center of the wheel. If one clip is bent too far inward, your hubcap will rattle and eventually work itself loose. If it is bent too far outward, you might scratch the inner lip of your hubcap or put so much stress on the clip that it snaps. Use a pair of pliers with a protective rag to gently "tweak" the clips so they provide even pressure across the entire diameter of the hubcap.