Bead Lock Ring, Polished

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled beast through the shifting sands of Glamis or navigating the jagged rock gardens of the high desert, tire reliability is not just a luxuryit is a necessity. The EMPI Bead Lock Ring is engineered specifically for the legendary Race-Trim series of wheels, providing the mechanical security required to run ultra-low tire pressures without the fear of de-beading. By sandwiching the tire sidewall between the wheel lip and this heavy-duty polished ring, you significantly increase the footprint of your tires, allowing for maximum flotation and traction in the most demanding off-road environments. This is the professional standard for Baja Bugs, Manx-style buggies, and dedicated sand rails that demand performance that matches their aggressive aesthetic.

Crafted with a high-luster polished finish, this 15-inch bead lock ring does more than just hold your rubber in place; it provides a show-quality shine that stands out in any crowd. EMPI has long been the gold standard in the Volkswagen aftermarket world, and this Race-Trim component lives up to that legacy with precision-drilled bolt holes and a structural profile designed to withstand the lateral forces of high-speed cornering and rough terrain impact. Whether you are replacing a trail-damaged ring or upgrading your current Race-Trim setup, this ring ensures your VW remains trail-ready while looking like a top-tier build. Please note that this is sold as a single ring, and the specialized hardware kit (P/N 00-9782-0) is required for a complete installation and is sold separately.

FITMENT

This bead lock ring is designed specifically for EMPI Race-Trim series wheels. It is commonly utilized on the following air-cooled Volkswagen applications and custom off-road builds:

• Volkswagen Baja Bug: Custom builds using 15-inch Race-Trim bead lock wheels.
• Meyers Manx & Dune Buggies: Shortened pan or tube chassis buggies running off-road wheel sets.
• Sand Rails & Long Travel Cars: High-performance rail builds requiring bead lock security.
• Chenowth & Berrien Chassis: Professional-grade off-road frames.
• VW Type 1 Beetle: Off-road converted Beetles utilizing EMPI Race-Trim 15-inch wheels.
• VW Type 2 Bus: Off-road oriented Bus builds (ensure wheel clearance and bolt pattern compatibility).

SPECS

• Component Type: Replacement Bead Lock Ring.
• Wheel Compatibility: Fits EMPI Race-Trim Bead Lock Wheels ONLY.
• Diameter: 15 Inches.
• Material: High-strength Aluminum Alloy.
• Finish: High-Luster Polished.
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 lbs.
• Manufacturer Part Number: 00-9769-0.
• Hardware Requirement: Requires EMPI P/N 00-9782-0 (Sold Separately).
• Sold As: Individually (Each).

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Torque Sequence

When installing your new polished ring, never tighten the bolts in a circular pattern. To ensure even clamping pressure on the tire bead and to prevent warping the ring, you must use a star or criss-cross pattern, similar to how you tighten lug nuts. Start by hand-threading all bolts, then snug them down in stages. Use a calibrated torque wrench to reach the final specification recommended in the hardware kit. Failure to do this can lead to air leaks or even a broken ring under high stress. Check your torque after the first few miles of driving to account for the tire rubber "settling" under the metal.

2. Prevent Corrosion with Anti-Seize

Because you are often dealing with steel bolts going into an aluminum wheel or through an aluminum ring, galvanic corrosion is your worst enemy, especially if you ever drive near salt air or through mud. Always apply a small amount of high-quality anti-seize lubricant to the threads of your bead lock bolts. This ensures that when it comes time to swap tires or replace a damaged ring, the bolts won''t be seized in place. Since these rings are polished, it''s also wise to apply a coat of high-quality metal sealant or wax to the surface before hitting the trails to keep the oxidation at bay and make cleaning much easier.

3. Monitor Your Air Pressure Carefully

The primary advantage of these bead lock rings is the ability to run single-digit air pressures for maximum traction. However, don''t forget that while the outer bead is mechanically locked, the inner bead is usually still held by air pressure alone (unless you have double bead locks). If you drop your pressure too lowtypically below 8-10 PSI depending on the tire stiffnessyou still risk losing the inner bead. For most VW off-road applications, find the "sweet spot" where you get the footprint you need without compromising the inner seal. Always carry a reliable low-pressure tire gauge, as standard gauges are often inaccurate at the low levels used with bead lock systems.