EMPI Dish Wheel, 5.5 Wide, Fits 5 on 205mm

OVERVIEW

Elevate your air-cooled Volkswagen''s aesthetic to legendary status with the EMPI Dish Wheel. This 15-inch by 5.5-inch aluminum alloy wheel is the definitive choice for enthusiasts looking to capture the iconic "Cal-Look" or "Resto-Cal" vibe that has defined the VW scene for decades. Featuring the classic "Wide-5" (5 on 205mm) bolt pattern, this wheel provides a deep-set, aggressive profile that instantly transforms the stance of your vehicle. The high-luster polished finish reflects the heritage of vintage performance while offering a modern, lightweight construction that reduces unsprung weight compared to traditional steel wheels. Whether you are cruising the coastline in a slammed Beetle or heading to a show in a pristine split-window Bus, these wheels deliver the perfect blend of period-correct styling and contemporary manufacturing precision.

Engineering excellence is at the heart of every EMPI wheel, and the Dish series is no exception. Designed with a 4-inch backspacing, these 5.5-inch wide wheels allow for a wider tire footprint than stock rims, providing significantly improved handling and stability without the common clearance issues found with excessively wide aftermarket options. Each wheel comes complete with a sleek EMPI center cap and a high-quality valve stem, ensuring you have the essential components for a professional installation. The 60-degree taper lug seats are precision-machined to ensure a secure, vibration-free fitment when paired with the correct hardware. Choosing the EMPI Dish Wheel means you aren''t just buying a part; you are investing in a piece of Volkswagen history that is built to last through thousands of miles of road trips, rallies, and car shows.

FITMENT

This wheel features the traditional 5 on 205mm "Wide-5" bolt pattern. It is designed to fit the following air-cooled models equipped with original or aftermarket Wide-5 drums or disc brake conversions:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1967 (All Models)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1970
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Notchback, Squareback, Fastback): 1961 through 1965
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years if equipped with Wide-5 drums
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom chassis utilizing 5 on 205mm VW brake drums or rotors

SPECS

• Wheel Diameter: 15 Inches
• Wheel Width: 5.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5)
• Backspacing: 4 Inches
• Material: High-Strength Aluminum Alloy
• Finish: Fully Polished
• Lug Seat: 60 Degree Taper (Requires specific 12mm or 14mm taper lugs)
• Center Cap: Included (Replacement Part # 00-9720-0)
• Valve Stem: Included
• Load Rating: Specifically engineered for Air-cooled VW weight distributions

PRO TIPS

1. Use the Correct Lug Hardware for Safety

One of the most common mistakes when upgrading from stock steel wheels to EMPI alloy wheels is attempting to reuse the original factory lug bolts. Stock VW wheels typically use a ball-seat lug, whereas the EMPI Dish Wheel requires a 60-degree taper (cone seat) lug. Using the wrong seat type will prevent the wheel from centering properly and can lead to the lugs loosening or damaging the wheel mounting surface. For a 12mm application, we strongly recommend using EMPI Part # 00-9537-0 (Lugs) and 00-9516-0 (Nuts) to ensure a safe and secure installation. Always hand-torque your lugs to the manufacturer''s specifications and re-check them after the first 50 miles of driving.

2. Check Fender Clearance and Tire Sizing

Moving from a stock 4-inch wide wheel to a 5.5-inch wide EMPI Dish wheel changes how the tire sits within your wheel well. While the 4-inch backspacing is designed to be "fender-friendly," it is vital to measure your clearances, especially if your Volkswagen has been lowered with a narrowed beam or dropped spindles. For a classic look with great drivability, many owners opt for a 145/80 or 165/80 tire on the front and a wider 185/80 or 205/70 on the rear. Always ensure that your tires do not rub against the fender lips during hard cornering or when the suspension is fully compressed, as this can damage both the bodywork and the tires.

3. Maintain the Polished Finish Properly

To keep your EMPI Dish wheels looking like mirrors, you must avoid using harsh acid-based wheel cleaners or automated car washes that use abrasive brushes. These wheels are made of polished aluminum and do not have a clear coat, which means they can oxidize if left unprotected or exposed to road salt. We recommend applying a high-quality aluminum sealant or carnauba wax immediately after installation and after every deep clean. If the finish begins to dull over time, a light application of a dedicated aluminum polish and a microfiber cloth will bring back the original shine. Regular maintenance is the key to preventing "clouding" and keeping your ride show-ready at all times.