Raider Wheels, All Chrome, 17X7, 5 on 205mm

OVERVIEW

Elevate your air-cooled Volkswagen''s presence to a whole new level with the Appletree Automotive Raider Wheels. These stunning 17-inch by 7-inch rims represent the perfect marriage between classic "Wide-5" heritage and modern, high-performance styling. Finished in a brilliant, deep-luster chrome with a precision-polished lip, the Raider wheel is designed for the VW enthusiast who refuses to blend into the background. Whether you are building a show-stopping Resto-Cal Beetle, a modernized Type 2 Bus, or a high-end custom Dune Buggy, these wheels provide a massive visual upgrade while maintaining the iconic 5 on 205mm bolt pattern that defines the early era of Volkswagen engineering. The aggressive 17-inch diameter allows for a much wider selection of modern, low-profile performance tires, giving you better handling and a stance that simply cannot be achieved with stock 15-inch steelies.

Beyond the undeniable aesthetic appeal, these Raider wheels are engineered for durability and precision fitment. Unlike many aftermarket wheels that require cumbersome adapters to fit vintage drums or disc brake conversions, these wheels bolt directly to your 5 on 205mm hubs, ensuring a hub-centric-like stability and a cleaner overall look. Each wheel comes complete with a sleek center cap and a high-quality valve stem, saving you the hassle of sourcing small components separately. The 5-1/2 inch backspacing is specifically designed to tuck the wheel into the fender well, though it requires careful measurement on narrowed beams or lowered spindles. When you choose the Raider wheel from Appletree Automotive, you are not just buying a rim; you are investing in a piece of automotive jewelry that is built to withstand the rigors of the road while making your vintage VW the center of attention at every local meet and national show.

FITMENT

These Raider Wheels are designed for Volkswagens and custom vehicles utilizing the "Wide-5" (5 on 205mm) lug pattern. Please note that due to the 17x7 size and 5-1/2 inch backspacing, modifications to suspension or bodywork may be necessary on some models.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1967 (Standard models with original Wide-5 drums).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966.
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1950 through 1970 (Includes Split Window and early Bay Window models).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years utilizing the 5 on 205mm pattern.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any chassis using Wide-5 VW drums, rotors, or custom hubs.
• Custom Kit Cars: Including 356 Speedster replicas and Bradley GTs with VW pans.

SPECS

• Diameter: 17 Inches
• Width: 7 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide-5)
• Backspacing: 5-1/2 Inches
• Finish: Full Chrome Face with Polished Lip
• Lug Seat: 60 Degree Taper (Designed for 12mm hardware)
• Center Cap: Included (Replacement Part # 00-9721-0)
• Valve Stems: Included with each wheel
• Recommended Lug Hardware: Lug Studs (00-9537-0) and Lug Nuts (00-9516-0)
• Construction: High-strength alloy for reduced unsprung weight compared to steel

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Inner Clearance

The 5-1/2 inch backspacing on these 17x7 Raider wheels is deeper than many traditional VW wheels. Before mounting tires, we strongly recommend a "dry fit" on your vehicle. Check the clearance between the inner rim edge and your tie rod ends, shocks, and inner fender wells. If you are running a narrowed beam or dropped spindles, you may need to use a small wheel spacer to push the wheel outward or adjust your steering stops to prevent the tire from rubbing the body at full lock. Always ensure you have at least a finger''s width of clearance throughout the entire range of suspension travel and steering motion.

2. Selecting the Right Rubber

Switching to a 17-inch wheel opens up a world of modern tire compounds, but choosing the right aspect ratio is critical for both look and function. For a classic "California Look" on a Beetle, a 205/40R17 or 215/45R17 tire is a popular choice that balances a low-profile aesthetic with enough sidewall to protect the rim from potholes. If you are fitting these to a heavier Type 2 Bus, ensure your chosen tire has an appropriate load rating. Remember that a shorter tire will effectively change your gearing and speedometer reading, so plan accordingly if you do a lot of highway cruising.

3. Maintain That Chrome Shine

To keep these Raider wheels looking like new, never use harsh acid-based wheel cleaners or abrasive brushes, as they can micro-scratch the chrome finish. We recommend washing them with the same high-quality automotive soap you use on your paint and drying them thoroughly with a microfiber towel to prevent water spots. Periodically apply a high-quality synthetic wheel sealant or wax to create a barrier against brake dust and road grime. Also, when installing the wheels, always use a torque wrench to tighten your lug nuts to the factory specification (usually 80-90 ft-lbs for VWs) to ensure even pressure on the wheel seat and prevent warping or cracking of the chrome plating around the lug holes.