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Fri Sep 28, 2012 3:00 pm

Been looking around to find pics of a beetle heritage wheel on a bus. I can't be tbe only one that saw these wheels and thought they'd look sweet on a bay.

If anyone has can photoshop something together that be much appreciated!

Fri Sep 28, 2012 8:24 pm

Fwiw this wheel looks like an old school bug wheel with a traditional beenie cap but is 17x8 and aluminum. Bolt pattern is 5x112.

Sat Sep 29, 2012 8:03 am

The 17X8 wheels may not fit. I'm running 17X7 1/2 ET 35 wheels and there isn't much room left over at the back. It may also depend on what tire you plan on useing. I am running Michelin X-Ice radials 225/50R17 with a load rating of 98.

Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:07 pm

I wanted to see if this is possible. I have a line on a set of these wheels and I think they would look great on my 74 westy. They are 17x7 not 17x8

Sun Mar 17, 2013 9:09 pm

Anyone give it a shot?

I googled the specs and found this:

17 x 7.0 ET43, 5 x 112 bolt pattern

Would they go on a Bay? Would they need modified?

I too think they are pretty cool looking, and the bigger rims would help with my goal of lowering RPMs. How about if the bus was lifted a bit?

Wed Oct 11, 2017 11:28 am

I did and they work fine. Bus handles very well with them

Wed Oct 11, 2017 11:34 am

Looks good fast mac

Wed Oct 11, 2017 11:42 am

Wow, that was a reply to my oooollldd question! :)

I ran mine for a couple years, but now they're for sale! The whole kit and kaboodle to install on a Bay. I think some Vanagons may require a set of front bolts. Decided I wanted to go a little off-road.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2085250

Wed Oct 11, 2017 12:06 pm

Yeah i know. Had mine for a year and love them. I already did the off road bus with Clyde. Wanted to try something different. :D

Wed Oct 11, 2017 12:41 pm

vwwestyman wrote: Wow, that was a reply to my oooollldd question! :)

I ran mine for a couple years, but now they're for sale! The whole kit and kaboodle to install on a Bay. I think some Vanagons may require a set of front bolts. Decided I wanted to go a little off-road.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2085250

Ill forward your ad to a buddy. He loves they way mine look wants a set now also for his Westy. 👍

Wed Dec 19, 2018 6:43 am

fastmc25 wrote:

I did and they work fine. Bus handles very well with them

Do you recall if there were any modifications that had to be done to the 71 with these wheels?

Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:39 am

I think I need to re-make my ad here on The Samba, but for the time being, I do still need to sell my set of rims! They are totally set up to bolt right on a late bay, and includes the proper nuts, hubcaps, and two types of beauty rings, and decent, load-rated tires. I used 'em on my bus for a couple years.

(I did throw up a quick ad on The Samba Facebook group yesterday.)

I'm getting married soon and could really use the cash.

To answer bent-karma's question, the bolt pattern must match a late bay. I don't recall offhand what year the change was made from the wide to narrow 5-bolt pattern.

Here's an old pic with the bus wearing the rims.

Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:46 am

vwwestyman wrote: I think I need to re-make my ad here on The Samba, but for the time being, I do still need to sell my set of rims! They are totally set up to bolt right on a late bay, and includes the proper nuts, hubcaps, and two types of beauty rings, and decent, load-rated tires. I used 'em on my bus for a couple years.

(I did throw up a quick ad on The Samba Facebook group yesterday.)

I'm getting married soon and could really use the cash.

To answer bent-karma's question, the bolt pattern must match a late bay. I don't recall offhand what year the change was made from the wide to narrow 5-bolt pattern.

Here's an old pic with the bus wearing the rims.

They should fit late or early bays from ‘70 on. I believe ‘69 was the last year for wide 5.

Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:49 am

Looks like it's the same bolt pattern. I was just curious about the wheels. I know for the late Jettas or Passats you have to bore out the center ring in order for the bay hubs to go in.

Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:53 am

Welp, if you want a set for your bus, I have one all ready to go!

Wed Dec 19, 2018 11:50 am

TomWesty wrote: vwwestyman wrote: I think I need to re-make my ad here on The Samba, but for the time being, I do still need to sell my set of rims! They are totally set up to bolt right on a late bay, and includes the proper nuts, hubcaps, and two types of beauty rings, and decent, load-rated tires. I used 'em on my bus for a couple years.

(I did throw up a quick ad on The Samba Facebook group yesterday.)

I'm getting married soon and could really use the cash.

To answer bent-karma's question, the bolt pattern must match a late bay. I don't recall offhand what year the change was made from the wide to narrow 5-bolt pattern.

Here's an old pic with the bus wearing the rims.

They should fit late or early bays from ‘70 on. I believe ‘69 was the last year for wide 5.

1971 on. 1970 was Wide 5. Late bolt pattern, power assist brakes, and twin port engine all debuted together. :wink:

Wed Dec 19, 2018 5:05 pm

[quote="bent_karma"] fastmc25 wrote:

I did and they work fine. Bus handles very well with them

Do you recall if there were any modifications that had to be done to the 71 with these wheels?

You will need to have the front wheels center holes cut out to 67 mm to clear the bearing hub. Other than that no mods to the 71-79 bus are required.

You will need to get small ball lugs for it though as stock lugs nuts will not fit in these wheels

Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:03 pm

Paul wheres the thread for you bus again? I swear I saw it at one point...

Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:39 pm

Love my chrome wheels

Wed Dec 19, 2018 7:53 pm

Stuartzickefoose wrote: Paul wheres the thread for you bus again? I swear I saw it at one point...

I sold my bus so no updates anymore 🙁