Gt-8 Wheels Silver with Polished Lip, 5.5 Wide, 4 on 130mm

OVERVIEW

Transform the stance and style of your air-cooled classic with this premium set of GT-8 wheels. Finished in a striking silver with a high-luster polished lip, these wheels offer a timeless 8-spoke design that perfectly bridges the gap between vintage racing heritage and modern street performance. Whether you are restoring a late-model Beetle or putting the finishing touches on a custom Ghia, the 5.5-inch width provides a significantly wider footprint than stock steelies, allowing for improved handling and a more aggressive profile without the clearance headaches often associated with wider racing wheels. This set of four wheels is engineered to deliver a clean, crisp aesthetic that complements any paint job while providing the structural integrity required for both daily driving and weekend cruising.

Each wheel is manufactured from high-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring a lightweight yet incredibly durable construction that reduces unsprung weight for better suspension response. We know that the details matter, which is why this complete package includes four center caps and four valve stems, saving you the hassle of hunting down compatible accessories. The 4 on 130mm bolt pattern is the standard for late-model Volkswagens, making these a direct-fit upgrade for owners looking to ditch their hubcaps in favor of a high-performance look. When you invest in a set of GT-8 wheels from Appletree Automotive, you aren''t just buying wheels; you are investing in a decades-long legacy of VW performance styling that continues to turn heads at every car show and stoplight.

FITMENT

These GT-8 wheels feature the standard late-VW 4-on-130mm bolt pattern and are designed for the following applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1968 through 1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• 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: Dune buggies, sand rails, and kit cars utilizing a late-model VW 4-lug drum or disc brake setup.

SPECS

• Quantity: Complete Set of 4 Wheels
• Diameter: 15 Inches
• Width: 5.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 4 On 130mm
• Backspacing: 30mm (Approx. 4.4 Inches)
• Finish: Silver Center with Polished Outer Lip
• Material: Lightweight Cast Aluminum Alloy
• Lug Seat: 60 Degree Taper (Requires specialized lug hardware)
• Lug Size Required: 14mm
• Center Cap: Included (Replacement Part # 00-9708-0)
• Valve Stems: Included
• Recommended Lug Bolt: Part # 00-9519-0
• Recommended Lug Nut: Part # 00-9484-0

PRO TIPS

1. Always Use the Correct Lug Hardware

One of the most common mistakes we see is attempting to use stock Volkswagen lug bolts with aftermarket aluminum wheels. Original equipment VW steel wheels use a radius (ball) seat lug, but these GT-8 wheels require a 60-degree taper (cone) seat lug. Using the wrong seat will prevent the wheel from centering properly and can lead to the lugs loosening or even damaging the aluminum wheel face. Always verify you have 14mm x 1.5 thread pitch tapered lugs before installation. We highly recommend hand-starting all lugs to avoid cross-threading and using a torque wrench to reach the manufacturer''s specifications in a star pattern.

2. Tire Selection and Fender Clearance

The 5.5-inch width is the "sweet spot" for most Volkswagens, but tire choice is critical for a rub-free experience. If your vehicle is at stock height, a 165R15 or a 185/65R15 tire usually fits perfectly. However, if you have a lowered front end with a narrowed beam or dropped spindles, you should consider a "low-profile" or "smart car" tire (like a 145/65R15 or 175/55R15) to ensure the tires don''t catch the fender lips during sharp turns. Always check your clearance at full lock and under suspension compression before heading out on a long drive.

3. Maintaining the Polished Lip Finish

To keep these wheels looking brand new, you must avoid using harsh acid-based wheel cleaners which can cloud or "stain" the polished aluminum lip. Instead, use a pH-neutral soap and a soft microfiber wash mitt. Because the lip is polished aluminum and not chrome-plated, it is susceptible to oxidation over time if exposed to road salt or moisture. We recommend applying a high-quality synthetic wheel sealant or a carnauba wax to the polished areas at least twice a year. This creates a protective barrier that makes brake dust easier to wash off and keeps that mirror-like shine popping in the sunlight.