EMPI Classic Nipple Hubcap — Chrome, 4-Lug 1968–79 or 5-Lug thru 1965, Each or Set of 4 | VW Beetle (10-1055-B)
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EMPI Classic Nipple Hubcap — Chrome, 4-Lug 1968–79 or 5-Lug thru 1965, Each or Set of 4
Short answer: EMPI Classic Nipple hubcaps are chrome hubcaps with the raised center nipple of early VWs, for stock steel wheels. Choose 10-1055-B for 4-lug (4x130) wheels on 1968–79 Beetles and 1968–74 Ghias, or 10-1057-B for 5-lug (5x205) wheels on Beetles through 1965. Sold each or as a set of four.
Part numbers: EMPI 10-1055-B (101055B) 4-lug, 10-1057-B (101057B) 5-lug. Set-of-4 SKUs add -X4.
Which EMPI Hubcap Fits Your VW?
Stock VW steel-wheel hubcaps fall into three groups: 5-lug (5x205) cars through the 1965 model year, 5-lug cars of the 1966–1967 model years (EMPI lists separate hubcaps for these two years), and 4-lug (4x130) cars from the 1968 model year (August 1967 production). Match the column to your car and wheels.
| Style | 5-lug, through 1965 | 5-lug, 1966–67 | 4-lug, 1968–79 | Listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome Smoothie (smooth dome) | 10-1061-0 | — | 10-1060-B | View |
| Classic Nipple (center nipple) | 10-1057-B | — | 10-1055-B | This listing |
| Castle design | — | 10-1071-B | 10-1072-B | View |
| Stock style, EMPI logo | — | — | 10-1063-0 | EMPI 10-1063-0 — ask us |
| Stock style with holes | — | — | 10-1059-B | View |
For the small chrome center caps used on 4-lug and 5-lug steel wheels, see EMPI 10-1062-0 and EMPI 00-9623-0 / 18-1115-0.
Vehicle Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1968–1979 | VW Beetle & Super Beetle | 4-lug (4x130) steel wheels |
| 1968–1974 | VW Karmann Ghia | 4-lug steel wheels |
| 1949–1965 | VW Beetle | 5-lug (5x205) steel wheels; EMPI lists Type 1 12/47–07/65 |
| 1956–1965 | VW Karmann Ghia | 5-lug steel wheels |
| 1964–1965 | Dune Buggy | On 5-lug pans |
| — | Does not fit: 1966–1967 5-lug Beetles | EMPI lists its 1966–67 hubcap separately (Castle 10-1071-B). |
| — | Does not fit: VW Bus (Type 2) | Bus hubcaps are a different size; not listed by EMPI. |
| — | Does not fit: Alloy wheels | Use the center cap for your wheel. |
Specifications
| Part # | Fits | Pack | Weight | Made in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-1055-B | 4-lug 1968–79 | Bulk pack | 0.75 lb | HK |
| 10-1057-B | 5-lug thru 1965 | Bulk pack | 0.85 lb | HK |
What's Included
- One hubcap (Single) or four hubcaps (Set of 4).
- Hubcap only: the wheel's retaining springs are part of the wheel (repair kit EMPI 98-6982-B).
Why It Matters
The nipple hubcap is the most recognisable early-Beetle detail. EMPI makes it in a 4-lug version too, so a later 4-lug car can wear the vintage look without changing wheels.
Both versions are EMPI bulk-pack (-B) part numbers.
Install Notes
- Stock VW steel wheels hold the hubcap with spring clips riveted to the wheel. Check that all clips are present and tight; EMPI sells the replacement spring and rivet as 98-6982-B (VW 111-698-131).
- Line the hubcap up square, then seat it with the heel of your hand or a rubber mallet with a rag over the cap, working around the edge.
- Remove with a proper hubcap puller (see the EMPI billet hubcap puller) or a padded tool — prying with a screwdriver dents the cap and chips the wheel paint.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a nipple hubcap? A chrome VW hubcap with a raised nipple in the center, the classic early-Beetle look.
- Can I put nipple hubcaps on a 1970 Beetle? Yes — order the 4-lug 10-1055-B, made for 1968–79 4-lug steel wheels.
- Which nipple hubcap fits 5-lug wheels? EMPI 10-1057-B, for 5-lug steel wheels through 1965.
- Can I buy a set of four hubcaps? Yes. Choose "Set of 4" for four hubcaps (SKU 10-1055-B-X4 or 10-1057-B-X4) at 10% off four singles.
- Are you an authorized EMPI dealer? Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer, so this is genuine EMPI stock shipped from our Orange, California shop.
Explore Related Categories
Wheels, Tires & Lug Hardware · EMPI Stock Style Hubcap 10-1063-0 (ask us) · Smoothie Hubcaps · Castle Hubcaps · Air-Cooled VW
Parts are legal for use on pre-pollution-controlled vehicles only.
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
