EMPI GT-5 / 5-Rib Wheel | VW Beetle, Bus, Ghia, Type 3 & Thing | 15x5.5 Chrome 5x205 Wide 5 (00-9686-0)

EMPI 5-Rib Wheel — 15x5.5 Chrome (5x205 Wide 5)

Sold Each. Few designs are as instantly recognizable as the classic 5-spoke / 5-rib mag — the wheel that put a generation of pre-'68 Beetles, Buses, and Karmann Ghias on the map. This Wide 5 (5x205) version brings that vintage muscle-car-meets-Cal-Look attitude to early air-cooled Volkswagens, finished in brilliant triple-dipped chrome.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle: 1949–1967
• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: 1955–1970
• Karmann Ghia: 1956–1966
• Type 3 Notchback / Squareback / Fastback: 1962–1965
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973–1974

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI's 5-rib mag is one of the most enduring wheel designs in air-cooled VW history, reproduced here in a Wide 5 bolt pattern for early vehicles and finished in show-quality triple-dipped chrome.

Key Features & Benefits

• Iconic 5-rib design: Classic pre-'68 Cal-Look styling.
• Triple-dipped chrome: Brilliant, deep show finish.
• Wide 5 (5x205) fitment: Correct for early air-cooled VWs.
• Complete each: Ships with a chrome center cap and chrome-capped valve stem.
• Chrome care: Wash only when cool; apply automotive wax or chrome detailing spray regularly to preserve the finish.

Technical Specifications

• Diameter: 15 inches
• Width: 5-1/2 inches
• Bolt Pattern: 5x205mm (Wide 5)
• Lug Seat: 60° conical taper
• Construction: Cast aluminum
• Finish: Triple-dipped chrome
• Part Number: 00-9686-0
• Sold As: Each

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's included with this wheel? One EMPI 5-Rib 15x5.5 chrome wheel, a chrome plastic center cap with EMPI logo, and a chrome-capped valve stem. Lug bolts are sold separately.
• What lug bolts do I need? 60° conical seat lug bolts, sold separately.
• Is this sold as a set? No — it is sold each. Order four for a complete set.

Installation

• Lug bolts sold separately. Requires 60° conical seat lug bolts.
• Brake drum clearance: Wheel spacers may be required to clear the snout or center of some brake drums. Test-fit before mounting tires.
• Once tires are mounted, the wheel cannot be returned.

Explore Related Categories

Shop related parts: Wheels, All VW Air-Cooled, VW Beetle.

⚠️ California Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.