111-698-131 VW Hubcap Retaining Clip & Rivet Kit (5 Piece Set)

VW Hubcap Retaining Clip & Rivet Set – 111-698-131

The 111-698-131 is an essential hardware kit for owners of vintage Volkswagens with "Wide-5" (5x205mm) steel wheels. These wheels rely on a set of five spring steel clips riveted directly to the wheel rim to provide the outward tension required to hold the hubcap in place. Over decades, these clips often lose their spring tension, rust through, or snap off during tire changes, leading to lost hubcaps and an incomplete look.

This kit provides a complete replacement for one wheel, featuring five heavy-duty spring steel clips and five matching rivets. These are reproduction-quality parts designed to match the original factory height and curvature, ensuring that your chrome "castle" or "smoothie" hubcaps snap on with a satisfying, secure click. For a professional finish, it is highly recommended to use a specialized hubcap rivet tool to "mushroom" the rivets correctly, ensuring they sit flush and don't interfere with the tire or tube.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility This kit is designed for the early Wide-5 bolt pattern wheels:

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

VW Bus (Type 2 / Transporter):

• 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965

VW Thing:

• 1973, 1974

Product Highlights & Features

• Complete One-Wheel Kit: Includes 5 spring clips and 5 rivets, the exact amount needed to repair a single factory steel wheel.

• Spring Steel Construction: Made from high-tension steel to ensure the clips don't flatten out over time or under the stress of mounting hubcaps.

• Universal Wide-5 Fitment: Compatible with all original Volkswagen 5-lug wheels that utilize the clip-retained hubcap system.

• OEM Specification: Matches the 22mm height and 1/4 inch rivet shaft dimensions found on factory VW equipment.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 111-698-131

• Material: Torsion Spring Steel

• Rivet Type: 1/4 Inch Steel Mandrel

• Quantity: 5 Clips & 5 Rivets per set

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Drilling Out Old Rivets: Carefully drill out the remains of the old rivets from the wheel using a 1/4 inch bit. Be careful not to enlarge the hole in the wheel itself.

• Use the Right Tool: While these can be peened with a hammer and punch, a dedicated Hubcap Rivet Tool (Part #111-601-000) makes the job much easier and ensures a tighter, safer attachment.

• Paint First: If you are refinishing your wheels, install the clips after painting to prevent rust from forming behind the clip where paint can't reach.

• Testing Tension: Once installed, check each clip by hand. They should feel very stiff. If a clip feels loose, the rivet was not seated tightly enough.

8161000116

111601131

JP-8682-0