Hub Cap Chrome 45-65

Product Overview

Elevate the vintage aesthetic of your classic Volkswagen with this premium Chrome Hub Cap, designed specifically for the iconic 1945 to 1965 model years. As a master air-cooled specialist, I know that nothing ruins a restoration faster than pitted or dull brightwork. These hub caps are manufactured to replicate the original factory profile, providing that unmistakable "domed" or "nipple" silhouette that defined the early era of the Type 1 Beetle and Karmann Ghia. The high-luster chrome finish is applied over a heavy-gauge steel stamping, ensuring that your "Wide 5" wheels look as sharp as the day they rolled off the assembly line in Wolfsburg. Whether you are finishing a 100-point concours restoration or simply freshening up your daily driver, these caps offer the perfect blend of period-correct styling and modern durability.

Beyond the undeniable curb appeal, these hub caps serve a critical functional role in protecting your vehicle''s hub assembly. By shielding the spindle nuts, grease caps, and wheel bearings from road salt, moisture, and debris, they help prevent corrosion in areas that are vital to your VW''s safety and performance. This specific model, part number 113-601-151, is engineered to snap securely onto the original-style spring clips found on 5x205mm lug pattern wheels. We understand that air-cooled enthusiasts demand parts that fit without a struggle, and these Foreign Parts Distributors units deliver a tight, rattle-free fitment that resists popping off during spirited drives or over rough terrain. Give your vintage ride the crowning touch it deserves with a set of chrome caps that reflect the heritage of the air-cooled movement.

Vehicle Fitment

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia (Type 14): 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965
• Standard Wheels: Fits all original and aftermarket "Wide 5" (5x205mm) steel wheels equipped with hub cap clips.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 113-601-151
• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel construction
• Finish: Triple-layered high-luster chrome plating
• Style: Early-style smooth dome (Nipple style)
• Wheel Pattern Compatibility: 5-Lug "Wide 5" (5x205mm)
• Inner Diameter: Approximately 9.5 inches (Standard fitment for early VW)
• Mounting Type: Spring clip retention
• Weight: 2 lbs per unit

Pro Tips from the Garage

1. Inspect Your Hub Cap Clips First

Before you snap these beautiful new chrome caps onto your wheels, take a moment to inspect the spring clips riveted to your rims. Over decades, these clips can become fatigued, bent, or rusted, which is the leading cause of "lost hub cap syndrome" on the highway. Use a pair of pliers to ensure each clip has a firm, outward tension. If the clips are brittle or loose, we highly recommend replacing them and using fresh rivets before installing your new caps. A secure clip ensures your investment stays on the car where it belongs.

2. Master the No-Mar Installation

Never use a standard metal hammer to install chrome hub caps, as it will instantly dent the steel and crack the chrome plating, leading to premature rusting. The best tool for the job is the palm of your hand, but if the clips are particularly tight, use a heavy rubber mallet. For maximum protection, place a thick microfiber towel over the hub cap before striking it with the mallet. Always apply pressure evenly around the edges rather than hitting the center dome to prevent "oil-canning" or dimpling the metal.

3. Seal the Chrome for Longevity

To keep that show-quality shine for years to come, treat your new hub caps with a high-quality carnauba wax or a dedicated synthetic sealant before you hit the road. Chrome is naturally porous at a microscopic level, and environmental contaminants like brake dust and road salt can get trapped in those pores and cause pitting. A solid layer of wax creates a hydrophobic barrier that makes cleaning easier and prevents the oxidation process. This is especially critical for owners in coastal areas or regions where road salt is used during the winter months.