Wheel Spacer, 5 On 205mm, 3/8 Inch Thick, Each

OVERVIEW

When you are fine-tuning the stance or clearance of your classic air-cooled ride, every fraction of an inch counts. These EMPI 5 on 205mm wheel spacers are the professional solution for Volkswagen owners dealing with tire-to-suspension interference or those simply looking to widen their vehicle''s track for better stability and aesthetics. Precision-engineered from high-grade solid aluminum, these 3/8-inch thick spacers provide just enough offset to clear oversized tires, aftermarket disc brake calipers, or custom steering components that might otherwise rub against the inner wheel well. Whether you are running a vintage California Look Beetle or a rugged off-road rail, these spacers ensure your wheels sit exactly where they need to be for peak performance and a flush, aggressive appearance.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that reliability is non-negotiable when it comes to drivetrain and wheel components. These spacers are designed specifically for the iconic "Wide-5" bolt pattern found on early Volkswagens and Porsche 356 replicas. Unlike cheap, universal stamped steel plates that can warp or cause unwanted vibration, these solid aluminum units provide a perfectly flat mating surface between the drum or rotor and the wheel hub. This ensures even load distribution across all five lug positions, maintaining the integrity of your wheel geometry. Sold individually, these spacers allow you to customize your setup front-to-rear, giving you total control over your VW''s footprint on the street or in the dirt.

FITMENT

This wheel spacer is designed for vehicles utilizing the 5 on 205mm (Wide-5) lug pattern, including:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1966 (Standard and Deluxe models).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966.
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1950 through 1970 (Including Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): Models converted to or using Wide-5 hubs.
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Baja Bugs utilizing Wide-5 drum or disc brake conversions.
• Porsche 356: Early models and replicas utilizing the 5x205mm bolt circle.

SPECS

Each spacer is manufactured to exacting standards to ensure a perfect fit every time. Technical specifications include:

• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5).
• Thickness: 3/8 Inch (Approximately 9.5mm).
• Material: High-Strength Solid Cast Aluminum.
• Finish: Natural Machined Aluminum.
• Inside Diameter: Optimized for standard VW hub registers.
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: AC603100 (Cross-reference: 16-9925-0).

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize Thread Engagement for Safety

Installing a 3/8-inch spacer effectively reduces the amount of thread your lug bolts or nuts can grab by that same distance. It is absolutely critical to ensure you have enough thread engagement to safely secure the wheel. As a master specialist, I recommend a minimum of 7 to 8 full turns of the lug. If your current hardware doesn''t meet this requirement after the spacer is installed, you MUST upgrade to longer wheel studs or extended-reach lug bolts. Never compromise on hardware length, as insufficient engagement can lead to catastrophic wheel failure under load.

2. Check Your Fender Clearance Thoroughly

While spacers are excellent for clearing internal components like tie-rod ends or spring plates, they push the wheel outward toward the fender lip. Before heading out for a drive, perform a "full cycle" check. This means turning the steering wheel from lock-to-lock and compressing the suspension (if possible) to ensure the tire does not catch the edge of the fender. On lowered Beetles especially, a 3/8-inch spacer can be the difference between a perfect fit and a sliced sidewall. If it''s tight, you may need to consider rolling your fender lips for additional room.

3. Maintain Proper Torque and Cleanliness

Aluminum is a softer material than the steel of your drums or rotors. When installing these spacers, ensure that both the hub surface and the wheel mating surface are completely free of rust, scale, or debris. Any "sandwiching" of dirt will lead to wheel wobble. Once installed, torque your lugs to the factory specification in a star pattern. I highly recommend re-checking the torque after the first 25 to 50 miles of driving. Aluminum spacers can sometimes "settle" slightly during the first few heat cycles, and a quick re-torque ensures everything stays rock solid for the long haul.