Wheel Studs, 12mm Extra Long, 5 Pc

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen, whether it''s on the drag strip, navigating a technical trail in a sand rail, or just dialling in the perfect stance on your street Beetle, wheel security is paramount. These EMPI Extra Long 12mm Wheel Studs are engineered specifically for enthusiasts who have moved beyond stock configurations. If you have recently upgraded to thick-faced aluminum wheels or are utilizing wheel spacers to clear suspension components or fenders, standard-length studs simply won''t provide the thread engagement needed for a safe, reliable connection. These studs provide an additional 1/2 inch of length over standard studs, giving you an extra 3/16 inches of usable thread on the wheel side to ensure your lug nuts have a full, deep bite into the hardware.

Upgrading to a stud and nut configuration from the factory lug bolt setup is one of the most practical modifications any VW owner can make. Not only do these studs offer superior strength and peace of mind, but they also make wheel installation significantly easier by acting as a pilot to hang the wheel on during mounting. Manufactured from high-tensile strength steel and finished to resist the elements, these 12mm x 1.5 thread studs are a staple for any performance-oriented build. Whether you are running a classic Manx-style buggy or a slammed Cal-Look Ghia, these studs provide the structural integrity required to keep your wheels exactly where they belongfirmly attached to your drums or rotors.

FITMENT

Target Models and Applications: Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug (Early 5-Lug and 4-Lug Applications requiring 12mm threads) Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter (Early models with 12mm thread requirements) Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback) Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Custom Dune Buggies and Sand Rails utilizing VW-based hubs Meyers Manx and similar fiberglass kit cars Aftermarket Disc Brake Conversion Kits using 12mm x 1.5 threading

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 70-2877-0
• Thread Pitch: 12mm x 1.5
• Overall Length: Extra Long (1/2 inch longer than standard EMPI studs)
• Effective Increase: Provides approximately 3/16 inches of additional thread on the wheel side
• Quantity: 5 Pieces (Complete set for one wheel)
• Material: High-grade heat-treated steel for maximum shear strength
• Finish: Zinc plated for corrosion resistance and durability
• Application: Press-in or screw-in depending on your specific hub modification

PRO TIPS

1. Calculate Your Thread Engagement

Safety is the number one priority when it comes to wheel hardware. Always ensure that you have a minimum of 6 to 8 full turns of the lug nut onto the stud. If you are using thick alloy wheels or spacers and find you are only getting 3 or 4 turns, you are at a high risk of stripping threads or losing a wheel. These extra-long studs are designed specifically to solve this issue, providing the necessary depth to accommodate the added thickness of performance wheels while maintaining a safe margin of thread contact.

2. Use the Double-Nut Installation Method

To install these studs into your hubs properly without damaging the threads, use the double-nut technique. Thread two lug nuts onto the stud and tighten them against each other (jamming them). Use a wrench on the outer nut to drive the stud into the hub until it is fully seated. Once the stud is tight, loosen the two nuts from each other and remove them. This method ensures that the torque is applied to the stud itself and not to the fragile end-threads, preventing distortion that could make installing your wheels difficult later on.

3. Never Skip the Re-Torque Process

After installing new studs and wheels, the hardware needs time to settle. Drive the vehicle for approximately 25 to 50 miles, and then perform a full torque check on every lug nut. Heat cycles and vibration can cause new studs to "set" into the hub slightly, which can lead to a minor loss in clamping force. Using a calibrated torque wrench to verify they are still at the manufacturer''s recommended specification (typically 80-90 lb-ft for 12mm VW hardware) is an essential final step for any brake or wheel project.