Brm Wheels Black with Polished Lip, 4.5 Wide, 4 on 130mm VW

OVERVIEW

Transform your classic air-cooled ride with the timeless aesthetic of the BRM style wheel, a design that has defined the "Cal-Look" movement for decades. These BRM Wheels feature a striking high-gloss black finish on the inner spokes, beautifully contrasted by a precision-polished outer lip and face. This specific set is engineered for the enthusiast who demands a narrow, tucked-in profile, measuring 4.5 inches in width. This narrow footprint is the gold standard for Volkswagen owners looking to achieve that aggressive, nose-down rake without the constant worry of tire-to-fender interference on lowered front ends. Whether you are building a period-correct street machine or a clean daily driver, these wheels provide the perfect balance of vintage racing heritage and modern manufacturing reliability.

This comprehensive kit includes a complete set of four wheels, ensuring your vehicle has a cohesive and uniform look from every angle. Each wheel comes standard with its own center cap and valve stem, saving you the hassle of sourcing small components separately. Constructed from high-grade aluminum alloy, these wheels are significantly lighter than stock steel wheels, which helps reduce unsprung weight and improves overall handling characteristics. The 4 on 130mm bolt pattern is the factory standard for late-model Beetles and Ghias, making these a direct fit for many applications. When you choose Appletree Automotive, you are investing in a product that has been vetted by specialists who live and breathe the VW lifestyle, ensuring your Bug, Ghia, or Type 3 looks as good as it performs on the open road.

FITMENT

These wheels feature the 4 on 130mm lug pattern, commonly referred to as the "Late" VW bolt pattern. They are designed to fit the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1968 through 1977 (Standard)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1967 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1966 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Any Dune Buggy, Sand Rail, or Kit Car utilizing factory 4-lug VW drums or disc brake conversions.

SPECS

• Quantity: Set of 4 Wheels
• Diameter: 15 Inch
• Width: 4.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 4 on 130mm
• Backspacing: 3-3/4 Inches
• Finish: Gloss Black with Polished Lip and Spokes
• Material: Aluminum Alloy
• Lug Seat: 60 Degree Taper (Requires 14mm Tapered Hardware)
• Center Cap: Included (Replacement Part Number: 00-9705-0)
• Valve Stems: Included
• Shipping Weight: 57.4 lbs (Total for set)

PRO TIPS

1. Selecting the Correct Lug Hardware

One of the most common mistakes when upgrading from factory steel wheels to aftermarket aluminum BRMs is attempting to reuse the original lug bolts. Factory VW wheels typically use a ball-seat lug, whereas these BRM wheels require a 60-degree tapered (cone) seat. Using the wrong seat profile will prevent the wheel from centering correctly and can lead to the lugs loosening over time, potentially damaging the wheel or causing a safety hazard. We highly recommend using our dedicated lug bolts (Part Number: 00-9712-0) or a stud and nut conversion (00-9519-0 & 00-9484-0) to ensure a secure and professional installation.

2. Tire Sizing for the Narrow 4.5-Inch Width

Since these wheels are 4.5 inches wide, they are specifically designed for narrower tires to achieve that classic look. If you are running a lowered front beam, we suggest a 135R15 or 145R15 tire to provide maximum clearance inside the fenders. While some enthusiasts run 4.5-inch wheels on all four corners, many prefer a staggered setup for better traction in the rear. If you want more meat on the back, consider pairing this set with a pair of 5.5-inch wide BRMs for the rear. Always ensure your tire shop is familiar with mounting tires on vintage-style aluminum wheels to avoid scratching the polished finish.

3. Maintenance and Brake Clearance Check

To keep that polished lip looking like chrome, avoid using harsh acid-based wheel cleaners which can cloud the aluminum finish. A simple mild soap and water solution followed by a quality aluminum polish will keep them shining for years. Additionally, while these are designed for 4-lug VWs, always do a dry-fit test on the front spindles if you have an aftermarket disc brake conversion. Some heavy-duty calipers may require a very thin spacer or minor clearancing of the caliper body to ensure the wheel spins freely without contact. Never use an impact wrench to final-torque your aluminum wheels; always use a calibrated torque wrench to 80-90 ft-lbs to prevent warping or cracking the lug seats.