Cosmo Wheels, Gloss Black with Polished Lip 5 On 130mm 5-1/2

OVERVIEW

Elevate your air-cooled Volkswagen''s aesthetic to legendary status with this complete set of four Cosmo Wheels. Designed with the discerning enthusiast in mind, these wheels feature a stunning gloss black center finish that provides a sharp, aggressive contrast against the brilliant high-luster polished lip. This classic "five-spoke evolution" design pays homage to the performance-oriented Porsche styling that has defined the "Cal-Look" and "Resto-Cal" movements for decades. Whether you are building a show-stopping street machine or a clean weekend cruiser, the Cosmo wheel offers a timeless look that bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern manufacturing precision. The 5.5-inch width is the industry-standard "sweet spot," allowing for a more substantial tire footprint than stock steelies while maintaining the clearance necessary to tuck neatly under factory fenders.

Engineered for durability and style, these wheels utilize the iconic 5 on 130mm bolt pattern, which is the gold standard for high-performance VW builds utilizing Porsche-style brake conversions. Each wheel in this set comes complete with its own center cap and valve stem, ensuring you have the core components needed for a seamless installation. The 5-inch backspacing is specifically designed to help manage track width, making these an excellent choice for those running narrowed beams or disc brake conversions where offset management is critical. When you install a set of Cosmo wheels from Appletree Automotive, you aren''t just changing your rims; you are investing in a heritage-inspired transformation that commands respect at every VW show and gas station stop.

FITMENT

These wheels feature a 5 on 130mm bolt pattern (Porsche Pattern). To install these on a standard Volkswagen, you must use drilled drums/rotors or wheel adapters. Typical applications include:

• Volkswagen Beetle: All years (Requires 5x130mm conversion).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years (Requires 5x130mm conversion).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): All years (Requires 5x130mm conversion).
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1950-1979 (Requires 5x130mm conversion).
• Porsche 911/912/944: Early models with factory 5x130mm hubs (Verify backspacing for your specific year).
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Equipped with Porsche-patterned hubs or disc brake kits.

SPECS

• Quantity: Full Set of 4 Wheels.
• Diameter: 15 Inches.
• Width: 5-1/2 Inches (5.5").
• Bolt Pattern: 5 On 130mm (Porsche Lug Pattern).
• Backspacing: 5 Inches.
• Finish: Gloss Black Spokes with Polished Outer Lip.
• Material: High-Quality Aluminum Alloy.
• Lug Seat: 14mm Ball Seat (Requires specific ball-seat hardware).
• Center Cap: Included (Replacement Part #10-1097-0).
• Valve Stems: Included.
• Recommended Lug Hardware: 70-2868-0 (Bolts) or 00-9517-0 (Nuts).

PRO TIPS

1. Confirm Your Lug Seat Profile

One of the most common mistakes in the air-cooled world is using the wrong lug hardware. These Cosmo wheels are designed with a 14mm Ball Seat. Standard VW steel wheels often use a ball seat, but many aftermarket wheels use a tapered (cone) seat. Never use a tapered lug nut or bolt on these wheels, as it will not seat properly, leading to damaged wheel holes and potentially dangerous wheel vibration or loosening. Always use the recommended 14mm ball seat hardware mentioned in the specs to ensure a safe and secure fitment.

2. Measuring Backspacing for Fender Clearance

With a 5-inch backspacing, these wheels sit further "inboard" than many other aftermarket options. This is a massive advantage for owners running disc brake conversions, which often push the track width out by 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch per side. However, if you are running a stock-width beam with wide tires, you must check for inner wheel well clearance, especially during tight turns. If you find the inner rim is too close to the tie rod ends or the body, a small hub-centric spacer may be used to fine-tune the stance, but generally, this 5-inch backspacing is the preferred setup for keeping tires tucked under the fenders.

3. Maintenance of the Polished Lip

To keep that polished lip looking like a mirror, you must avoid using "acid-based" wheel cleaners common at automated car washes. These harsh chemicals can cloud the polished finish and even damage the gloss black paint. Instead, use a pH-neutral soap and water for regular cleaning. For seasonal detailing, use a high-quality aluminum polish on the lip to remove oxidation and a synthetic wax or ceramic sealant on the entire wheel to protect against brake dust and road grime. Taking ten extra minutes during your wash routine will ensure these wheels look brand new for years to come.