Billet Hub Cap Puller, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Precision-engineered for the discerning air-cooled enthusiast, the EMPI Billet Hub Cap Puller is the ultimate solution for removing your classic Volkswagen''s hub caps without the heartbreak of scratches, dents, or chipped paint. Every vintage VW owner knows the struggle of using a flathead screwdriver or a makeshift pry bar, only to leave permanent marks on a pristine chrome finish or a freshly painted wheel. This masterfully crafted tool eliminates that risk entirely by utilizing two high-tension spring steel wire fingers that hook directly into the factory drain holes located on the edge of your hub caps. By providing a centered, even pull, it allows you to pop the cap off with minimal effort and maximum safety, ensuring your investment remains in show-quality condition for years to come.

Beyond its utility as a high-grade removal tool, this EMPI component serves a brilliant dual purpose as a stylish jack hole cover. When you aren''t using it to service your wheels, the billet aluminum handle slides perfectly into the factory jack ports on your Beetle, Ghia, or Type 3. This not only keeps the tool within arms'' reach at all times but also seals the jack port from road grime, moisture, and debris that can lead to internal rust in your heater channels or chassis supports. Machined from premium billet aluminum and polished to a mirror-like finish, these pullers add a custom, high-end look to your exterior while performing a vital maintenance function. Whether you are at a local cruise-in or performing a roadside tire change, this is one piece of equipment that belongs in every VW''s toolkit.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1979 (All Bay Window and Split Window models with factory jack ports)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1973
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any application utilizing a standard VW chassis with functional jack ports and factory-style hub caps.

SPECS

• Material: High-grade 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum handle body.
• Puller Fingers: Heavy-duty tempered spring steel for maximum grip and durability.
• Finish: High-luster polished aluminum for a show-quality appearance.
• Part Number: EMPI 10-1075-0.
• Weight: Approximately 0.45 lbs.
• Primary Function: Non-marring hub cap removal tool.
• Secondary Function: Chassis jack port plug/cover.
• Compatibility: Works with all original and aftermarket hub caps featuring standard drain/removal holes.

PRO TIPS

1. Prep Your Jack Ports Before Installation

Before you slide your new billet puller into the jack port for the first time, take a moment to inspect the internal cavity of the jack hole. Over decades, these areas often collect dirt, rust, and old grease. Use a wire brush or a cylindrical file to clean the inner walls, then apply a very thin layer of marine-grade grease or anti-seize to the shank of the puller. This ensures that the tool won''t become "frozen" inside the port due to corrosion, allowing for easy removal whenever you need to access your wheels. A clean fit also prevents the polished finish from being unnecessarily scuffed by internal debris.

2. Perfecting the "The Two-Finger Technique"

When removing a stubborn hub cap, don''t just yank outward with brute force. Insert the spring steel fingers into the drain holes and apply a firm, steady outward pressure while slightly rocking the tool from side to side. This oscillating motion helps break the tension of the hub cap clips more evenly. If your clips are particularly tight, you can use a small amount of penetrating oil on the clips themselves beforehand. Remember, the goal is a controlled release; by using this specialized tool, you are protecting the integrity of the hub cap''s "lip" which is easily deformed by traditional prying methods.

3. Maintaining Tension for Long-Term Reliability

The spring steel fingers are designed to be resilient, but after hundreds of uses, they may eventually spread apart slightly. To maintain a "death grip" on your hub caps, you can occasionally use a pair of pliers to gently crimp the wire fingers back toward each other, restoring their original tension. Additionally, since these tools sit on the exterior of the vehicle, we recommend giving the billet handle a quick wipe-down with a quality metal polish once a month. This keeps the aluminum from oxidizing and ensures that your "functional jewelry" continues to shine as bright as your chrome bumpers.