Wheel Adapters, 5 On 205mm VW Rim, To 5 On 112mm Drum

OVERVIEW

Transform the stance and style of your late-model Volkswagen with these premium EMPI wheel adapters, designed to bridge the gap between modern hub reliability and classic vintage aesthetics. Specifically engineered for enthusiasts who want to run the iconic "Wide-5" (5 on 205mm) wheels on a chassis equipped with the later 5 on 112mm bolt pattern, these adapters provide a rock-solid mounting surface. Whether you are building a custom restomod Bus or looking to put early-style wheels on a Vanagon or a late-model disc brake conversion, these adapters allow for a seamless transition without the need for expensive custom-drilled drums or rotors. The heavy-duty construction ensures that your rotating assembly remains balanced and secure, maintaining the structural integrity required for both daily driving and show-circuit cruising.

Precision is paramount when it comes to wheel fitment, and these EMPI adapters deliver exactly that. Each adapter is machined with exacting tolerances to ensure a hub-centric-like fit that minimizes vibration and maximizes safety. By utilizing high-grade materials and featuring pre-tapped 14mm x 1.5mm threaded holes, these adapters make the installation of classic VW wheels straightforward and reliable. They are sold as a pair, providing a complete solution for one axle. If you have been dreaming of that nostalgic, early-sixties look but don''t want to give up your late-model braking power, these adapters are the essential link in your build. Don''t settle for subpar spacers when you can have the engineering excellence that EMPI has provided to the air-cooled community for decades.

FITMENT

These wheel adapters are designed to fit vehicles or brake setups with a 5x112mm bolt pattern, adapting them to accept 5x205mm wheels. Common applications include:

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1971 through 1979 (Factory 5x112mm hubs).
• Volkswagen Vanagon (Type 25): 1980 through 1991 (Factory 5x112mm hubs).
• Custom Conversions: Any Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Type 3 utilizing late-model 5x112mm disc brake conversion kits.
• Dune Buggies and Rails: Custom builds using late Bus or Vanagon trailing arms and transaxles.

SPECS

• Adapter Type: Hub-to-Wheel Bolt Pattern Adapter.
• Inner Bolt Pattern (Brake Drum/Rotor): 5 on 112mm.
• Outer Bolt Pattern (Wheel Rim): 5 on 205mm (Wide-5).
• Thread Pitch: 14mm x 1.5mm (Tapped holes for lug bolts).
• Material: High-strength cast iron/steel alloy for maximum durability.
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (2 pieces per kit).
• Finish: Natural/Machined.
• Thickness: Precision engineered to provide necessary clearance for the Wide-5 mounting flange.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Verify Lug Bolt Length and Seat Type

When installing these adapters, it is absolutely critical that you verify the length of the lug bolts you are using to secure the 205mm wheel to the adapter. Because the adapter has a specific thickness, a lug bolt that is too long will pass through the adapter and potentially strike the brake drum or rotor surface behind it, causing catastrophic damage to your braking system. Conversely, a bolt that is too short will not have enough thread engagement to safely hold the wheel. Additionally, ensure your lug bolts match the seat of your wheelsmost classic VW wheels use a radius (ball) seat, while many aftermarket wheels use a 60-degree taper (cone) seat. Using the wrong seat type will lead to the wheel loosening during operation.

2. Account for Increased Track Width and Offset

Installing wheel adapters naturally increases the track width of your vehicle because the adapter itself acts as a spacer. Before final installation, you must calculate the "ET" or offset of your new Wide-5 wheels combined with the thickness of the adapter. On lowered Buses or Vanagons, this extra width can cause the tires to rub against the inner fender lip or the wheel arch. I highly recommend performing a "dry fit" without the tires mounted if you are running tight clearances. If rubbing occurs, you may need to consider narrower tires or slight fender rolling to ensure a rub-free ride throughout the full range of suspension travel.

3. Proper Torquing and Maintenance Cycles

Never use an impact wrench to install the hardware on these adapters, as over-torquing can stretch the threads or warp the mounting surface. Use a high-quality torque wrench and follow a star pattern to reach the factory-recommended torque specs for 14mm hardware (typically 80-90 ft-lbs). More importantly, because you are adding an extra interface between the hub and the wheel, you must re-torque all hardwareboth the bolts holding the adapter to the drum and the bolts holding the wheel to the adapterafter the first 25 to 50 miles of driving. Heat cycles and vibration can cause initial settling, and this secondary check is a mandatory safety step in the air-cooled world.