Smoothie Wheels, Polished, 5.5 Wide, 4 on 130mm VW

OVERVIEW

Elevate the aesthetic of your classic air-cooled ride with the timeless appeal of these Polished Smoothie Wheels from Appletree Automotive. Designed specifically for the late-model Volkswagen enthusiast, these 15-inch by 5.5-inch wheels offer a perfect blend of vintage "California Look" styling and modern manufacturing precision. The high-luster polished finish provides a mirror-like shine that catches the light from every angle, while the classic riveted accents around the center provide a rugged, industrial touch that distinguishes these from standard smooth rims. Whether you are restoring a showroom-quality Beetle or building a custom street-cruiser, these wheels deliver that iconic deep-dish appearance that has defined the VW scene for decades. The 5.5-inch width is the "Goldilocks" size for many builders, providing a slightly wider stance than stock for improved stability and a more aggressive profile without requiring extensive body modifications or fender stretching.

Beyond the stunning visual upgrade, these Smoothie wheels are engineered for a precise 4 on 130mm bolt pattern, making them a direct fit for 1968 and later Type 1 engines and chassis configurations. Each wheel comes complete with a matching center cap and a high-quality valve stem, ensuring you have the core components needed to get your new rollers mounted and balanced. We understand that air-cooled owners demand durability alongside style, which is why these wheels are built to handle the rigors of daily driving while maintaining their brilliant finish. By moving to a 5.5-inch wide rim, you open up a much broader range of modern tire options, allowing for better contact patches and enhanced handling characteristics compared to the original skinny factory steelies. When you choose Appletree Automotive, you are investing in a product backed by decades of VW expertise, ensuring your Bug, Ghia, or custom rail looks as good as it performs.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1968 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1967 through 1974 (Equipped with 4-lug hubs)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1966 through 1973
• Custom Applications: Any Dune Buggy, Sand Rail, or Kit Car utilizing standard VW 4-lug (4x130mm) drum or disc brake hubs.

SPECS

• Diameter: 15 Inches
• Width: 5.5 Inches
• Bolt Pattern: 4 On 130mm (Standard VW 4-Lug)
• Finish: High-Luster Polished Aluminum
• Construction: Riveted Center Design
• Backspacing: 5mm
• Lug Seat: 60 Degree Taper (Requires 14mm Tapered Lugs)
• Center Cap: Included (Replacement Part #10-1099-0)
• Valve Stem: Included
• Recommended Lug Hardware: 00-9519-0 (Lug Bolt) & 00-9484-0 (Lug Nut)

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Never Use Stock Lug Bolts. One of the most common mistakes we see is builders attempting to use their original factory Volkswagen lug bolts with these aftermarket Smoothie wheels. Factory VW wheels typically use a "Ball Seat" radius, whereas these high-performance wheels require a 60-degree "Tapered Seat" (also known as a Cone Seat). Using the wrong lug seat will prevent the wheel from centering correctly and can lead to the lugs loosening or even damaging the wheel mounting surface. Always verify you are using the recommended 14mm tapered hardware listed in our specs to ensure a safe and secure fitment.

Pro Tip 2: Maintain That Mirror Shine. Because these wheels feature a high-quality polished finish, they require specific care to prevent oxidation and dulling over time. We recommend cleaning them with a dedicated non-acidic wheel cleaner and a soft microfiber wash mitt. Avoid using harsh degreasers or automatic car washes that use acid-based chemicals, as these can etch the aluminum surface. Applying a high-quality wheel sealant or ceramic coating before installation will make future clean-ups much easier and help protect the luster against road grime and brake dust.

Pro Tip 3: Tire Sizing for the Perfect Stance. For a classic look on a Beetle or Ghia, we often recommend a 165R15 tire for a narrower, vintage feel, or a 185/65R15 for a slightly beefier footprint that fills out the wheel well nicely on a 5.5-inch rim. If you are running a lowered front beam, consider a "staggered" tire setup with a smaller profile in the front (like a 145 or 155) and a larger tire in the rear to achieve that iconic "Cal-Look" rake. Don''t forget to have your wheels balanced by a shop familiar with lug-centric balancing to ensure a vibration-free ride at highway speeds.