Wheel Adapters, 5 On 4-1/2 Ford Rim, To 5 On 205mm VW Drum

EMPI Wheel Adapters: Adapt Ford 5x4.5" Wheels to VW Wide-5 Drums

Product Overview and Fitment

These EMPI wheel adapters are designed to bridge the gap between classic Volkswagen engineering and domestic wheel styling. This pair of adapters allows you to mount wheels with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch Ford bolt pattern (common on Mustangs, Rangers, and many classic Ford passenger cars) onto a Volkswagen chassis equipped with the traditional "Wide 5" (5 on 205mm) brake drums.

Constructed from heavy-duty stamped steel, these adapters feature heat-treated studs specifically engineered to handle the stresses of both street driving and off-road environments. They are the ideal solution for Dune Buggies, Woods Buggies, and vintage Beetles looking for expanded wheel options without the need for custom-drilled drums.

Pro Tech Tips for Installation

Verify Lug Nut Seat Compatibility: When mounting your Ford-pattern wheels to the adapter studs, ensure you are using the correct lug nut seat style. Most Ford wheels require a 60-degree conical (tapered) seat, while many VW wheels use a ball seat. Using the incorrect lug nut profile will prevent the wheel from centering properly and may cause the studs to fail.

Measure Your Fender Clearance: These adapters add a slight positive offset, meaning your wheels will sit further outboard than they did originally. Before finalizing your wheel and tire choice, measure the distance between your current tire sidewall and the fender lip. On lowered Beetles or Karmann Ghias, this added width may require the use of narrower tires or "tucked" narrowed beams to avoid rubbing.

Perform a Heat-Cycle Torque Check: After installing the adapters to your drums and mounting your wheels, drive the vehicle for approximately 25 to 50 miles. Once the components have gone through a heat cycle, re-torque both the bolts holding the adapter to the drum and the lug nuts holding the wheel to the adapter. This ensures that the stamped steel has fully seated against the drum face.

Technical Specifications

• Brake Pattern: 5 on 205mm (VW Wide 5)
• Wheel Pattern: 5 on 4-1/2 inches (Ford/Mopar)
• Stud Thread: 1/2 inch Fine Thread
• Material: Stamped Steel with Heat-Treated Studs
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Pieces)