Brm Wheels Black with Polished Lip, 17x7, 5 On 205mm VW

OVERVIEW

Transform your vintage Volkswagen into a modern street machine with the iconic styling of the BRM wheel, now reimagined in a contemporary 17-inch diameter. These BRM wheels feature a stunning high-gloss black finish that perfectly contrasts with the precision-machined, polished outer lip and face detailing. Originally designed by Speedwell in the 1960s, the BRM pattern is the quintessential choice for the "Cal-Look" movement. By stepping up to a 17x7 size, you are not just upgrading the aesthetics; you are opening the door to a massive selection of modern high-performance tires that provide superior grip, improved cornering stability, and a lower profile look that stock 15-inch wheels simply cannot match. This set of four wheels provides a cohesive, show-ready appearance that honors VW heritage while embracing modern wheel engineering.

Engineered specifically for the classic air-cooled chassis, these wheels utilize the traditional 5 on 205mm "Wide-5" bolt pattern, allowing for a direct fitment on early Beetles, Buses, and Ghias without the need for expensive hub conversions or adapters. The 5-5/8 inch backspacing is carefully calculated to help tuck the wheel under the fenders, though it is important to consider your specific suspension setup and tire choice for the perfect fit. Each wheel in this set comes complete with a signature BRM center cap and a high-quality valve stem, ensuring you have the foundational components needed for a professional installation. Whether you are building a weekend cruiser, a slammed resto-mod, or a high-performance dune buggy, these 17-inch BRM wheels offer the perfect balance of vintage soul and modern performance.

FITMENT

These wheels are designed for Volkswagens featuring the 5 on 205mm lug pattern, including:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1967 (Standard and Deluxe models).
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1970 (Split Window and early Bay Window).
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: All years utilizing the Wide-5 pattern.
• Custom Applications: Any Dune Buggy, Sand Rail, or kit car utilizing early VW Wide-5 drum or disc brake hubs.

SPECS

Quantity: Sold as a Complete Set of 4 Wheels

• Diameter: 17 Inches
• Width: 7 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5)
• Backspacing: 5-5/8 Inches
• Offset: Positive (Specific to 5-5/8" backspacing)
• Finish: Gloss Black with Machined Polished Lip and Spokes
• Lug Seat: 60-Degree Taper (Requires specific lug hardware)
• Center Bore: Designed for VW Wide-5 Hubs
• Includes: (4) Center Caps and (4) Chrome Valve Stems
• Replacement Cap Reference: 00-9705-0
• Recommended Hardware: 12mm 60-degree taper lugs (Part numbers 00-9537-0 & 00-9516-0)

PRO TIPS

1. Tire Selection and Fender Clearance

When moving to a 17x7 wheel on a classic VW, tire selection is critical for avoiding fender rub, especially on the front. For a standard-width beam, a 205/40/17 or 205/45/17 is a popular choice, but many enthusiasts running lowered front ends opt for a 195/40/17 to provide extra clearance. If you find the wheels are too close to the fender lip, consider a narrowed front beam (2 to 4 inches) to "tuck" the wheels deeper into the wheel wells. Always test fit the wheel and tire combination at full steering lock and under suspension compression before heading out on the road to ensure there is no interference with the bodywork or suspension components.

2. Never Reuse Stock Lug Bolts

It is absolutely vital that you do not attempt to use your original factory VW lug bolts with these aluminum BRM wheels. Factory Wide-5 steel wheel bolts typically use a "ball seat" or "radius seat," whereas these performance aluminum wheels require a 60-degree "taper" or "cone seat" lug nut or bolt. Using the wrong seat profile will prevent the wheel from centering correctly and can lead to the lugs loosening or even damaging the wheel seats. We highly recommend installing a wheel stud kit (Part 00-9516-0) combined with the appropriate taper nuts; this makes mounting 17-inch wheels significantly easier and safer than struggling with heavy wheel-and-tire combos and traditional lug bolts.

3. Maintaining the Polished Finish

To keep your BRM wheels looking like they just came out of the box, you must be diligent with cleaning. The polished aluminum lip is not clear-coated, meaning it can oxidize if exposed to road salt, harsh chemicals, or brake dust for extended periods. Avoid using "acid-based" wheel cleaners found at local car washes, as these can cloud the polished finish instantly. Instead, use a pH-balanced soap and water for regular washes. For deep cleaning and restoring the shine, use a high-quality aluminum polish and a microfiber towel. Applying a synthetic wheel sealant or ceramic coating to the black and polished surfaces will help repel brake dust and make future cleanups much easier.