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Enter Part Description, Full or Partial:
 
 
Beetle
Here's a nice, crusty example of an early 16" Beetle road wheel. The true size classification of this wheel is 3.00 X 16. This style wheel was installed onto all Sep'52 and earlier Beetles.
In October 1952, VW reduced the wheel size to 15". The new size classification is 4J X 15. This wheel would continue to be used through the 1965 model year.
In 1966, the wheel is redesigned. Ten air vents are added for aesthetic flair, however the overall dimensions remain the same at 4J X 15. U.S. Beetles would use this wheel for the 1966-1967 model years, while European models used this wheel in 1966 only. A new hubcap was installed for this wheel. It did not require mounting clips, and was less convex in shape.
1968-1977 U.S. Beetles, 1967-1977 European Beetles: Although there are size differences in
this span of years, the wheel remained aestheically the same. Eight slots are present on this wheel, which was previously ten. New hubcaps are designed,
however they look similar to the previous version. Four larger 14mm mounting lugs are used
to mount the wheel. Previously, nstead of five 12mm lugs were used.
A new spoke style wheel was desinged for the 1972 Baja SE edition Beetle. This wheel would remain available for "custom" Beetles through the late 1970's.
Sport and special edition Beetles were equipped with what VW referred to as the "sport" road wheel. This wheel would remain available from 1973-1979.

 

Bus
Some early Bus wheels had strengthening pleats (commonly referred to as "crow's feet" wheels) located adjacent to
each lug bolt journal, while others did not. Here is an ex-
ample of a "crow's feet" style wheel.
Here's an example of a Mar'55-Mid'64 Bus road wheel. The pre Mar'55 wheels looked identical to the Sep'52 and earlier Beetle version. Notice the vents pre-
sent between the rim and hub. 1965 and earlier Beetle hubcaps are used for all Bus wheels through 1970.
In early 1964, the wheel size was reduced in size to 14". The classification size for the wheel is 5JK X 14. Notice the smaller vents between the hub and rim as compared to the previous version. This wheel would remain unchanged through the 1970 model year.
In 1971, circular vents are added around the entire diameter of the hub. The width of the wheel in-
creases substantially, and now measures 5.5". The new size classification for this wheel is 5.5J X 14. 1968 style Beetle
hubcaps are used with this wheel.

Through the years, VW wheels decreased in diameter, while in-
creasing in width. This progres-
sion helped add stability to the vehicle.

Depicted above is the valve stem exit hole intended for tube style tires. Notice are area adjacent to the hole is convex in shape. VW added tubeless tires in July'56 for Beetle models, and in October'56 for Bus models. Noitce the area adjacent to the valve stem exit hole is flattened with a square depression. This mo-dification was necessary for the valve stem to achieve proper seal.

VW date coded all road wheels. The digit above the fraction bar indicates the month, while the lower number signifies the year. In this example, the wheel was produced in September 1961. In some cases, the month/date is surrounded with a circle. VW typically stamped this date on the inner portion of the hub.