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I am currently in Arizona and am interested in buying some 4" VW wheels from a junk yard here, but want to make sure they're correct. I know they should be stamped "4J" & have the VW logo, but am not sure of the actual dimensions of the wheel. I am looking for the dimension across the outside diameter and the outside width. If someone could provide this info I would very much appreciate it.

If you take the measurement of from the inside of the bead, you'll get 4" X 15" but that's hard to do at a junk yard with the tire mounted on it...

The actual measurements edge to edge of the 4J 15 rim steel rim with a tape measure on is 16" 1/4 x 5"

Greg,
If it's "OLD" (usually RUSTY) and has the 4J x 15 and VW stamps ... and it's in a JUNKYARD (or similar)...., you can bet your ... backside.... that it's acceptable for FV
Steve, FV80

Thanks much for the info Stevan & Veefan.

There are also slotted and solid (non-slotted) wheels. Both are acceptable for FV. The slotted ones look a little nicer and I think they may be an ounce or 2 lighter. The GCR now also allows you to run 'equivalent' after market wheels (they LOOK like Beetle wheels), but those wheels (at least all that I'm aware of) are 4 1/2 inches wide. They are still legal as we allowed them in the rules since new 'standard' wheels are VERY difficult to get ... and quite expensive. I have no idea how the weight compares to VW wheels, nor how well they stand up under the rigors of racing (look at a picture of a VW wheel heavily loaded in a corner!).

If they are used (as most are), when (before if possible) you purchase you should also check the wheels for 'true'. If you roll them across a flat floor, they should track straight and not wobble. You can straighten minor issues to a degree using 2 large crescent wrenches if the damage is just around the outside of the rim. A HAMMER can be used to coerce wheels when necessary (but don't try that on a CAST wheel <G>. Usually, if there is no VISIBLE damage they are OK, but check them before you mount a tire on them.
FYI,
Steve

Just to confirm, are these the wheels you were referring to?

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp ... C-C10-6620

Thanks!!

Although a passing art, many areas have a wheel shop that can straighten steel wheels. Check the yellow pages, I used to get wheels fixed for $20 but the ol boy retired. Never did find his equipment.

igino wrote:Just to confirm, are these the wheels you were referring to?

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp ... C-C10-6620

Thanks!!

Yes, those are acceptable wheels - but only in the 4.5 inch size. The rules allow either the standard 4" or the alternate 4.5" - Nothing wider.
Before you buy, you might want to check with the vendors at the top of this page to see if they can beat that price. SHIPPING is always a problem - sometimes you can find someone close by the vendor who can bring them to a race for you.
Steve