12mm Stud Kit, for Aluminum Rims, Does 2 Wheels

Overview

Upgrading your air-cooled Volkswagen to high-performance Douglas or CMS aluminum wheels is one of the most effective ways to improve both the aesthetics and the unsprung weight of your machine. However, the thick casting of these premium aluminum rims often makes factory-style lug bolts dangerously inadequate due to insufficient thread engagement. Our 12mm Stud Kit is the definitive solution for the VW enthusiast who demands safety without sacrificing style. By converting your hubs from a lug bolt to a stud-and-nut configuration, you aren''t just gaining security; you are also making wheel installation significantly easier. No more balancing a heavy wheel on a hub while trying to line up bolt holesthese studs act as a guide, allowing the wheel to slide directly into place every time.

This comprehensive kit is engineered specifically for the rigors of both street and off-road use. It includes ten high-tensile 12mm studs with a 1.5 thread pitch, ten specially designed aluminum washers, and ten brilliant chrome acorn lug nuts. The aluminum washers are a critical component, acting as a sacrificial mating surface that prevents the hard steel of the lug nut from galling or gouging the softer aluminum of your expensive rims. The chrome acorn nuts provide a clean, finished look that complements any custom build, from a concours-level restoration to a rugged sand rail or Baja Bug. Designed to cover two wheels, this kit ensures that your front or rear axle is fully outfitted with the highest quality hardware available in the air-cooled industry.

Fitment

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1967 (Models equipped with 5x205mm or 12mm 4-lug patterns)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus/Transporter: 1950 through 1970 (Front or Rear depending on drum/disc conversion)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1961 through 1965
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx-style bodies using 12mm x 1.5 threaded hubs or brake drums.
• Wheel Compatibility: Specifically designed for Douglas, CMS, and other thick-face aluminum wheels requiring 1.5-inch stud lengths.

Technical Specifications

• Thread Pitch: 12mm x 1.5
• Overall Stud Length: 1.5 Inches
• Stud Material: High-tensile heat-treated steel
• Lug Nut Style: Closed-end Acorn (Bulge Seat)
• Lug Nut Finish: Triple-process Chrome Plating
• Washer Material: High-grade Aluminum
• Kit Coverage: Completes 2 Wheels (10 Studs, 10 Washers, 10 Nuts)
• Part Number: A1018

Pro Tips from the Appletree Garage

Tip 1: Proper Stud Seating and Thread Locker

When installing these studs into your drums or disc rotors, it is highly recommended to use a small amount of high-strength (Red or Blue) thread-locking compound on the end of the stud that threads into the hub. This ensures the stud remains stationary when you are removing the lug nuts later on. Use the "double-nut" method to torque the stud into the hub to ensure it is fully bottomed out before you ever attempt to mount the wheel. Failure to seat the stud properly can lead to inaccurate torque readings on your lug nuts.

Tip 2: Protect Your Chrome and Aluminum

To keep your chrome acorn nuts looking show-room fresh, avoid using pneumatic impact wrenches during installation. Impact tools can mar the chrome finish and lead to premature rusting. Instead, use a high-quality thin-wall 6-point socket and a manual torque wrench. Additionally, always ensure the aluminum washer is centered between the nut and the wheel. This washer is essential for distributing the clamping force evenly across the aluminum wheel face, preventing the "sinking" effect that often happens with bare steel nuts on soft aluminum.

Tip 3: The 50-Mile Torque Check

Aluminum wheels have a different thermal expansion rate than steel studs and hubs. Because of this, hardware can occasionally "settle" after the first few heat cycles. Always torque your lug nuts to the manufacturer''s specifications (typically 65-80 ft-lbs for 12mm VW applications) in a star pattern. After your first 50 miles of driving, re-check the torque on every nut. This is a critical safety step for any air-cooled VW, especially those being used in off-road environments where vibrations are constant and intense.