Vintage Style Hub Cap Puller, for Aircooled VW

OVERVIEW

Precision and preservation are the hallmarks of a true air-cooled enthusiast, and nothing ruins a pristine restoration faster than a mangled hubcap or a scratched rim. The EMPI Vintage Style Hub Cap Puller is the definitive solution for owners who demand the correct tool for the job. This tool is a faithful reproduction of the original equipment (O.E.) puller that was once a staple in every factory Volkswagen tool kit. Designed specifically to interface with the two small holes found on vintage VW hubcaps, this puller allows you to exert even, outward pressure to pop the cap off the wheel clips without the need for prying. If you are still using a flathead screwdriver wrapped in a rag to remove your hubcaps, you are risking permanent damage to your expensive chrome and paint. This tool eliminates that risk entirely, providing a professional and period-correct way to access your lug nuts for maintenance or tire changes.

Constructed with an eye for both durability and aesthetics, this puller features a high-quality polished stainless steel cover that resists corrosion and maintains a show-ready shine for years. Underneath the stainless skin sits a robust plastic body that provides the structural integrity needed to handle stubborn, tight-fitting hubcaps. The pulling mechanism consists of heavy-duty plated wires that are engineered to maintain their shape under tension, ensuring they won''t straighten out when you give them a tug. Whether you are building a Concours-level trailer queen or maintaining a daily-driven Bus, this EMPI puller is a mandatory addition to your glove box or tool roll. It provides the leverage you need while maintaining the vintage look that matches the soul of your classic Volkswagen. Don''t settle for generic alternatives when you can have a tool that looks and functions exactly like the German original.

FITMENT

This vintage-style hubcap puller is designed for all air-cooled Volkswagen models equipped with hubcaps featuring factory-drilled puller holes, typically found on original and high-quality reproduction wheels.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1979 (Type 2)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing: 1973 through 1974 (Type 181)
• Custom Wheels: Fits any aftermarket "Wide-5" or 4-lug steel wheel using vintage-style hubcaps with puller holes.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 10-1065-0
• Material (Cover): Polished Stainless Steel for superior rust resistance and finish.
• Internal Body: High-density impact-resistant plastic.
• Hook Material: Zinc-plated spring steel wires for maximum tensile strength.
• Design Style: O.E. (Original Equipment) Reproduction.
• Function: Dual-hook engagement for balanced removal of press-on hubcaps.
• Finish: Mirror-polished exterior to match vintage chrome accessories.

PRO TIPS

1. Use a Straight-Pull Technique to Protect the Clips

When removing your hubcaps, always ensure that the hooks are fully seated into the two holes on the face of the cap. Grip the puller firmly and pull directly toward your body in a quick, smooth motion. Avoid pulling at an upward or downward angle. Pulling straight out ensures that the tension is distributed evenly across the internal spring clips on the wheel. This prevents the clips from being bent out of shape or snapped off, which is a common issue when prying with a screwdriver. If the cap is particularly stubborn, a tiny drop of penetrating oil on the clips behind the cap can help it slide off more easily the next time.

2. Verify Your Hubcap Style Before Use

While this tool is the standard for classic VWs, it only works on hubcaps that have the two small factory-drilled holes specifically designed for this puller. Most "Wide-5" (5x205mm) and early 4-lug (4x130mm) original hubcaps feature these holes. However, some very early "smoothie" style caps or certain budget aftermarket reproductions do not have these holes. If your caps are smooth, you will need a different removal method. Always check for the presence of the two small holes (usually spaced about an inch apart near the center or edge depending on the year) to ensure compatibility with this vintage-style tool.

3. Keep Your Tool Roll Organized and Protected

The EMPI 10-1065-0 is a compact tool, making it easy to lose in a cluttered trunk or a large toolbox. We recommend keeping it inside a dedicated tool roll or a small protective pouch. Because the hooks are made of plated steel, storing them in a dry environment prevents any surface oxidation over decades of use. Additionally, keeping it in your glove box ensures it is always available during a roadside emergency. There is nothing more frustrating than having a flat tire on the side of the highway and realizing you have no way to get the hubcap off to reach the lug nuts without destroying the finish on your wheels.