Chrome Lug Bolts 60 Degree 12

OVERVIEW

When it comes to securing your vintage Volkswagen or custom dune buggy, you should never settle for hardware that is anything less than exceptional. These EMPI Chrome Lug Bolts are engineered to provide the perfect marriage of high-tensile strength and show-quality aesthetics. Designed specifically with a 60-degree taper (also known as a cone seat), these bolts are the industry standard for the vast majority of aftermarket aluminum and steel wheels, including iconic styles like EMPI 8-Spoke, Riviera, and BRM wheels. The brilliant chrome plating not only resists corrosion from the elements but also provides that final high-end detail that makes your wheel and tire package truly pop against the backdrop of your drums or disc brake rotors. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or simply refreshing your daily driver, these bolts ensure your wheels stay exactly where they belong while looking better than they ever did from the factory.

Precision is paramount in the air-cooled world, and these 12mm lug bolts are manufactured to exacting tolerances to ensure a smooth thread-in process and a secure hold under high-stress driving conditions. While many enthusiasts overlook their hardware, a master builder knows that the interface between the wheel and the hub is one of the most critical safety points on the vehicle. These bolts feature a robust 12mm thread diameter, making them the go-to choice for early Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Type 3 applications, as well as many custom sand rail and buggy hubs that utilize the 12mm x 1.5 thread pitch. Sold in a convenient 5-pack, you have exactly what you need for one wheel plus a spare, or you can grab four packs to outfit your entire ride with consistent, high-quality hardware that stands up to the rigors of the road and the trail alike.

FITMENT

These 12mm 60-degree taper lug bolts are designed for specific VW applications and aftermarket wheel configurations. Please verify your thread pitch and seat type before ordering:

• VW Beetle: 1946 through 1967 (Standard models with 12mm hubs).
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961 through 1965.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom application utilizing 12mm x 1.5 threaded drums or disc brake rotors.
• Aftermarket Wheels: Fits EMPI 8-Spoke, BRM, Riviera, GT-5, and most other aluminum wheels requiring a 60-degree cone seat.

SPECS

• Thread Diameter: 12mm.
• Thread Pitch: 1.5mm.
• Seat Type: 60 Degree Taper (Cone Seat).
• Finish: High-Luster Triple Chrome Plating.
• Quantity: Pack of 5 Bolts.
• Material: Heat-treated hardened steel for maximum durability.
• Head Size: Standard 17mm hex drive.
• Overall Length: Designed for standard thickness aftermarket wheel centers.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Always Verify Your Seat Type. It is absolutely critical to understand the difference between a Radius (Ball) seat and a Taper (Cone) seat. Most original equipment VW wheels use a radius seat, but almost all aftermarket alloy wheels require the 60-degree taper found on these bolts. Using a tapered bolt in a radius seator vice versawill result in insufficient surface contact, which leads to the bolts loosening over time and can cause catastrophic wheel failure. Always "dry fit" the bolt into the wheel unmounted to ensure the angles match perfectly before installation.

Pro Tip 2: The 50-Mile Retorque Rule. Chrome plating can be slippery, and new wheels often "settle" against the hub after the first few heat cycles and vibrations of driving. After installing these new chrome bolts, always use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten them to the factory specification (typically 60-70 ft-lbs for 12mm VW hardware). Drive the vehicle for approximately 50 miles, then re-check the torque. Don''t be surprised if they take a slight turn to reach spec again; this is a normal part of the hardware seating process and is vital for your safety.

Pro Tip 3: Proper Thread Engagement is Key. When switching from stock steel wheels to thicker aftermarket aluminum wheels, you must ensure you have enough thread engagement. As a general rule of thumb for 12mm x 1.5 bolts, you want at least 6.5 to 8 full turns of the bolt before it bottoms out against the wheel seat. If you have fewer than 6 turns, your bolts are too short and may strip the threads out of your drums or rotors under load. Conversely, if the bolts are too long, they can protrude through the back of the hub and interfere with your brake shoes or internal components. Always spin the wheel by hand while the car is on jack stands to check for any mechanical interference.