Gasser Wheels Black with Polished Lip, 5.5 Wide 5 on 130mm

OVERVIEW

Elevate your air-cooled Volkswagen''s aesthetic to legendary status with our Gasser Wheel Set. These wheels are a direct tribute to the golden era of drag racing, where the ''''Gasser'''' style defined the look of performance and aggression. Featuring a striking high-gloss black finish on the spokes and a mirror-polished outer lip, these wheels provide the perfect contrast for any paint job, from a daily driver Beetle to a show-stopping Karmann Ghia. The 5 on 130mm bolt pattern is the classic Porsche fitment, long favored by VW enthusiasts who want to bridge the gap between street-legal reliability and high-performance racing heritage. This set of four wheels isn''t just about looking fast; it''s about providing a wider stance and improved handling characteristics that stock steel wheels simply cannot match.

Engineering meets vintage style in every 15-inch Gasser wheel. Constructed from high-quality cast aluminum, these wheels are designed to reduce unsprung weight, which improves suspension response and overall vehicle agility. The 5.5-inch width is the ''''sweet spot'''' for air-cooled applications, allowing for a meaty tire profile that fills out the wheel wells without the constant headache of fender rubbing. With a 5-inch backspacing, these wheels are specifically engineered to tuck neatly under the bodywork of lowered cars while maintaining the clearance needed for disc brake conversions. Whether you are building a vintage Cal-Looker, a narrowed-beam street slayer, or a custom Dune Buggy, these Gasser wheels offer the structural integrity and timeless design required to stand out in the crowd at the next VW swap meet or drag strip event.

FITMENT

These wheels feature a 5 on 130mm bolt pattern (Porsche pattern). They will fit the following models provided the vehicle is equipped with redrilled drums, rotors, or wheel adapters:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years (with 5x130mm conversion).
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: All years (with 5x130mm conversion).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): All years (with 5x130mm conversion).
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: All years (with 5x130mm conversion).
• Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx Clones: Using Porsche-patterned hubs or rotors.
• Porsche 911, 912, and 914-6: Early models with 5x130mm bolt patterns.

SPECS

• Wheel Diameter: 15 Inches
• Wheel Width: 5.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 130mm
• Backspacing: 5 Inches
• Offset: Approximately +45mm
• Lug Seat Type: 14mm Ball Seat (Standard VW/Porsche style)
• Material: High-Strength Cast Aluminum Alloy
• Finish: Gloss Black Spokes with Machined Polished Lip
• Center Cap: Chrome Plastic Snap-In Style (Included)
• Valve Stems: Standard Rubber Stems (Included)
• Load Rating: Optimized for Air-Cooled VW and Lightweight Sports Car applications
• Quantity: Sold as a Complete Set of 4

PRO TIPS

1. Selecting the Correct Lug Hardware

One of the most common mistakes when installing aftermarket aluminum wheels is using the wrong lug bolts or nuts. These Gasser wheels are designed specifically for a 14mm Ball Seat. Many stock VW steel wheels use a ball seat, but the length of the bolt must be carefully measured to ensure it reaches through the thicker aluminum casting of the wheel and engages enough threads in the drum or rotor. We recommend at least 10 to 12 full turns of thread engagement. Never use a 60-degree taper (conical) seat lug on these wheels, as it will damage the aluminum seat and could lead to the wheel coming loose during operation. Always hand-torque your lugs to 80 lb-ft in a star pattern to ensure even pressure across the mounting surface.

2. Managing Fender Clearance and Backspacing

The 5-inch backspacing on these wheels is relatively deep, which is excellent for keeping the tires tucked inside the fenders on cars with narrowed beams or lowered spindles. However, you must check for inner clearance against your tie rod ends and lower control arms, especially at full steering lock. If you find that the inner rim or tire is rubbing on the suspension components, a small 3mm or 5mm wheel spacer can often provide the necessary clearance without pushing the tire out so far that it hits the fender lip. Always test fit the wheels without tires first to check for any interference with brake calipers, especially if you have upgraded to an aftermarket disc brake kit.

3. Maintaining the Polished and Painted Finish

To keep these wheels looking brand new, you must avoid using harsh acid-based wheel cleaners which can cloud the polished aluminum lip or etch the black paint. The best way to clean these is with a mild automotive soap and a soft microfiber wash mitt. Since the outer lip is polished aluminum and not chrome-plated, it can oxidize over time if exposed to road salt or harsh environments. I recommend applying a high-quality synthetic sealant or a dedicated metal wax to the polished lips once every few months. This creates a protective barrier that makes brake dust easier to remove and prevents the aluminum from dulling, ensuring that ''''deep-dish'''' shine lasts for years to come.