Wheel Spacer, 5 On 205mm, 1 Inch Thick, Pair

OVERVIEW

Elevate the stance and stability of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen with this premium pair of EMPI 1 inch thick wheel spacers. Designed specifically for the iconic 5 on 205mm bolt pattern, often referred to as the ''wide five,'' these spacers are the perfect solution for enthusiasts looking to widen their vehicle''s track for better handling or to provide necessary clearance for aftermarket suspension components and disc brake conversions. Whether you are building a show-stopping California Look Beetle or a rugged off-road sand rail, these spacers offer the precise offset adjustment needed to pull the wheels out from the fenders, giving your ride a more aggressive and planted appearance while preventing tire rub against the inner wheel wells or chassis components.

Crafted from high-quality, solid cast aluminum, these spacers provide a lightweight yet incredibly durable addition to your drivetrain. EMPI has long been the industry leader in air-cooled performance, and these spacers are engineered to withstand the rigors of both daily street driving and the harsh vibrations of off-road environments. By moving the wheels outward by a full inch on each side, you effectively increase the footprint of your vehicle, which can significantly improve cornering stability and reduce body roll. Each pair is precision-machined to ensure a flat, true mating surface against your hubs and wheels, minimizing the risk of wheel wobble or vibration when properly installed with the correct hardware.

FITMENT

These wheel spacers are designed for Volkswagen models utilizing the early 5-lug "Wide Five" (5x205mm) bolt pattern, including:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1949 through 1966 (Standard and Deluxe)
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1950 through 1970
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years utilizing 5x205mm hubs
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using early VW transaxles and drums

SPECS

• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide Five)
• Thickness: 1.00 Inch (Approx. 25.4mm)
• Material: High-Grade Cast Aluminum
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Spacers)
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 16-9930-0
• Finish: Natural Cast Aluminum
• Application Type: Hub-centric style compatibility for early VW drums and rotors

PRO TIPS

1. Account for Stud and Bolt Length: When installing 1-inch thick spacers, your stock wheel bolts or studs will no longer be long enough to safely secure the wheel to the hub. You must upgrade to extended-length wheel studs or longer wheel bolts to ensure you have adequate thread engagement (typically a minimum of 7 to 8 full turns). Failing to use longer hardware is extremely dangerous and can lead to wheel separation while driving. Always measure your total required length (Spacer Thickness + Wheel Flange Thickness + Hub Depth) before completing your installation.

2. Verify Fender and Lip Clearance: Before committing to a full-speed test drive, it is crucial to check for tire-to-fender interference. Adding a full inch of offset can push the tire tread into the path of the fender lip, especially on lowered Beetles or Buses. We recommend slowly cycling the steering from lock to lock and checking for clearance while the suspension is compressed. You may need to ''roll'' your fender lips or adjust your ride height to prevent the tires from catching the metal edges during cornering or when hitting bumps.

3. Maintenance and Torque Procedures: Because these spacers are made of aluminum, they can expand and contract differently than the steel hubs and wheels they sit between. After the initial installation, drive the vehicle for approximately 25 to 50 miles and then re-torque all wheel bolts or nuts to the factory specifications. This ''settling'' period is vital for ensuring the hardware remains tight. Additionally, always ensure the mating surfaces of the hub, the spacer, and the wheel are completely free of rust, scale, or debris to ensure a perfectly flush fitment.