EMPI Dish Wheels 5.5 Wide, Fits 4 on 130mm VW

OVERVIEW

Transform the aesthetic and performance of your air-cooled Volkswagen with this complete set of four EMPI Dish Wheels. These wheels represent the pinnacle of the iconic ''California Look,'' providing a sleek, deep-dish profile that instantly modernizes the classic VW silhouette while paying homage to vintage racing heritage. Crafted from high-grade aluminum alloy, these 15-inch by 5.5-inch wheels offer a significant upgrade over factory steelies, reducing unsprung weight and improving heat dissipation for your braking system. The 5.5-inch width is the ''sweet spot'' for street-driven Volkswagens, allowing for a wider tire footprint that enhances cornering stability and traction without requiring radical body modifications or extreme fender rolling on most standard applications.

Each wheel features a precision-machined finish with a brilliant polished lip that catches the light and draws attention to your ride''s stance. Designed specifically for the 4 on 130mm lug pattern, these wheels are a direct fit for late-model Beetles, Ghias, and Type 3s, eliminating the need for cumbersome adapters or expensive hub conversions. The set comes fully equipped with EMPI-branded center caps and high-quality valve stems, ensuring you have the foundational components needed for a professional installation. Whether you are building a daily-driven restomod or a weekend show-stopper, these EMPI Dish wheels deliver the perfect balance of durability, style, and period-correct performance that Appletree Automotive customers have relied on for decades.

FITMENT

These wheels are designed for Volkswagens utilizing the 4x130mm lug bolt pattern. Please verify your vehicle''s drum or disc brake bolt pattern before ordering.

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard): 1968 through 1977
• 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 4-lug VW swing axle or IRS transaxle components.

SPECS

• Quantity: Set of 4 Wheels
• Diameter: 15 Inches
• Width: 5.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 4 on 130mm
• Backspacing: 3-3/4 Inches
• Offset: ET15 (Approximate)
• Lug Seat: 60 Degree Taper (Requires specific custom lug bolts/nuts)
• Center Bore: Designed for standard VW 4-lug hubs
• Material: Lightweight Cast Aluminum Alloy
• Finish: Polished Face and Lip with Gloss Accents
• Included Accessories: 4 Center Caps (EMPI Logo) and 4 Valve Stems
• Load Rating: Optimized for Air-Cooled VW chassis weights

PRO TIPS

1. Use the Correct Lug Hardware

Never attempt to use your factory Volkswagen lug bolts with these EMPI Dish wheels. Stock VW wheels typically use a ball-seat (radius) lug, whereas these alloy wheels are machined for a 60-degree taper (cone seat). Using the wrong seat type will prevent the wheel from centering properly on the hub and will eventually damage the aluminum lug seats, leading to wheel vibration or even failure. We highly recommend purchasing a fresh set of EMPI lug bolts (Part # 00-9519-0) or lug nuts (Part # 00-9484-0) to ensure a safe and secure fitment. Always hand-torque your lugs to 80 ft-lbs in a star pattern to avoid warping the brake drums or discs.

2. Selecting the Right Tire Profile

While the 5.5-inch width allows for a variety of tire choices, the ''classic'' look is usually achieved with a staggered setup. For a standard Beetle, a popular combination is 145/80R15 or 165/80R15 tires in the front to maintain steering clearance, paired with 185/65R15 or 195/60R15 tires in the rear for a meaty, performance-oriented look. If you are running a lowered front end with a narrowed beam, be mindful of the 3-3/4 inch backspacing; you may need to go with a narrower front tire to prevent the sidewall from rubbing the outer fender lip during sharp turns or over bumps.

3. Maintain the Polished Finish

Aluminum wheels are susceptible to oxidation and road salt damage if not properly maintained. Since these wheels feature a polished finish, we recommend applying a high-quality synthetic wheel sealant or ceramic coating before mounting them. This creates a barrier against brake dust and environmental contaminants. Avoid using harsh acid-based wheel cleaners which can cloud the polished surface. Instead, use a pH-neutral soap and a soft microfiber wash mitt. If the shine begins to dull over time, a light hand-polish with a dedicated aluminum metal polish will bring back that mirror-like EMPI luster.